By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Q: Hometown?

A: Maple Heights, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: St. Peter Chanel. Class of 1985. Played baseball.

Q: College?

A: University of Dayton. Class of 1989. Degree in business administration.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Project manager.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: The opportunity to pay it forward from the coaches who gave their time to me.

Q: What makes being a coach at Aurora special to you?

A: The opportunity to continue a journey with the many players I have coached since they started playing.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: George Snider and Jim Bukac. I learned how to pay attention to detail and balance having fun from them.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: From eighth grade CYO basketball, I shot at the wrong basket.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: Getting caught on video dancing to “Come on Eileen,” with players during off-season workouts.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Breakfast Club.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Old Bruce Springsteen.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Anything Mrs. Petrash cooks.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Honeymoon cruise to Bahamas.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: Frank Mulac, Brian Lightner, Rob Kennedy, Glenn Galang, Bert Svenson.

Q: Favorite motto?

A: It’ better to do it right the first time, rather than try to explain why you didn’t.

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: Softball is a game. Games by definition are supposed to be fun. Focus on execution and let’s have fun!

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: The Mrs. Petrash Diner.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Father O’Connell.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Don’t work so much as a kid. Have some fun.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: George Snider.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Aurora High School, seventh year as varsity softball head coach.

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: The Philadelphia Phillies from 1976-81.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Mike Schmidt.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Nick Chubb.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Custodial at my church/school. I started in fifth grade.

Q: Family member that always gives you the best advice?

A: Mom and dad.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Necco wafers.

Q: First car?

A: 1975 Ford Mustang.

Q: Best friend?

A: My wife Sandy.

Q: Most memorable moment as a player?

A: Being nominated for the 1988 Olympic baseball team.

Q: Most memorable moment as a coach?

A: Any and every one where I get to witness the success of our players.