Spring is in the air

There is nothing like springtime for athletics.  Excitement radiates around the baseball and softball fields, golf courses, tennis courts and on football practice fields.  This time of year reminds me of the song Pass It On.  The second verse of the song says, “What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding.  The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming; that’s how it is with God’s love, Once you’ve experienced it.  You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.”

Spring helps me realize how lucky and fortunate I am.  Watching athletes participate and compete, working with quality people who are comrades and not just employees and living in a community where people care about the students.  It just does not get much better.

The baseball and softball teams are in a battle for district championships.  Both have an excellent chance of qualifying for the state playoffs.  It is just great to see all the athletic programs succeed at a high level.  Copperas Cove is blessed.

I am really going to miss coaches that are taking jobs outside of Copperas Cove.  Each and everyone one of these people are special.  I wish them the best in their new positions.  

I got to visit two of the three musketeers at Lake Worth last week.  It reminds me of the everyday life I get to experience with our student-athletes in Copperas Cove.  The kids were so excited.  The excitement radiated from the weight room and practice field.  I was so honored to witness athletic director and head football coach Tracy Welch and assistant athletic director  Ranes talking to their players.

Ultimately, that is what this is all about; Young people being educated in the game of life.  When students have excitement and enthusiasm, they have hope and a future.  Spring is a great time of year to witness these elements in their participation in these activities.   

If you have not had a chance to watch a baseball or softball contest, it is past time to come on out.  Hurry, because these teams are special.  Being at the Dawg and Lady Dawg ballparks are special, also.  Both stadiums have excitement in the air; great concession stands, superb announcing and great team play.  It just does not get any better.

Thought for the week, “It is spring again.  The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” -- Rainer Maria Rilke