Totally Austin

The Story Behind Totally Austin

Experience Life for What It Was Made to Be…LIVED!

"Totally Austin - Livin' Lovin' Life" was inspired by a young man who was 'totally awesome' when it came to doing life. His love for life was both beautiful and contagious. We want to share some of it with you through the Totally Austin website!

What started as an annual "fun-raiser" event to remember Austin Narewski, while raising money for the Austin Narewski Electrical Trade Scholarship Fund, has expanded. It is our hope, that through Totally Austin, lives will be changed and life will be experienced the way it was meant to be. Scroll down to learn more about the heel-click and more about the story behind Totally Austin.

Please visit us frequently to hear updates on the scholarship funds, be encouraged by the blog entries, and find out information about "fun-raisers".

The Heel-Click Story

Where the Heel-Click Logo Originated

In Spring of 2007, Austin went on a mission's trip to New York City, one he had done every year since 6th grade. This particular trip was extra special, as it was Austin's last; he was a senior in high school and, as of June, would no longer be in youth group. To make it even better, Austin's uncle was one of the leaders. And, as was Austin's style, he left his mark.

It was the group's last day in NYC. They were at Penn Station, getting ready to leave the Big City and return to small town Canandaigua, NY. Their train was delayed 5 hours! Like any group of high school students, they filled the hours looking for things to entertain themselves with. During the week, as they walked through NYC, Austin and his Uncle Chad had been doing heel-clicks. What better place to continue them than at Penn Station!

Someone dared Austin to heel-click his way around the waiting area - which he did. Now they were getting down to business. Fortunately for us, Chad videotaped some of the shenanigans, providing us with The Austin Heel Click Video. Being the fun competitive individuals that they were, Chad and Austin decided to spice up the heel-clicking by having a competition, to see who the "best" heel-clicker really was.

They quickly recruited three judges from their group, who were instructed to score each heel-click based on specific criteria: Technique / Precision / Height / Body Angle (the more sideways the kick, the better) / and the Click of the Heel (heels must connect or the score would be lowered). The competition quickly got underway. Soon other members from the group entered the competition. The bystanders grew - watching, cheering, and clapping each contestant on. Before long, the delay of the train was forgotten.

This "heel-clicking" competition became a tradition at youth group events, with an award given to the winner, including the picture of Austin clicking his heels. When asked who won the competition at Penn Station, Chad responded, "Austin of course! That's why he's the model for the trophy."

The heel-click is a great reminder of how Austin embraced life. He wasn't about to let a train delay spoil the fun that could be had. He would make the most of it and, once again, be Livin' Lovin' Life to the Fullest!

Can you see it now? The logo is from the actual picture of Austin doing the heel-click - Totally Austin style!

More About the Story of Totally Austin

Austin Was 'Totally Awesome' Sharing Life With Others!

"On the morning of June 24, 2010, my husband and I received the phone call that no parent wants to answer. While on his way to work, our son, Austin Narewski, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Our lives have been forever changed.

Thanks to a wonderful, blue-eyed, 21-year-old young man, whose love for life was beautiful and contagious, there are more people than I can count who now see life as something that needs to be experiences, not just lived. Whether someone had known Austin for years, just met him, or only knew him through others' memories, their lives have been changed - for the better.

There was something about Austin that made others feel very comfortable around him. I believe part of it was due to his ability to see the best in others, find good in the little things, make the most of his circumstances, and not take life too seriously. Whenever the opportunity arose to have a good time, he took it - and shred it with others. Austin live more life in 21 years than most do in 80!" (Excerpt from book: Livin' Lovin' Life! Austin Style)