I got into sports because of my dad, but my mom would end up playing a huge role, too. Dad was a high school basketball coach, who later became a HS and college referee. I used to tag along with him to all his games, no matter what level.

My dad would get done teaching English at Muhlenberg High School outside of Reading, and then he would head home, change and go to his game. If Muhlenberg rings an early bell, yeah, my mom and dad taught at the same public high school, taught the same subject and had rooms next to each other.

Dad’s reffing schedule was pretty much locked in during fall and winter. Monday would be high school girls basketball; Tuesday was high school boys basketball; Wednesday was men’s college; Thursday was back to girls high school basketball; Friday, high school boys basketball; back to a college game on Saturday.

As for my mom, she had a more immediate and tangible link. Through dumb luck, at least as far as I was concerned, my mom happened to be best friends with Carmen Perroti. Mom and Carmen knew each other since they were young girls. Went — and still go — way back. When Carmen got married, she was known as Mrs. Colavito.

Yes, that Colavito. Rocky Colavito.