A pivotal decision by a former coach transformed a man’s life, teaching him self-belief and the importance of inspiring others.
Chris Wurl, who once described himself as a “scrawny kid” with social awkwardness, entered high school lacking self-confidence. Though he played baseball, he admitted he “wasn’t that amazing” at the sport.
Wurl was advised to visit Joe Yager’s exclusive gym in Champaign, Illinois. However, upon arrival with his father, they discovered it was an “invite-only” facility, according to Yager.
“I noticed a father and son standing there, saying, ‘We’re here for training,'” Yager recounted.
Initially, Yager informed them that the gym was full and unable to accommodate the teenager. But as Wurl and his father were about to leave, Yager had a change of heart, calling out, “Hey, wait a minute.”
This spontaneous decision marked the beginning of a journey that would not only enhance Wurl’s athletic skills but also significantly boost his self-esteem, impacting his life in countless ways.
“He kind of invested in me when no one else did,” Wurl said of Yager. He also said, “I was very introverted, very shy, not the type of person who would go up to someone and say, ‘Hey, would you please help me?’ He was the one that lent out that hand and was like, ‘Hey, I can help you.’”
Wurl trained with Yager in his corner. He made the varsity team and the starting lineup.
“As that confidence started to come through sports, you really just saw his whole personality just really come alive,” Yager said. “I was like, ‘OK, I think this kid can do even bigger and better things.’”
Emotional reunion
Now 23 years old, Wurl earned his master’s degree in sports studies in May, and for the past two years, he has been filming and editing game tape for the Tulane University football team.
“Look at where I was then and look at where I am now,” Wurl said. “I try to spread that as much as I can to other people, that everyone has a place in this world, no matter who you are.”
Over Zoom, Wurl told Yager he could have turned him away when he showed up at his gym years ago.
“You lent me a hand at a point where I didn’t really have much direction. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me,” he told Yager.
But for Yager, he’s grateful for Wurl.
“It’s kids like you that give me an opportunity to coach and if it wasn’t for you … what would I be doing?”
