10 Questions with Tim Beckman

Tim Beckman is entering his second season as head football coach at the University of Toledo. Beckman, 45, is a native of Berea, Ohio, and graduated in 1988 from the University of Findlay, where he played defensive back under legendary coach Dick Strahm. The son of a football coach, Dave Beckman, who worked at the high school, collegiate and professional levels, Beckman was an assistant at Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Bowling Green State University, among other stops, before taking the helm of the Rockets. Beckman and his wife, Kim, have three children: Tyler, Lindsay and Alex.

What's your earliest football memory?

Well, being a coach's son, I had footballs all around me when I was in my crib. I started learning about football as soon as I was born.

What are some of your best memories from playing at Findlay?

Just being part of a winning culture and learning what winning is all about. We had a lot of great victories, played with a lot of great people and won a lot of football games.

What's it like to have a son, Tyler, at Findlay now following in dad's footsteps?

It's a blessing, and I'm honored that he would follow his old man to the same university. He's actually going to be playing on the defensive side of the ball this year [after being recruited as a quarterback], so he's even going to be playing the same position that his old man played.

What's the best part of living and working in Toledo?

Being so close to family. With my in-laws only being an hour away and my parents only being an hour and a half away, and coming back to the friendships I built in northwest Ohio, it's been great. It's such a friendly area.

How do you unwind away from the football field?

I bought a boat, and the family and I come up to the boat. It's nice to get away, but we only get to use it only about three weeks out of the year. But it's all worth it, because my dad and brother get to use it more in August and September.

Have you done much boating this summer?

As a matter of fact, that's where I am right now.

What was your favorite team growing up?

I loved the Minnesota Vikings and the Purple People Eaters on defense.

Who was your favorite athlete?

When I was a little leaguer, I used to catch so I loved Johnny Bench from the Cincinnati Reds. I also loved Fran Tarkenton from the Vikings.

What's your favorite restaurant?

Loma Linda's. It's real close to us.

What's your favorite place to vacation?

We take the boat out to Catawba Island a lot, so I'd have to say there.