Editor’s Note: June is always a big month around high schools. There is graduation and the end of the scholastic careers for seniors, plus Father’s Day, which is Sunday.
During previous Junes, Tom Williams has turned over his column to Stephanie Gaitley, Matt Woolley, Jeff Boyd, Allison Rinck, Erik Geisinger, Doug Colman, Allie Moreland, Tracey LeFever, the Degenhardt sisters, Chelsea Bruno, Danielle McNally, Dave & Casey Beyel, the Mensinger brothers, the Donahue sisters and Shaune McLaughlin, among others, to write about their fathers.
This week, two former Ocean City High School athletes – Danielle and Chris Baruffi – write their separate feelings about their father, Paul, the veteran OCHS girls basketball coach and assistant football and track coach.
Both Danielle and Chris might be people to know down the road if you are looking for good hotel deals. Danielle attends York (PA) College as a hospitality management major. And Chris just received his associate degree in hospitality management from Atlantic Cape Community College.



A Father’s Day tribute to Paul Baruffi

By Danielle & Chris Baruffi
Guest Sports Columnists

When asked to write a column about my dad for Father’s Day, I was so happy. He has always been such an inspiration to me and this is a perfect way of really showing him how much he means to me. He is the most kind-hearted and dedicated person I have ever met. From coaching three sports, being a teacher, being a father and husband, I would say he does a pretty good job. People always tell me I am the girl version of him. I mean clearly I am his only daughter, but I have always taken this as a compliment. I have always wanted to take after him, be as helpful to others as he is and to have a happy successful life like him. I strive to be everything that he is. He is outgoing, hardworking, funny and loving. Most of all, he is a great parent.

Going off to college and being far away from home was not an easy thing for me at first, but the constant support from him made going away a lot easier. I called him whenever I had a problem with school or anything because I knew he would know what to say. I can always count on him to be there for me. He has always put my brother and me before himself and I am so thankful for that. He is definitely hard on us with certain things we do and, yes, I get mad at him in the moment, but I know he is doing it for our own good. Although I never played basketball for him, I know what a great coach he is. Not only is he a great teacher, coach and dad, he is an amazing husband.

Watching him with my mom over the years is exactly what I want in a husband. He has definitely set the standards high. I would not change one thing about my dad. The experiences we have had together have been unforgettable and he is truly the best dad I could ever ask for. He is the reason I am who I am. I love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day! –DANIELLE




My father has always been the biggest role model in my life. He has always been there when I needed advice or support in anyway. Whether it was in sports or in school, he always pushed me to be my best and to never give up. As I write this, I think back on all the lessons he’s taught me over the years. From when I was a little kid and all the way to now. Although some of those lessons were tough at times, I know I’m a better person because of them. I feel that I get everything from my dad. From his work ethic, determination and ability to be the best person he can possibly be. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t use something that he’s taught me and apply it to my everyday life.

I know my sister and I are extremely lucky to have the father we do. Without him pushing me to be a better person every day, I honestly don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing. He’s always done everything that he could possibly do to support me and our family and I can’t thank him enough for it. He’s not only my father, but also one of my best friends.

One day, I hope I can be the father to my children as he is to my sister and me.

Thanks dad for everything you do. – CHRIS



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