Columns

Athletic teams many times fall from being champions to the bottom of the heap overnight. Why does that happen? Teams fall from greatness to mediocrity because of the failure to change and grow. Yes, they encounter fear of changing, uncertainty in their ability, and they doubt their plans. Coaches may fear they do not have enough knowledge to change their scheme. The uncertainty of changing with the times cripples many teams.

This is homecoming season. Homecoming football games attract people from all aspects of life. Former players, students, faculty, and community citizens. Homecoming football games bring excitement and comradery, along with lots of people to the local stadium.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and is the most common form of dementia. It is not a normal process of aging. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Two people from Terrell whose names are etched deep into the city’s history were rightfully honored last week during the school district’s Athletic Hall of Fame ceremonies. For vastly different reasons, Bernard Derrick and Leon Vineyard occupy a high rung in the annals of the Terrell Independent School District.

There is an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child”. The essence of the proverb is more than one household generally contributes to the success of a child. Throughout my life, I have found time and time again, this is absolutely true. By extension, that proverb can also be applies to a community. It can easily and truthfully be said that it takes multiple groups to move a community forward, and there is no better example of that than right here in Terrell America.

Too many times players are berated for their mistakes. None of us like to make mistakes but it is how coaches react to players’ mistakes that makes the difference. The exciting aspect of life is every day offers a brand-new day with unlimited possibilities.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s! You can find it at https://act.alz.org/. Organize a team of your own, or join another team with friends! These one day Walk events are a fun way to spend a Saturday and help raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and education. All COVID protocols will be observed and we request that walkers be vaccinated.

I have had several parents of high school players reach out to me in the last month complaining about abusive coaches. Coaches putting down their players in front of others. Not just correcting but ridiculing the players.

I love coaching football and I have many people to thank for my opportunity. I want to say thank you to the men and women who have fought to allow me to do what I love, the first responders keeping us safe daily, and of course the people I work with each day. Why is it hard for some people to say thank you? Words of appreciation seem to be hard for some people to say to others.

Do you realize that 50 percent of the teams playing games last week lost? Are all those players considered losers? Adversity is an opportunity to strengthen character. In the world of athletics, players and coaches are faced with adverse situations every day.