What's the most played song on your iPod right now?
"Bring the Rain" by MercyMe
If you had to be on a reality-TV show, which one would it be?
Actually I was on one and we might do it again. It's still in the works. It was
called "Summer House" and ran on the ESPNU network in 2006. But if I had put myself on one, I'd
probably do "Survivor," because I'd like the challenge of testing my limits. I wouldn't do "Amazing
Race," because I hate to travel. My kids would probably put me on "Dancing with the Stars" just so
they could laugh.
Favorite thing to do for family fun in Central Ohio:
It only happens once a year, but going out to Timbuk Farms in Granville to cut down
our Christmas tree. It's fun to see the 16-year-old get just as excited as the 8-year-old.
Favorite movie that you went to see with the kids:
"The Blind Side." My brother Rick adopted six African-American kids, so we can kind
of relate to that as a family.
Favorite way to spend a day off:
I really don't have time to have a hobby anymore. I used to golf, but I haven't done
that much the last few years. But I really do like working out. I really believe in being balanced,
and that means spiritually, mentally and physically.
Best advice you ever received as a parent:
It wasn't that the words were said, but just watching Stef (Chris' late wife) and the
patience she had. I'm still developing that patience, you know, learning that it takes 572 times to
say the same thing before it sinks in and becomes habit with your kids.
What's something your parents did that you thought was nuts when you were a kid but now you
understand?
My dad had my brother and me out working with him, accompanying him on landscaping
jobs or all kinds of odd jobs when we were young. At 9 I thought it was ridiculous, but I'm glad
now I did it, for the work ethic it gives you and teaching you the value of a dollar.
What's the funniest thing your children ever did that you really wish they didn't?
When my son and his friends were about 4 or 5, they called 911 on my mother-in-law
because she wouldn't let them play a certain game. The police came, but it really was pretty funny.
Raising an infant or a teen - which is harder?
An infant, definitely, because you can tell a teen what the standard is and make sure
there's no confusion about the consequences. There's no setting standards with an infant. You're
going to lose that battle every time.
Chris and his late wife, Stefanie Spielman, gave the word "champion" yet another meaning
before breast cancer took her life in 2009. They started the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast
Cancer Research at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at Ohio State
University, and to date the Fund has raised nearly $8 million for patient care and research.
Each year the Fund also salutes "Stefanie's Champions" - the people who support, nurture and
sustain those with breast cancer. Nominations for this year's Champions are being accepted until
Jan. 15. The winners will be honored at the annual awards luncheon on April 13.
