Learn How It All Began
I grew up like most kids playing sports for fun. I was an average athlete, never quite the stand out all-star. In fact, I struggled with my weight throughout my childhood which led to constant self judgement and criticism, often wondering if people viewed me in the same way.
The best four years of your life...
In the fall of 2003, I began my freshman year at Mizzou. It was an exciting time in my life - my chance to hit the reset button. A chance to leave the shy, self conscious adolescence behind and start over. My first semester I joined a fraternity, the club lacrosse team, and met so many great friends. Life was good...
Until one day, I received the news I never expected. I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. The missed calls and voicemails, the panicked walk back home from class, my brother's embrace as the world seemed to crumble around me - every detail vividly painted in my memory like the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel. I will never forget the day our father passed away from a sudden heart attack. He left us much too early, just a week after his 61st birthday.
Drifting away
I didn't know how to cope with the loss of my father. I had so many questions that would go on lingering, keeping me searching for answers. Why him? Why our family? How could this have been avoided? My attitude and outlook on life was completely turned upside down as I began to live in my own false reality. Academics took a backseat to video games and socializing with friends and not devouring an entire pizza in one meal was my idea of eating healthy.
My life was drifting out of control and I never once thought how it would impact my future. But amidst all my internal struggles, one shining moment was meeting my future wife, Dana, who would help shape the person I am today.
The time is now
After graduation, Dana and I were fortunate enough to take a European trip for two weeks before starting life in the real world. There's no one I would've rather shared that once-in-a-lifetime experience with. Sometime later as we were flipping through pictures from our trip, my attention was soon focused on the unfamiliar person that seemingly made their way into every photograph. I sat there for a brief moment before walking to the bathroom. Looking into the mirror, I realized that person was me and saw for the first time just how much I let myself go. But this time it was more than just about me. It was about Dana. It was about the future of our family. It was about the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings - all those special occasions with loved ones that make life worth living. In that moment I feared I was heading down an all too familiar path. Something had to change. I had to change.
The mere thought of embarking on this transformational journey by myself was a bit overwhelming. I decided to measure my progress in small, attainable goals rather than climb this giant mountain all at once.
A new beginning
Fast forward 10 years later and I couldn't be happier with how I feel about myself and the person I've become - a loving husband and proud father of two beautiful children. This journey is far from over, but has led me to shed over 40 lbs of undesirable weight I had accumulated over the years. Along the way I've learned life is dynamic and will change course when you least expect it. You have to stay focused and be ready to adapt to new challenges.
Kodiak Athletics was founded on these principles and exists to provide a supportive community for its members as they navigate the path of their own transformational journey. Together we are Kodiak Athletics - Be Strong. Be Inspired. Be You.
To your success,
Scott Krajacic
Owner, Kodiak Athletics
