Today was an emotional day for many.  Dr. Travis beck passed away after a battle with nodular melanoma.  People from a few states came to Edgar, NE to celebrate the life of a man that touched their hearts.  Former classmates from high school and college came.  Colleagues from the University of Nebraska and the University of Oklahoma came.  I was a childhood friend of Travis as were many in attendance today at the memorial service.  What I found was that Travis crossed the paths of many and had a positive impact on everyone he came into contact with during his time on earth.

On the short drive from Blue Hill to Edgar, I reminisced about memories of growing up in a small town.  It is funny how a person remembers so many things from their childhood, but often have a hard time remembering what happened yesterday.

• I remember the dunking rim that Wayne welded together for anyone that stopped by Wayne and Maria’s.  I remember the acrobatic dunks off the mini trampoline that Travis, Brent, Kevin, Chris, and a whole host of others would attempt.  Sorry, Josh, we weren’t that good at dunking.  After chatting with Wayne, I found out that even though the backboard is broken and gone, the pieces that were welded together are still out at his farm by the bins and have a star on top with lights during the holidays.
• I remember the first time Travis took me to the basement to show me his weight set.  I couldn’t even lift the bar.  He was patient and encouraging with showing me.  I imagine he shared this lifting passion with some of you reading this.
• I remember coming in from outside and sitting down with Maria at the counter for snacks and drinks, and I remember the giggle of Travis when he tore apart a microwave popcorn bag and licked the butter off.  I think we were upstairs in Carrie’s room for some reason.  Regardless, it was so unhealthy, yet so delicious at the same time.
• I remember failing my first Biology test in college (Disclaimer:  my mom and dad still don’t know this) and going to his apartment a block north of Fuhrer’s fieldhouse to get help.  I remember speaking with Travis on a daily basis in the basement of the Perry Campus center where he would sit and study.  One day he explained to me all the nerves and muscles in the human hand and how he was having a test over it in his Kinesiology class.  I asked him to spell Kinesiology and then made a mental note not to take that class!
• I remember my grandpa Pat going to football games.  I remember him coming up to Doane to attend many of my band concerts (see above picture – this was a picture from one of Travis’ photo albums at the memorial).  I don’t remember it specifically, but grandpa and I must have gone over to see Travis after a game.  I remember Travis coming to my grandma and grandpa’s house when my grandpa died.

When I coached, I always said that there were two things a player could control.  Their effort and their attitude.  Travis did both.  The eulogy’s today were great a reminder that Travis had grand goals and his effort and attitude were going to help him reach those goals and touch as many people as he could.

Today also taught me about how people grow and find their niche and place in life.  It also taught me to never forget where you came from and the lessons you learned from those you grew up with.  Today also reminded me that Travis was one good dude.  He will be missed.