Hudl Highlights
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Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Monday, July 30, 2018
For the love of the Hunt
As I think back over the years of hunting with family, the best of friends and some very special dogs (they would almost fall into the family category).
Fond Memories come flooding back. From the early days getting started deer hunting as a young boy in southern Indiana, to watching handlers work their well trained dogs on preserve hunts in my teens, and more recently shooting wild quail doubles with each of my two sons in the Great Plains out west over our own "well trained" Brittanys.
I started going deer hunting with my dad when I was 6 years old. The first couple years I didn't get to carry a gun, rather watch and learn from him. But by the time I was 8, I was hunting. For the next 8 years I would count down the weeks to opening day, and the minutes to shooting light, then months to the next time the season would come in. By the time I was 16 I was pretty frustrated with my lack of success (having still not killed that first deer). While I would finally score both my first buck and doe that year, I'm not sure how many more years I would have attempted it had I continued to be unsuccessful.
This past fall I was with a very good friend in Northern Mi grouse and woodcock hunting. My friend "Jim" had his brother-n-law "Tom" with him and I had my dad "Pop" with me on the trip. I had met Tom before on other hunting trips, and knew a little bit about him. A retired doctor, extremely intelligent, and as kind as any man could be. But to a fault, a bit geographically challenged in the woods, with a life long habit of not quite keeping up with the dogs, and wandering off on his own. I knew that on the few trips I had been on with Tom that I had never seen him kill a bird and now that I think about it don't actually think I had seen him fire a gun. Regardless, he absolutely loves getting out and marching the miles through the woods with the rest of us. Now what I didn't know until this trip, is that in all the years he had been going grouse and woodcock hunting, he actually had not ever killed one of those birds. I'm not quite sure what that exact number of years is, but it was significant.
One morning on this trip this past fall we had hunted a familiar cover that we knew from years prior. The first part of the mornings walk had not been fruitful just as many walks in the grouse woods can sometimes be. We had left the cover and were regrouping in the 2 track to the south of the cut. After everyone caught up we entered a mature pine thicket south of the 2 track. Not far into the woods Tessi's collar started calling that welcome sound of point mode through the dense northern woods ahead of us 50 or 60 yards. (Tessi was Jim's extraordinary liver and white Brittany - a proven grouse dog) We all made our way through the grousetangled mess, towards Tessi. I was flanking the left edge of our line, while Pop and Tom were in the middle. I was the first to arrive at the dog, and just held my ready waiting for the rest of the cavalry. Soon after Pop and Tom arrived as well with Jim leading their way. Everyone readied as Jim walked out front to the dog. Tessi had not moved since locating the presence of bird sent on the ground, and still stood steady as he worked the area around her. All the sudden a brown feathered rocket headed for the sky as the leaves came to life. I had no shot, but the bird passed through a clearing in the sky in front of Tom and Pop. Tom squeezed off two rounds from his O/U Caesar Guerini. Feathers exploded from the bird and it came crashing down. Pop immediately shouted "GREAT SHOT TOM!" As Tessi quickly located, and returned it to Jim who passed it over to Tom. A WOODCOCK! (Tom exclaimed) He was grinning from ear to ear as Jim handed him his prize. You can see the excitement on his face in the pictures we captured shortly after that moment below.
Later that day is when I became fully aware that I had just witnessed (a man who had hunted this bird a really long time make contact for the very first time). As we went on that day I couldn't help but ask myself if I love hunting that much. You know, enough to spend years trying without success. That afternoon I spent a lot of time thinking about it, and even more over the last 9 months deciding to write about it. It's taken me back to those first 8 years as an immature dear hunter. I remember It seemed like an eternity not getting a deer when all my friends were getting their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd deer. Some of them even got Big deer that they had mounted and are probably still on their walls today. At times I was green with envy if I'm really being honest about it. But after witnessing this, it all came into perspective for me.
That's when I remembered what Pop had said to me as kid. (Probably when I was pouting after every unsuccessful hunt) "Matt its not always about killing something, its about just getting to go." I don't know that I ever fully learned that lesson until now. You see, he's right its never about success or failure. We are not hunting out of necessity. No one is going to starve if we come home empty handed. We're hunting to enjoy the time together as friends, and to enjoy the time with our dogs. To escape our work realities, or to just get away and reset. Its about life experiences that we share with others, and our connection with nature. I matured a lot as a hunter on this trip, and as for our friend Tom he may or may not kill another woodcock or even a grouse on a great day, but regardless he has a lifetime of memories from his trips already, and I'll never forget his excitement from that day.
