Gyms. I don't know that I have necessarily "been everywhere." However, I have traveled many miles over the past 12 years in coaching. I have had the chance to meet players, coaches, families and restaurant personnel in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota.

 Each trip is a new adventure and different from the others. In my early days Taco Bell was a true staple of many recruiting trips. Growing a little older and a little wiser, I now look to Kwik Trip as my number one option to refuel my car and my stomach.

The best part of being in so many different states, cities and towns is you are able to relate in conversation when you talk with others. When they mention they are from a certain part of the Midwest, it allows you to reflect on your trips and pull out a certain landmark, restaurant or former player that you recruited. This instantly breaks the ice and gives you credibility because you understand a part of their background.