Teaching a Kid to Keep his Word…

Don’t feel so bad for the young Mr. Garn. Missing the prom led to a remarkable life.

Coach Nyle Garn

Randy Garn. Harvard alum. Best-selling author. Entrepreneur of the Year. Randy’s global coaching firm, Prosper, is tops in the world, clearly the best.

Who helped Randy know how to coach others in life? It was a father and coach who taught ethics, morals and life lessons, so right.

Randy’s dad, Nyle, is one remarkable man. For over 26 years, his high school football teams scored #1 in Northern Idaho victories. His players still adore this big-hearted, very tough coach.  

My good friend Randy fondly recalls:

“I had just turned 16. I had a date and asked Dad to borrow the car. ‘I want you home by 11:00,’ he said, handing over the keys. ‘We have fences to mend, cows to milk and crops to tend. We start sharply at 5. I need you bright and on beam.’’

I promised I’d be home right on the dot. Dad said my upcoming prom was at stake should I be late.

That night was so fun. I lost track of the time! No. That was a lie. I couldn’t say that. The answer? I just won’t get caught.

I snuck through the door at 1:16 am (I remember the time to this day). I knew I’d be in trouble if Dad found out. I gently laid the keys on the table, nary a sound.

Without squeaking a board, so light on my feet, I tiptoed upstairs, quick to my room. I told myself it was OK, all was just right. I sighed with relief and shed my clothes in a pile. Pulling back the covers, I slid into bed.

I jumped up with a start. I was not alone! Waiting for me, tucked in my bed, who do you think? It was Coach Garn. It was my dad.

‘What time did I say to be home?’ he asked, firm but quite calm, ‘Did you do what you said?” I admitted it was 1:17; I had broken my word.

His next words, spoken without anger, would prove that my coach and my dad was a man of his word. He expected no less of his son.

‘I’m not mad,’ said Dad, ‘but the prom is now gone. Randy, I love you so much, but unlike what you did tonight, I do what I say.’

I don’t know why, but I felt this was a night that would shape me in life. I made up my mind that no matter how hard, I would be like my father, I would always do what I say. Together with dad, we knelt down to pray.

That night set the path of my life. Responsibility. Accountability. Do what I say.

It sounds easy. We all know it’s not. When my path is unclear, I reflect back to that memorable night. I learned from a man who says what is right and does what he says. Coach Garn. Because of my dad I do what I say.”