For 21 years, the Eagles Landing High School football team struggled. Their record during that time was 47-165, with an average record each year of 2-8. They never had back to back winning seasons and the most games they ever won in one season was 6. They had only 3 playoff appearances in those 21 years. A few years ago, however, Coach Joe Teknipp began to create a culture change. I was privileged to come on board as the team pastor three years ago and got to witness first hand this amazing shift. Voluntarily, most of the team would meet with Mike Chandler, Chris Gott, and me on Wednesdays after practice for character and leadership lessons from the Bible. Most of them all joined in voluntarily for our Friday afternoon Prime Time on game days. Of course, they also continued to work hard in practice. This year, for the very first time in school history, the team had back-to-back winning seasons, won 8 games both years, and made it to the state playoffs both years. Although last night was a heartbreaking loss to Wayne County, this years team showed so much fight and tenacity to the very end, they had a chance to tie the playoff game on the last play. Incredible! They never gave up all year, making history and literally turning the program upside down, flipping 21 years of 2-8 play into two straight 8-2 regular seasons. I am truly honored to be a part of such a great team. THANKS not only to Coach Tek, but all of the coaches: Rex Robertson, Shaun Jones, Chopper Clark, Earl Parker, Justin Brantley, Shane Terrell Reed, Rick Griswell, Andrew Calhoun, and Chad Brown, as well as the great managers team, and of course, the players.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:43:09 +0000
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