Warren’s Toles inspires minds

BOARDMAN — As a star athlete at Warren Harding in the late 1990s, Deryck Toles knows first-hand why self-discipline, dedication and hard work are three very important ingredients for success — not just on the playing field but in life as well.

His play scholastically earned him a scholarship to Penn State University upon graduation where he played for legendary head coach, Joe Paterno. He late played for the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns and one of this year’s Super Bowl representatives; the Indianapolis Colts.

It was during his second season with the Colts that he suffered a career-ending injury and while back home receiving physical therapy, started his youth foundation, Inspiring Minds.

A non-profit, outreach organization that promotes the development of youth and adolescent dreams by exposure to new experiences, Inspiring Minds will award 10 college scholarships Sunday to deserving individuals during their upcoming banquet at McMenamy’s Banquet Center.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly luncheon meeting at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, Toles, who graduated with a degree in Business Management from Penn State, said Inspiring Minds motivates and educates students with the hopes that they will overcome situational and personal obstacles, resulting in their overall growth and accomplishment.

“Success has a different meaning to everyone,” he said. “It’s not important that you are there; it’s how you got there that matters.

“I played for coach Tony Dungy and one of my teammates was Peyton Manning. Both coach and player led by example, never missed or were late for team meetings and made everyone accountable for their actions so it’s very easy to understand why they have been so successful; both on and off the field.”

The product of a dysfunctional family life whose parents had a drug problem during his formative years, he credits his grandmother for getting him pointed in the right direction.

He also credits former Harding football coach Gary Barber and current boys basketball coach Steve Arnold as strong influences and mentors.

“I returned to Warren an angry young man and stayed away from people. I was taking care of my siblings but wasn’t taking care of myself,” he said. “While in school I had a coach come up to me and ask if I was going to go out for the football team, then proceeded to be tested at that very first practice.

“Everyone had that coach they didn’t like because they tried you more than you felt they should when in essence they were pushing you to become a better player and person away from the game. That was Coach Arnold and to this day he remains a huge influence in my life.”

“Coach Barber taught me hard work, telling everyone on the team that no matter what is going on in your life there were no excuses for holding you back from achieving success and ultimately fulfilling your dreams.”

Playing for Joe Paterno taught Toles how to be a leader, although he said he didn’t realize it at the time.

“I never said much but players gravitated to me,” he said. “I was a background kind of guy but Coach Paterno put responsibility on everyone, ultimately forcing us to become men through the learning process.

“He went to breakfast with us, made sure our shirts were tucked in and told us to be role models, all the while making us accountable for our actions.”

He credits former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky with getting him involved with the Special Olympics, which he’s still involved with.

“Coach [Jerry] Sandusky always said give back and you will never regret it, and I haven’t,” he added.

A Dean’s List student both in high school and college, Toles’ motto remains the Inspiring Minds’ motto: “I dare to dream. I never settle for less. I am somebody and I define my own success. I am.”

Next week, Ursuline football coach Dan Reardon will be the guest speaker with his state champion Irish being honored.