Yesterday I was presented the “Virtues of St. Paul: Most Inspiring Story” Award as part of the Induction ceremony to the Sports Faith International Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at Halas Hall at the Chicago Bears Headquarters. As a football fan, just being there was very cool: the history, trophies and mass inside an NFL auditorium. But really the best part of the day was two-fold and more personal: meeting the people involved with Sports Faith International and meeting up with a dear (I try not to say “old”) friend.

Sports Faith International promotes just what its name states: Faith in Sports. I love this. Especially because my experience as a swimmer led me to Xavier, to Notre Dame and ultimately to strengthening my community of faith, as I did yesterday when I met fellow inductees: Bill Bidwell (owner of the AZ Cardinals) and John Gagliardi (the “winning-est” coach in college football with nearly 500 wins). Both of these men have been successful in sport while never compromising their faith.

I also spent the afternoon with a teammate from Notre Dame; a friend who I may only see once a year, but with whom it takes less than a minute to catch up…and then a day is too short. What an honor to be recognized for Sharing the Inspiration and even better to share the honor with a dear friend. It as a great day of Faith and Friendship - old and new.