In this inspiring episode of The Podcast That Sounds Terrific, host Nick Koziol sits down with Doug Cornfield, a former National Champion runner turned advocate for inclusivity in sports. From his days breaking records at the University of Georgia to co-founding the Disability Dream & Do (D3Day) events, Doug shares his journey of athletic triumphs and his mission to empower children with disabilities. Learn how Doug, inspired by his son Gideon and his friendship with pro baseball player Dave Clark, has transformed lives through D3Day’s free sports camps. Discover the power of sports to transcend limitations and ignite dreams in this heartfelt and motivating conversation. Tune in to hear how Doug’s story blends passion, perseverance, and purpose—and how you can be part of the movement. About Doug Cornfield, Director of D3Day LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dougcornfield Get his book on Amazon, Pulling Each Other Along: https://a.co/d/5LiGrZH Doug Cornfield's journey from a multi-sport high school athlete to a champion on the track is a testament to his dedication and athletic prowess. Excelling in basketball and track at Taylor University, Doug's freshman year was marked by a National Championship win in the 800m at the NCCAA Track & Field Championships. This triumph spurred him to devote himself entirely to running, a decision that led to a full scholarship and a transfer to the University of Georgia (UGA). At UGA, Doug consistently ranked as a top contender in the SEC and etched his name in the record books with several top ten all-time performances in both indoor and outdoor track and field. His athletic achievements also include being a member of the Georgia All-State Cross Country Team and representing Athletes in Action in European races in 1987. Beyond the track, Doug's competitive spirit translated into a successful career in sales. As a top sales representative for NEST Entertainment, he played a pivotal role in the company's explosive growth, eventually becoming the East Coast Regional Vice President. Under his leadership, the company's cash flow soared from $500,000 per year to $500,000 per week within three years. In the 1990s, Doug leveraged his sales expertise as a consultant for various companies, testing new products before joining Merrill Lynch in 2000 and relocating to Corning, NY. In 2009, while at Merrill Lynch, Doug's path crossed with Dave Clark, the only professional baseball player to pitch from crutches. This meeting was not only professionally significant but also personal, as Doug's son, Gideon, was born with physical challenges similar to Dave's. Eager to learn from Dave's experiences and the approach his parents took in raising him, Doug found both a client and a friend. Inspired by Dave's remarkable life story, Doug persuaded him to share his journey with the world. Together, they co-founded the Dave Clark Foundation, Ltd., which organizes and hosts disability sports events under the banner of Disability Dream & Do (D3Day). These events are designed to inspire and empower individuals within the disability community to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential. Connect and Follow D3Day: Website: d3day.d3day.fun/home D3Day Hall of Fame: d3dhof.com/home--d3day-hall-of-fame-page LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/d3day/ Instagram:www.instagram.com/d3day/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/D3Day X: x.com/D3DreamAndDo Youtube: www.youtube.com/@pullingeachotheralong More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.
