The basic theme of the work we do at Todd Team Coaching is that “Relationship is the Key to Everything.” If only people would live that theme, the world would be a different place.

This weekend I was in a sea of relationships. I arrived in beautiful Seattle, Washington late on Friday morning. My purpose for being in Seattle was three-fold.

One, to attend a reunion of an organization called the Cheney Studs. I say organization because Ben Cheney founded his lumber company and used his resources to give hundreds of children and adults to play the game he loved, baseball. Along the way, he also found time and money to sponsor other athletic endeavors.

On Sunday, approximately 300 people gathered to see old friends, swap totally distorted stories and renew their respect for their unassuming benefactor, the late Ben Cheney. All in all, a huge success.

The second reason I was excited for was another reunion of much smaller proportions happened Saturday morning. I met up with five men I coached as boys at Rainier Beach Jr.-Sr. High School. That was in 1961. Next week the first full class at this brand new school will be celebrating its 50th year, and since I couldn’t make back to back trips, we met while I was in town.

Drew Edwards, Doug Ellis, Pat Brewin, Dave Klovdahl and Fred Postivit looked like the older version of the kids I knew, exactly. We were instantly in a relationship. Too long between visits, but it was wonderful to see and speak to them.

The last and definitely not least reason … my hosts for the weekend were Chris Russell and his whole family, and I do mean the whole family! Chris is the assistant men’s tennis coach at UDub (University of Washington). Chris, the power behind the throne, Allison and the children Kylie (13) and Logan (soon to be 11) managed a hectic sports schedule and totally supported my schedule in the process.

Russell’s, I am so in love with you all. Thanks for proving that “Relationship is the Key to Everything.” Your generosity was overwhelming and totally appreciated.