As many of you may already know, last week was one of the most stressful weeks I have experienced, but also turned out to be one of the most rewarding. We hosted our first ever football game here at McClain Christian Academy on Thursday, August 19, 2010 and it was an adventure to say the least.
The weather never cooperated from the beginning and every mishap possible occurred. We received approximately eight inches of rain here on the field and the field goal posts did not arrive until Wednesday afternoon during the monsoon. This created a job for Thursday to ensure that our game was played as scheduled. We had dads, family members, and employees show up to help in the efforts beginning at 6:00a.m. During the day we pumped 250 gallons of water per minute off the field, constructed one field goal post, and got the field painted.
And all of the hard work paid off! We were able to kick off on time and play a great football game. Despite the loss, it was a major success in itself just to host the game. It was also a success to see our school community and families rally around the football team and embrace their efforts and hard work. These boys have put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (more tears than some of the dads would like) this preseason to prepare and they earned the spotlight.
This was not the best part of the week though. It came on Friday night when we played at Lighthouse Christian School in their Jamboree. We played Lighthouse, followed by Franklin Classical School in two- twenty minute halves. We came out with a spark and a desire that could not be stopped! The boys tied Lighthouse Christian 6-6 and then defeated Franklin Classical School 6-0. You could see the happiness and excitement all over their faces! It was worth every minute of hard work and long hours I have put in at McClain Christian Academy.
This week really reminded me that God may put you through a struggle, but it is NEVER more than you can handle. It also reassured my belief that with God ANYTHING is possible. I was humbled last week and even though every minute was not fun, it will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life.
This season will be a special time in this school's history and these boys' life. Make it a point to attend a game and show your support for their hard work.
I also want to thank everyone who helped get the field ready and made last week possible.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The First Test: MCA Football @ Sacred Heart
This past Saturday, July 31, 2010, I took the MCA Football team to Jackson, TN to take part in a two part practice/scrimmage day with the Sacred Heart Knights. We have been preparing for our inaugural season since May 1, 2010 and the boys' have put in countless hours of hard work and this was our first opportunity to see it unfold and in action.
It was one of the hottest days we have faced all year and the boys' pushed through a two hour positions practice where they worked on agilities, drill, technique, and toughness. I was very impressed with our hard work and performance during this session. The boys' stayed confident and focused on the task at hand, even though they were competing against a team full of upper classmen. (Our team is made up of 1 fifth grader, 2 sixth graders, 2 seventh graders, 6 eighth graders, 2 ninth graders, 2 tenth graders, and 1 senior.) They kept the gap very close during this session.
In the afternoon session everyone strapped on their pads and we went through a coaches scrimmage. During this time each team would run ten plays on offense, then switch to defense for ten plays. With a team as small as ours is, we have never had the opportunity of seeing our offense or defense face a squad that could provide a game-like situation. It was a huge learning experience for me as a coach and my team as a whole. This was when the other teams age, size, and strength really began to show, but this never demoralized the boys'. They kept pushing forward and fighting with all they had!
This was a great experience for me, because I was able to see where players needed to play, and who was going to step up when it got tough! It was amazing to see the boys' step up and take ownership of the team and this paid off about half way through the scrimmage. We began to get some pressure up the middle on their offensive line and break up numerous plays in the backfield. The confidence kept building and we became the team that was setting the tone and playing our game. As a coach this was all I could ask for! They gave me 100% and focused on their jobs regardless of what the other team was doing.
A lot of people have asked the question, "did you win?" Well, this was about more than winning and losing. If you would have kept the score, no we would not have won... But if you would have measured heart and determination, we won! I was very happy with what they accomplished and I can't wait to hit the practice field this afternoon!
Our goal is build strong-young men, in doing so we are Building Warriors here at MCA!
It was one of the hottest days we have faced all year and the boys' pushed through a two hour positions practice where they worked on agilities, drill, technique, and toughness. I was very impressed with our hard work and performance during this session. The boys' stayed confident and focused on the task at hand, even though they were competing against a team full of upper classmen. (Our team is made up of 1 fifth grader, 2 sixth graders, 2 seventh graders, 6 eighth graders, 2 ninth graders, 2 tenth graders, and 1 senior.) They kept the gap very close during this session.
In the afternoon session everyone strapped on their pads and we went through a coaches scrimmage. During this time each team would run ten plays on offense, then switch to defense for ten plays. With a team as small as ours is, we have never had the opportunity of seeing our offense or defense face a squad that could provide a game-like situation. It was a huge learning experience for me as a coach and my team as a whole. This was when the other teams age, size, and strength really began to show, but this never demoralized the boys'. They kept pushing forward and fighting with all they had!
