Fall athletic awards

The fall sports athletic awards night took place at Lea Ledger Auditorium Thursday.  Student-athletes participating in cross country, volleyball and football received recognition for their dedication and hard work this past fall.  This was a change from the traditional individual sports athletic banquets.
Why the change?  Having a fall, winter and spring athletic awards night allows sports to unite with recognition, parents view other sports and administration attend recognition for all sports.  Being in an honorable setting like Lea Ledger Auditorium provided family and friends a relaxed atmosphere.  In addition, witnessing the accolades of individual sport participants brings attention to the variety of opportunity presented for students. 
As we celebrated the 2017 Copperas Cove football, volleyball and cross country teams we recognize it is the last time for these groups to gather as a team.  It is a good time and an emotional time for many.  It represents a rite of passage for our seniors and the start of something special for the young men and women who will be our 2018 teams.
Our seniors will be missed.  They have been great to work with and have developed as men and women.  One of the most rewarding things about coaching in high school is to be a part of students’ progression from freshmen student-athletes through their senior season.
The senior football players, although gone from next year’s squad, will always be a part of my team.  They have been a pleasure to coach.  Their success in the future will be driven by their work ethic and ability to confront and handle adversity.  I will certainly miss them.    The high school experience is a critical period in the student-athlete’s lives. They are making a conversion from dependence to independence.  When individuals are part of a team they learn to make decisions.  Players and coaches work together to nurture one another. It is a two way street.   
I can still name my coaches from junior high school to college. They influenced my life and helped me become the husband, father and coach I am today.  Seeing the young people receive recognition for their hard work and hear coaches speak about their players with honor and dignity reminds me of the times I participated. Bonds were made and memories were etched in minds forever.  
Yes, Thursday night was a celebration.  It is reminder that as another year finishes, a new one begins.  I wish all the parting seniors the very best for the future.
Thought for the week, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”  Bill Keane