Final Fall Performance

As our season comes to a close and we reflect on the past 5 months we are reminded of how great our kids are. It has been an incredible rebuilding season for Sparks Cheer! They have worked hard to continue the traditions that the generations before them started and start some fantastic new traditions of their own! 
Tonight the JV and Varsity cheerleaders came together for a cheer showcase and earned awards for “Commanders in Crowd Leading” and “Supreme Sportsmanship”. Both awards are a great reflection of how hard working and supportive these kids are of each other. The coaches could not be any more proud of these girls!

More than a Coach

After 23 years of coaching, I can really start to appreciate coaching for what it truly is. It has little to do with the skills and sports being taught, but so much more about showing kids that it’s ok to be teenagers and how to grow past that and be great adults. I’m proud that I’ve been privileged enough to have been a part of high school, college and military graduations, weddings, births, and some awesome moments in my kid's lives.

Tonight was no different. I have known Mike and Brandi for 15 years and watched their kids grow up. I’ve been privileged enough to coach a few of them and then have Jess come back and be an assistant coach with me. I’m proud of the wonderful young women she’s become and grateful for the help over the last three years. I’m so very glad I was able to be here tonight for her and Jacob’s wedding. It’s a good feeling to be at a wedding and look around and know that the bride and groom are surrounded by loved ones.

Jess and Jacob, you have married your best friend. Marriage is tough at times and fun at times, but remember that everything is easier when you share it with your best friend. When things are good it’s good and when one of you stumbles, pick them up and dust them off and love them anyway. Lean on each other, always hold hands, and share your love every day. Don’t linger on grudges and never take life too seriously. It’s not a race, the goal is to make to the end together with memories and a life of love. Thank you for including me in your special day. I love you guys! 

Friday Nights and Stadium Lights

‪In the fall, each long week culminates with Friday Night Lights. 
Each Friday night at some point I experience a moment of total calm. Everything gets quiet in my mind and my heart is at peace. Tonight it was during the national anthem. Standing on the sidelines between the cheerleaders and the band. Seeing the football boys stand proudly and ROTC on the field with the Stars and Stripes. ‬
I know in those moments I am home. I’m where I’m supposed to be and doing what I’m supposed to do. It’s what I never knew I wanted to be when I grew up. Sometimes the weeks are hard, the job is hard and the hours are long. But it’s always worth it. 
To the kids who’ve shared their lives with me and the kids who challenge me to be the best I can for them. 
Thank you. 
Thank you for all of it.