This was a great experience for me, because I was able to see where players needed to play, and who was going to step up when it got tough! It was amazing to see the boys' step up and take ownership of the team and this paid off about half way through the scrimmage. We began to get some pressure up the middle on their offensive line and break up numerous plays in the backfield. The confidence kept building and we became the team that was setting the tone and playing our game. As a coach this was all I could ask for! They gave me 100% and focused on their jobs regardless of what the other team was doing.
A lot of people have asked the question, "did you win?" Well, this was about more than winning and losing. If you would have kept the score, no we would not have won... But if you would have measured heart and determination, we won! I was very happy with what they accomplished and I can't wait to hit the practice field this afternoon!
Our goal is build strong-young men, in doing so we are Building Warriors here at MCA!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
MCA Football Deer Run Retreat
So, it has been forever since I have been able to update this. It has been a combination of being too busy with MCA Football, life, and lack of commitment to it. I am going to try to be more proactive and consistent in this.
This past weekend we, The MCA Football team and coaching staff, took a retreat to Deer Run Retreat Center in Thompson's Station, TN. (http://deerrunretreat.org/) Deer Run is a Christian based retreat center that allows you to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, quiet environment away from all of the day-to-day stress and noise. The objective of the trip was to help the boys grow closer together as a team and closer to God in their daily walk.
We spent three days and two nights out there that proved to be a trip that was invaluable. The week leading up to our retreat the boys spent eight hours a day in football camp where they were challenged physically and mentally. This included two-a-day practices and chalk talk sessions Monday -Thursday. This is normal practice among most, if not all, high school football programs in the nation. However, this had a little more special value to us as a school, community, and team. This is the first ever football team in the history of McClain Christian Academy.
On Friday, July 23, 2010, we loaded up and headed to Deer Run, where upon arrival we unloaded and made a bee-line to the lake. I am still unsure if all the boys even changed into a swim suit! After the long-hot days we had a lake was like finding a pot of gold! The boys (and coaches) played on the lake for two hours without any break in activity. This was either swimming in the water, playing on the aqua park trampoline, launching Rex and the other smaller players into the air off the blob, or riding a zip-line 20-30 feet above the water and dropping in to cool off. (The water was about as warm as bath water, but no one cared)
Later that night we had a team whiffle ball game and wow, it was an experience. Deer Run has a turf whiffle ball field complete with a fence and lighting! After getting settled into the game, it was a home run derby for six innings. (My team losing 35-34) Following the game we headed over for a devotional at the camp fire lead by Pastor Erik Reed and Shawn Allen from The Journey Church here in Lebanon, TN. (@erikreed and @shawnmallen) This was a great bonding time for the boys to spend in God's Word and to see men and young men let their guard down. I am very grateful and thankful to Erik and Shawn for the great job they did!
The next day was full of more lake time and a low ropes course. If you have never completed a low ropes course then it is highly recommended! The low ropes course consists of mental and physical challenges that everyone in your group must complete as a team. This is not an easy task! It included team work, trust, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and perseverance. I am very proud of the boys and their progress during this three-hour test!
The boys played from daylight to dark and never slowed down. I couldnt be more proud of the group of young men they are becoming. I am prayerful that they will take this trip and use it to their advantage throughout the season. I want to thank all of the kids, their parents, and especially the dads and coaches who stayed with us throughout the trip!
This past weekend we, The MCA Football team and coaching staff, took a retreat to Deer Run Retreat Center in Thompson's Station, TN. (http://deerrunretreat.org/) Deer Run is a Christian based retreat center that allows you to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, quiet environment away from all of the day-to-day stress and noise. The objective of the trip was to help the boys grow closer together as a team and closer to God in their daily walk.
We spent three days and two nights out there that proved to be a trip that was invaluable. The week leading up to our retreat the boys spent eight hours a day in football camp where they were challenged physically and mentally. This included two-a-day practices and chalk talk sessions Monday -Thursday. This is normal practice among most, if not all, high school football programs in the nation. However, this had a little more special value to us as a school, community, and team. This is the first ever football team in the history of McClain Christian Academy.
On Friday, July 23, 2010, we loaded up and headed to Deer Run, where upon arrival we unloaded and made a bee-line to the lake. I am still unsure if all the boys even changed into a swim suit! After the long-hot days we had a lake was like finding a pot of gold! The boys (and coaches) played on the lake for two hours without any break in activity. This was either swimming in the water, playing on the aqua park trampoline, launching Rex and the other smaller players into the air off the blob, or riding a zip-line 20-30 feet above the water and dropping in to cool off. (The water was about as warm as bath water, but no one cared)
Later that night we had a team whiffle ball game and wow, it was an experience. Deer Run has a turf whiffle ball field complete with a fence and lighting! After getting settled into the game, it was a home run derby for six innings. (My team losing 35-34) Following the game we headed over for a devotional at the camp fire lead by Pastor Erik Reed and Shawn Allen from The Journey Church here in Lebanon, TN. (@erikreed and @shawnmallen) This was a great bonding time for the boys to spend in God's Word and to see men and young men let their guard down. I am very grateful and thankful to Erik and Shawn for the great job they did!
