Photo courtesy of “Vermillion Room Photo (No. VR-01-053)” (2019). Vermillion Room Photographs. 39.
https://digitalcommons.daemen.edu/skateland_vermillion/39
In the world of extraordinary tales, one name truly stands out — David Goggins. Renowned for his incredible feats of endurance, unwavering determination, and indomitable mental strength, this Guinness World Record holder, former Navy SEAL, and New York Times best-selling author has led an astonishing life.
Yet, as is often the case with exceptional individuals, like David Goggins, there exists an unexpected source of inspiration in David’s story, and that source is none other than his father, Trunnis Goggins Sr.
Trunnis Goggins Sr., who passed away at the age of 79 on November 5th, 2013, served as both the father of David Goggins and the former owner of Skateland skating rink in Buffalo, NY. Notably, he was recognized for his complex relationship with his son David, a dynamic that may have contributed to David’s journey towards becoming the highly successful individual he is today.
Trunnis Goggins Sr. died in 2013
Trunnis Goggins Sr., born Jan. 19th, 1934, died on November 5th, 2013, at age 79. The eccentric character is most recognized as the founder of Skateland, the iconic skating rink in Buffalo, New York, yet his impact resonates far beyond that.
After his passing, his wife Sue took over the operations of running the rolling skating rink, although there were times when the the establishment was in need of community support to keep the place up and running.
However, it was the opening of Skateland that saw Trunnis become a cherished figure in the community. Part roller skating rink, part nightclub, he would often be found hanging around the “Vermillion Room” – a night club located above the roller skating rink – and engaging with customers while drinking and socializing.
Also see: The David Goggins Diet: Eating For High Performance
Relationship with his son, David Goggins
Although he was a popular figure in the community, Trunnis and his son David had a challenging relationship. David spoke in-depth about his strict upbringing in the book Can’t Hurt Me, which I read and cannot recommend enough. Seriously, the book changed is life-changing and will remove the petty excuses you have in your life for not going hard on your goals.
The book detailed the long hours David and his brother were forced to work at Skateland, while still young kids and juggling their duties with their school life. Trunnis was a stern disciplinarian type of father, often pushing David to his limits and as the book suggests – in a sometimes selfish way – leaving a lasting and perhaps overly harsh, influence.
Although this tough love would cause a rift between the two, the physical and mental challenges Trunnis presented to his son likely became a cornerstone of his astounding achievements, driving him to become different than his father.
David Goggins is the only man to complete United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party training, graduate from Army Ranger School, and to become a Navy SEAL. Famously, he lost over 100 pounds in just a few months to be able to qualify to attend SEAL training.
If completing tours in Afghanistan and Iran were not hard enough, David regularly pushes himself physically through ultramarathon running, winning the Across Florida 200 in 2020 and finishing 2nd place in the MOAB 240 in 2020.
Despite falling out with his father and not speaking to him for many years, David revisited him shortly before his death, gaining closure that allowed him to move on.
“It was the only way for me to move forward.”
-David Goggins on why he went to visit his father Trunnis Sr. again
Also see: Will Goggins and Jocko Ever Do a Podcast Together?
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Thanks for reading!
