b'By incorporating the Marianist focus on educating has interwoven into the Marianist community since histhe mind, body, and spirit holistically,Ackel has found arrival. For a time, he also served as the fitness directorsuccess with the men in his care. But as much asAckel and athletics strength coach at St. Marys.has helped the Marianists shape their health journeys, Now, Ackel has a physical therapy company withthey have shaped his outlook and life, too. his wife, Tori, as they also raise four children, agesAckel was born in Sulphur, Louisiana, one of 12 2 to 14. Additionally, the couple provides serviceschildren, and grew up on a thoroughbred horse farm. through a medical longevity clinic in San Antonio.When his parents split up, he spent middle school The biggest thing is the flow, he said of hissuccess with the Marianists. Ive adapted my life,my schedule, my career around the house, this place,because I love these guys. Im just trying to help ourIM HELPING THEM WITH EXERCISE.THEYRE HELPING ME WITH AHIGHER PATH. IM GRATEFUL TOTHE MARIANISTS BECAUSE THEYSAW PAST MY EXTERIOR TOTHE HEART. Mike Ackelguys get stronger, to prevent falls and encourage ourmen here at the residence. Its not a job. Its my voca-tion. As you can see, theres a system, right? Eachperson has goals. Everyones a little different. PLEASE HELP THEAckel keeps the atmosphere relaxing and the MARIANISTS care formood light. And with a steady stream of Marianists their senior brothers andin their 70s, 80s, and 90s coming in as they recover priests. To donate, use theenclosed envelope, visitfrom a knee replacement or cancer treatment, Ackel marianist.com/donate,living in San Antonio with his mother and joined her is intent on enticing them back to continue the work. or call 1.800.348.4732.in praying the Rosary several times a week in a nearby How do I inspire them to believe they can getnursinghome.Duringhishighschoolyears,hereturned better? Thats been my biggest mission here, he said.to the farm in Louisiana where his father trained Marianist Brother Mark Motz, vocation directorhorses, including 1988 Breeders Cup Turf winner for the Marianist Province of the United States andGreat Communicator. longtime friend of Ackels, often stops by the trainingAckels ticket to a college scholarship to play space to work out and catch up. Bro. Mark said Ackelbasketball ended when he injured his ankle, so, in reminds the men of Marianist Community of their2005, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves instead and human dignity beyond their lives in retirement.was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. While serving, Mike helps them remember their humanity,he earned Soldier of theYear and won the Best Warrior Motz said.Competition.HewasMasterFitnessofthe228thCombat They need love, too, Ackel said, welling upSupport Hospital and taught hand-to-hand combat. looking at photos of those with whom he has workedHe left the armed forces in 2013 at the rank of sergeant. over the years. They become family. Im helping themMarianist Father William J. Meyer, now rector at with exercise. Theyre helping me with a higher path.adjacent St. Marys University, referred Ackel to the Im grateful to the Marianists because they saw pastMarianist Residence because the residents were my exterior to the heart. \x01experiencingfrequentfalls.Thoughtheyhademployedtrainers before, they had not found the right fit.Ackel Jennifer R. Lloyd is executive editor of Gold & Blue, abrought a Catholic faith and unique approach that he magazinepublishedbySt.MarysUniversityinSanAntonio.marianist.com/donate13'