Time to get excited

Copperas Cove welcomes new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jack Alvarez and his family.  Alvarez was named to the position last Friday.  He is excited about this group of players and believes the Dawgs will go deep in the playoffs this season.
I am impressed CCISD talked Alvarez in to signing on as the athletic director and head football coach.  The job was advertised at the minimum salary of $81,000 with the range topping out at $106,000. Alvarez, reportedly was making $118,000 at Ennis.  
Folks, this obviously shows Coach Alvarez sees the potential of this team, quality of the school district and strength of our community.  He is not allowing money to stand in the way of taking this team to the state championship. This group of players teamed with this coach is ready to bring a state championship to Copperas Cove.
This is another reason my hat and heart go out to coaches all over.  It is not about the money, it is about the quality of life and programs.  Coach Alvarez sees both in Copperas 
Cove.  This is the type of coach and man our community needs.  More importantly, this coach will be great for the players.  I understand with the loss of Impact Aid and teachers needing a pay raise the difficulties of paying coaches higher salaries.
It is an honor to be replaced by established, successful coaches.  I have had that opportunity at three different institutions.  At Kansas Wesleyan University my replacement was Brad Jenkins.  Jenkins had served as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska.  He immediately was successful at KWU and eventually won the KCAC championship.  Next was Fort Scott Community College.  The new coach to replace me was former D-1 Wichita State University head coach Ron Chismar.  Chismar was also successful at FSCC.  Now a one-time state champion coach, Alvarez has taken over the reins at CCHS.  
When coaches leave, they desire the team to grow and be better in the future.  It is an honor to see your former program be at the top.  Most importantly, departing coaches always want to see their former players have success.
Alvarez worked for Superintendent Joe Burns at Kirbyville and have been personal friends for many years.  At Kirbyville, Alvarez played for two state titles.  Three years ago, Álvarez’s’ Ennis team won the division two 5A state title.  Copperas Cove is fortunate to get a person with three trips to state and one state underneath his belt.
What’s the bottom line?  The players and community will reap immediate benefits.  I believe this group of returners, featuring Simpson, Simmons, Carney, Shanahan, Connell and many others off last years playoff team, coupled with two undefeated district champion junior varsity squads will be the strongest group the Dawgs have had since the 2006 and 2007 state finalist teams.  More importantly, Alvarez feels the same way. 
Before taking the job, Coach Alvarez watched film on the Bulldawgs.  He was impressed.  Coach Alverez said he expects this group to go deep in the playoffs.  He sees the talent and potential of this squad.  This could be the year to win the big dance 
Yes, it is time to get excited.  A new coach, new staff, same feisty players with great work habits and a fired up community.  That all spells success.  Best of luck coach and go Dawgs.
Thought for the week, “To kill yourself for earning a salary is not worth it.”  Nargis Fakhri