As a freshman, I heard many stories about how Mr. Gnewuch was hard, intimidating and strong. Many times my friends spoke of him in fear. They would not miss practice and they would not even look at him wrong and these stories instilled fear into me. I did not want him to be my social studies teacher.
I spent many days after school training with friends and I observed Mr. Gnewuch as he coached his powerlifters. He wanted nothing but dedication, and perfect form. From him, I learned a lesson. It’s not about how strong you are, but about how properly you perform. People respected him, because he wanted you to try hard in all things and to do your work.
As I trained, I noticed his eye. One day, I asked him, “Coach G! Can you show me proper form on deadlifts?” It took courage to mutter this question, for I did not know if he would be displeased. But he surprised me, and he showed me with instruction and demonstration. He then continued to watch me perform a very intense lift. As I executed my lift, I heard him utter the words that made me feel undeniably accepted. He complimented my form. It was a congratulations, from a man I feared would not like me. This day, coach G became my idol.

The year went on as I trained under his programs, he came to know my me. I became surprised he knew me, because I never had class with him. I was not in the sports he coached. So I felt achieved, and honored. He mentored me in a sport I did not compete in. He said, “you do not compete with others, but with yourself.” Learning this, I no longer worried I was never strong enough. Mr. Gnewuch motivated me, and kept me training. The lessons I learned carry with me everywhere I go.

I used to be self-conscious. I felt weak and useless compared to the older, stronger lifters. But Coach G brought me out of this. It became something of honor, having his acceptance. It meant everything to me. All I had to do was try my hardest.
When a powerlifting competition was scheduled at our school, he personally asked my friends and I to help out that day. I never have been to a competition, but I went anyways. When I showed up, I reported to him. The greeting he gave me, comforted me. He had me set up weights, and for eight hours, I racked, re-racked, and racked more weights. This day I learned what I was missing out on. Afterwards, I checked out with coach G, and he congratulated me for helping out. Now I have grown out of self-conscious freshman shell, and it was all credited to Mr. Gnewuch.