it has been postponed for a couple of years now, but this year it will be coming back bigger and better than ever. This year we have some local businesses and sponsors now coming on board and getting involved in the game and funds gen- erated being donated to a local charity. So like I said, spending time with family and friends, getting some traveling in, those are the kinds of things that I like to do in the offseason. Spotlight: You spend a lot of time promoting the game of football, whether it is at the minor or professional levels, why is that important to you? Brett Lauther: I remember being a young kid and the impact it had going to Bearcat games and getting to talk to the players after the games or a part of a public skate or some other event. Whenever current or former professional athletes or coaches came to our schools or took the time to speak with me, I remember how much it meant to me at that time. So, to be in a position where I can do that now means everything to me. I guess it never feels normal to me that a kid would think that I am a big deal, but I was that kid. Plus, it is so rewarding to see the kid’s excitement and the smiles on their faces. It is the best and I think it is one of the things that keeps me young. Plus, it is fun for me because kids don’t always have a filter and they make me laugh so much just with what they say and the questions they ask, because it reminds me of when I was their age. I don’t really think anything can replace it. I know a lot of the stuff or appearances that athletes do they might get paid for, but putting a smile on a kid’s face is irreplaceable, there’s not a monetary amount you could put on that feeling. It is so rewarding in itself. Spotlight: What mentors did, or do you have now? Who inspires you and why? What advice do you have for athletes looking to take a shot at going professional? Brett Lauther: Wow, that is a tough one, because there is not just one person but many. My dad obviously growing up and even now as an adult. But it’s like I said, the many coaches I’ve had from every level from high school, university and even now at the professional level to friends and
“I guess something else I can add is people always try to say, and I think it’s the worst advice ever, ‘just be realis- tic.’ I think it’s the opposite, I say ‘don’t be realistic’ don’t limit yourself and just shoot for the stars. Because even if things didn’t work out, you’re still going to be in a better place than you were before.” As for advice, the biggest I can give is to work hard and stay dedicated. It sounds cliche, but that’s all it really is. Even with myself, it’s just about keeping working hard and trying to figure things out. Everyone has a different path and a unique journey. And not everyone has a clear-cut path of how it is going to work out. I’m a prime example of that from playing for a couple years to not playing for a few and staying focused and family, there has never been a lack of motivation for getting up or getting in the gym. I feel like I’m very self motivated. But on some days, you’re not feeling it as much as others, so you just kind of have to think about all those people and how much they’ve done and sacrificed for you. working hard and to make my way back. I guess something else I can add is people always try to say, and I think it’s the worst advice ever, ‘just be realistic.’ I think it’s the opposite, I say ‘don’t be realistic’ don’t limit yourself and just shoot for the stars. Because even if things didn’t work out, you’re still going to be in a better place than you were before. So, whether it’s sports or business or whatever you’re doing in life, just work hard and don’t listen to the negativity of others and always believe in yourself and what you want to do in life.
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MARCH/APRIL 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
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