The next day was full of more lake time and a low ropes course. If you have never completed a low ropes course then it is highly recommended! The low ropes course consists of mental and physical challenges that everyone in your group must complete as a team. This is not an easy task! It included team work, trust, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and perseverance. I am very proud of the boys and their progress during this three-hour test!
The boys played from daylight to dark and never slowed down. I couldnt be more proud of the group of young men they are becoming. I am prayerful that they will take this trip and use it to their advantage throughout the season. I want to thank all of the kids, their parents, and especially the dads and coaches who stayed with us throughout the trip!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Lately
Today, along with the past few, has been a day with many different things to reflect upon. I have constructed a basketball program at MCA in a little over a month. This has been a huge challenge, but already a success with the level of progress our kids and program have made. We have practiced a total of 12-15 times and will play our first game on Monday, November 23. MCA was without any previous program, or any of the necessities a team or program needs. With that being said we (myself, the administration, and parents) have managed to get the minimums needed to compete this year. This was not an easy task! Many of the things coaches and players take for granted were not accesible, but had to be purchased. This has been a full time job for me as an Athletic Director, then as a Coach for the boy's team. (If you want to donate anything let me know! Ha Ha)
Gymnastics at Intrigue is full stride right now, and it is a never ending project with these girls. State Meet is approximately three weeks out, and these girls have made unbelievable progress, but the team is lacking the sense of urgency Coach Sue and myself have taken. After State Meet it is over and it is time for next year, and they can't have the opportunity this season provides ever again. Regardless of the relentless pressure and coaching we provide we can not practice for them. I never thought it would have as much of an affect as it does on me when these girls fail to reach their full potential. It is like I have failed to do my job to the full extent! These girls have a rare opportunity to win State as a team, but it is going to take all of them to bust their butts for the next three weeks like never before. So please keep them in your prayers and wish them luck if you meet any of them!
It's been a busy past few weeks, I hope I have the chance to update soon!
Gymnastics at Intrigue is full stride right now, and it is a never ending project with these girls. State Meet is approximately three weeks out, and these girls have made unbelievable progress, but the team is lacking the sense of urgency Coach Sue and myself have taken. After State Meet it is over and it is time for next year, and they can't have the opportunity this season provides ever again. Regardless of the relentless pressure and coaching we provide we can not practice for them. I never thought it would have as much of an affect as it does on me when these girls fail to reach their full potential. It is like I have failed to do my job to the full extent! These girls have a rare opportunity to win State as a team, but it is going to take all of them to bust their butts for the next three weeks like never before. So please keep them in your prayers and wish them luck if you meet any of them!
It's been a busy past few weeks, I hope I have the chance to update soon!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Do I expect too much?
The past two weeks at church, The Journey, we have been divulged in a series that has left a lot on my mind. It has focused on the "fires" we are faced with in life and our perspective. This Sunday really left me with a big question....
Do I expect too much, but give too little?
Any time I have been faced with a fire, big or small, I begin to ask God for a way out and for it to be convenient for me. He never fails to answer my prayers or get me through the situation, but am I doing my part after he answers my prayer?
I go to church most Sundays, I worship him, I praise him, and I am alert and attentive during service, but I do not follow him on a daily basis with this same focus and enthusiasm as on Sunday Morning. Although I have made a great deal of progress in my personal life with some of my struggles, I still make the same mistake of putting my pleasure before his plan. I may use vulgar language, I may make crude jokes, I may give selfish advice, and I do not live my life as an example of a Christian seven days a week. I let my surroundings influence my behavior in whatever environment I am in. I tend to conform with the environment instead of refraining from saying or doing some things that I may not have done outside of that particular environment.
I know everyone has their struggles, but I have been making a conscious effort to face my head on! I need to be held accountable and give back to a God who gives me so much.
Do I expect too much, but give too little?
Any time I have been faced with a fire, big or small, I begin to ask God for a way out and for it to be convenient for me. He never fails to answer my prayers or get me through the situation, but am I doing my part after he answers my prayer?
I go to church most Sundays, I worship him, I praise him, and I am alert and attentive during service, but I do not follow him on a daily basis with this same focus and enthusiasm as on Sunday Morning. Although I have made a great deal of progress in my personal life with some of my struggles, I still make the same mistake of putting my pleasure before his plan. I may use vulgar language, I may make crude jokes, I may give selfish advice, and I do not live my life as an example of a Christian seven days a week. I let my surroundings influence my behavior in whatever environment I am in. I tend to conform with the environment instead of refraining from saying or doing some things that I may not have done outside of that particular environment.
