He sticks in your memory. Dad, that is. Often when it comes to sports.

Most wonderful are the memories of the dad who was always a positive influence. There is the late Steve (father of U of Missouri softball star Andee) Allen. The father began by pitching Wiffle after Wiffle Ball and now, after his death from leukemia, remains a constant in his daughter's mind, someone who is with his daughter every day: "He just wanted me to go out there and love it. He’s always on my mind. I know that he would’ve been happy that I am thinking about him."

Pretty wonderful are the memories of a dad who was a bit rough around the edges, but still inspired his kids. Gary Hardt — to be honored this coming weekend by the Payson Pro Rodeo. He was the outdoorsman, cowboy and coach who his boys loved, even if they also know that he was occassionally the town rowdy with a reputation for taking and giving a powerful punch.

Wonder-filled are the memories of a dad who serves as an inspiration. Mixed Martial Arts up-and-comer Anthony Pettis remembers his father and uses his memories for inspriation, because, "He was an awesome guy; he had little sayings and lines that would stick with you ... [He] worked hard for us. He taught me a lot." The teaching wasn't the drug and criminal past, it was the focusing on a goal and fighting through the pain that have served him so well.

Wonder of wonders, a father's influence continues long after his passing.