Hey guys! So this is kind of a long message to pass on to the parents of the alumni... I dont know how many of you know, but Im working in Texas. And Im an assistant athletic trainer for a HS down here. Its very different, but so much fun! Anyways... The HS I work for is currently ranked #1 in the state for football, which is a HUGE deal in Texas. And it reminds me of our state champ team. Were hoping to make that run, but the team comradery is very similar and brings me back to the good ole days. So I just wanted to share a little something... One of the football families hosted steak night at their house after our game Saturday for coaches and players and families. The area I work in is pretty well off. They had a phenomenal backyard set up with a pool and one of those outdoor kitchen/grill areas from a magazine with a bar, island, tv, etc. They also had a fire pit by the pool. They also had a game room with ping pong ball that opened up to their driveway with a basketball hoop and all. And it was just awesome! Not trying to brag, its not even my house, but it was a great house for entertaining. Anyways... A bunch of the families were over and made tooooooons of food and grilled steaks for everyone. I cant imagine the bill on that... Feeding a team of teenage boys and coaches and families... Oh man! But it was really cool having all the families come together. It reminded me of all you Okemos parents and the comradery between everyone. The parents poured beer in solo cups for the coaches so the kids wouldnt say anything haha. So after some food, a beer, socializing with parents, and hanging out for a bit, I was leaving since 2 of the coaches my age were going to leave. We said our goodbyes, but as we were walking out a bunch of the kids were playing HORSE in the driveway... So of course the coaches wanted in on it. I wouldve, but I dont remember the last time I shot a bball haha. Granted, it still wouldve been fun, but I watched instead. We ended up staying there til like 1230 just hanging out and what not. It was really cool. It just reminded me of Okemos and the times we had with the team and families and all that. And now we have to prepare for the BIG game on Thursday. Apparently people like Dwight Howard and what not may come. The game being televised! Its a huuuuge game. Only a district game, but its #1 vs #8 in the state. And apparently we hate them. Theyre talking a lot of trash but were keeping our cool. Our coaches are really good at keeping the boys complacent. Kind if like us... We liked to do the talking through our actions on the field. Our kids just look at one game at a time and focus on the task at hand. And its cool I have some advice to give since we were there. The other day I wore my state champ ring to prove that I was indeed a state champ. Even though they dont think soccer is a sport and its girls and in Michigan, they still respect a state champ. And it gives me an edge when theyre not giving theyre all. I can say thats not how you win a state championship ;) But its cool to see everyone getting excited about it and it just brings me back to the days when all you parents would tailgate and it was just fun. Hopefully its a good omen! I just thought Id share this because I realize now just how much that stuff meant when we were on those teams and had the comradery we did with all the families. All the parents may seem like it was a way for yall to have fun and enjoy it, but it definitely was cool as a kid too. You dont have stuff like this everywhere you go. We were fortunate to have such great support from our families and it made the whole experience even more fun and rewarding. Looking back, it means even more now. Back then we laughed about it and were just having fun, but now that Im experiencing from a coaches point of view (athletic trainer) and see how these families and players are so connected, it makes me appreciate our experience that much more. So for all my teammates and their families, I just wanted to say thanks. And know that yall are a very special group and those times are some that will be cherished forever. I know parents arent in this group, but give my thanks to them and forward my appreciation :) Love yall! Hope yall are doing well! - Emily
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:45:24 +0000
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