I know everyone has their struggles, but I have been making a conscious effort to face my head on! I need to be held accountable and give back to a God who gives me so much.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Opening Meet
This past weekend was my coaching debut in competition gymnastics for Intrigue Athletics.
We competed in Gallatin, TN, at "You're The One" Gymnastics Meet, hosted by The Master's. We were represented by a Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 team. I have been coaching Team Gymnastics for the past three years, but this is my first season as a USAG Coach. This gave me the opportunity to be on the floor with my girls and right up in the action during the competition. It was a great experience and something I can't wait to do again.
I never imagined I would be coaching gymnastics on any level and definitely never dreamed I would be on the floor with these girls at the meets. Coaching these girls has been a challenge, but after this weekend I realized how much I enjoy it and how rewarding it realy is. Watching these girls compete and succeed after all the time, tears, and sweat they put in during offseason was unbelievable. When you are on the outside looking in on a sport, we often forget all the time and effort these kids and athletes put into practice, conditioning, private lessons, fundraisers, etc... I am now on the inside and I see it first hand, so to see these girls improve and make strides toward the ultimate goal in December was motivation and reassurance that my time coaching these girls was worth it. It gave me a renewed drive and committment to not only coaching these girls, but doing it the right way.
Sometimes in life we get to a point in our jobs, hobbies, and other things that we donate time to where we become idle. I realized this weekend that I do not want to become idle with these girls and that I want to be able to give them what they deserve. I always expect the best out of my girls, so I should return the favor and give them my best regardless of what is going on in my life or if I have had a bad day.
So I have challenged myself to not become idle and to put into these girls what they gave me this weekend. Where do you need to challenge yourself and refuse to become idle?
We competed in Gallatin, TN, at "You're The One" Gymnastics Meet, hosted by The Master's. We were represented by a Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 team. I have been coaching Team Gymnastics for the past three years, but this is my first season as a USAG Coach. This gave me the opportunity to be on the floor with my girls and right up in the action during the competition. It was a great experience and something I can't wait to do again.
I never imagined I would be coaching gymnastics on any level and definitely never dreamed I would be on the floor with these girls at the meets. Coaching these girls has been a challenge, but after this weekend I realized how much I enjoy it and how rewarding it realy is. Watching these girls compete and succeed after all the time, tears, and sweat they put in during offseason was unbelievable. When you are on the outside looking in on a sport, we often forget all the time and effort these kids and athletes put into practice, conditioning, private lessons, fundraisers, etc... I am now on the inside and I see it first hand, so to see these girls improve and make strides toward the ultimate goal in December was motivation and reassurance that my time coaching these girls was worth it. It gave me a renewed drive and committment to not only coaching these girls, but doing it the right way.
Sometimes in life we get to a point in our jobs, hobbies, and other things that we donate time to where we become idle. I realized this weekend that I do not want to become idle with these girls and that I want to be able to give them what they deserve. I always expect the best out of my girls, so I should return the favor and give them my best regardless of what is going on in my life or if I have had a bad day.
So I have challenged myself to not become idle and to put into these girls what they gave me this weekend. Where do you need to challenge yourself and refuse to become idle?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
AD at MCA
As many of my friends and acquaintances are aware of I have started a new career at McClain Christian Academy, MCA, in Lebanon, TN. I was hired on as the Athletic Director, AD, of a virtually non-existent Athletic Program. To elaborate a little, MCA did not have a single athletic team or anything close to one, and I was hired to change this situation and move them in the right direction. This includes no equipment, no fields, no jerseys, limited funding, etc.
This being my first job in the education field and as an Athletic Director I have been faced with challenges daily that other AD's escape. Building a program from the ground - up. I have embraced the challenge and I am convinced it is a blessing. With that being said, there are so many instances where I feel like I'm in a stalemate, that I am failing to make progress fast enough, and that I am overwhelmed. I love this job, the kids, and truly believe this is a school that is going in the right direction.
I would love any advice or help anyone could offer in this endeavor. Whether you started a business, organization, etc, or just have some good advice feel free to comment.
This being my first job in the education field and as an Athletic Director I have been faced with challenges daily that other AD's escape. Building a program from the ground - up. I have embraced the challenge and I am convinced it is a blessing. With that being said, there are so many instances where I feel like I'm in a stalemate, that I am failing to make progress fast enough, and that I am overwhelmed. I love this job, the kids, and truly believe this is a school that is going in the right direction.
I would love any advice or help anyone could offer in this endeavor. Whether you started a business, organization, etc, or just have some good advice feel free to comment.
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