It really is just about "the love of the hunt".
Tom with his prize! (you can see the excitement)
Fond Memories come flooding back. From the early days getting started deer hunting as a young boy in southern Indiana, to watching handlers work their well trained dogs on preserve hunts in my teens, and more recently shooting wild quail doubles with each of my two sons in the Great Plains out west over our own "well trained" Brittanys.
I started going deer hunting with my dad when I was 6 years old. The first couple years I didn't get to carry a gun, rather watch and learn from him. But by the time I was 8, I was hunting. For the next 8 years I would count down the weeks to opening day, and the minutes to shooting light, then months to the next time the season would come in. By the time I was 16 I was pretty frustrated with my lack of success (having still not killed that first deer). While I would finally score both my first buck and doe that year, I'm not sure how many more years I would have attempted it had I continued to be unsuccessful.
This past fall I was with a very good friend in Northern Mi grouse and woodcock hunting. My friend "Jim" had his brother-n-law "Tom" with him and I had my dad "Pop" with me on the trip. I had met Tom before on other hunting trips, and knew a little bit about him. A retired doctor, extremely intelligent, and as kind as any man could be. But to a fault, a bit geographically challenged in the woods, with a life long habit of not quite keeping up with the dogs, and wandering off on his own. I knew that on the few trips I had been on with Tom that I had never seen him kill a bird and now that I think about it don't actually think I had seen him fire a gun. Regardless, he absolutely loves getting out and marching the miles through the woods with the rest of us. Now what I didn't know until this trip, is that in all the years he had been going grouse and woodcock hunting, he actually had not ever killed one of those birds. I'm not quite sure what that exact number of years is, but it was significant.
One morning on this trip this past fall we had hunted a familiar cover that we knew from years prior. The first part of the mornings walk had not been fruitful just as many walks in the grouse woods can sometimes be. We had left the cover and were regrouping in the 2 track to the south of the cut. After everyone caught up we entered a mature pine thicket south of the 2 track. Not far into the woods Tessi's collar started calling that welcome sound of point mode through the dense northern woods ahead of us 50 or 60 yards. (Tessi was Jim's extraordinary liver and white Brittany - a proven grouse dog) We all made our way through the grousetangled mess, towards Tessi. I was flanking the left edge of our line, while Pop and Tom were in the middle. I was the first to arrive at the dog, and just held my ready waiting for the rest of the cavalry. Soon after Pop and Tom arrived as well with Jim leading their way. Everyone readied as Jim walked out front to the dog. Tessi had not moved since locating the presence of bird sent on the ground, and still stood steady as he worked the area around her. All the sudden a brown feathered rocket headed for the sky as the leaves came to life. I had no shot, but the bird passed through a clearing in the sky in front of Tom and Pop. Tom squeezed off two rounds from his O/U Caesar Guerini. Feathers exploded from the bird and it came crashing down. Pop immediately shouted "GREAT SHOT TOM!" As Tessi quickly located, and returned it to Jim who passed it over to Tom. A WOODCOCK! (Tom exclaimed) He was grinning from ear to ear as Jim handed him his prize. You can see the excitement on his face in the pictures we captured shortly after that moment below.
Later that day is when I became fully aware that I had just witnessed (a man who had hunted this bird a really long time make contact for the very first time). As we went on that day I couldn't help but ask myself if I love hunting that much. You know, enough to spend years trying without success. That afternoon I spent a lot of time thinking about it, and even more over the last 9 months deciding to write about it. It's taken me back to those first 8 years as an immature dear hunter. I remember It seemed like an eternity not getting a deer when all my friends were getting their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd deer. Some of them even got Big deer that they had mounted and are probably still on their walls today. At times I was green with envy if I'm really being honest about it. But after witnessing this, it all came into perspective for me.
That's when I remembered what Pop had said to me as kid. (Probably when I was pouting after every unsuccessful hunt) "Matt its not always about killing something, its about just getting to go." I don't know that I ever fully learned that lesson until now. You see, he's right its never about success or failure. We are not hunting out of necessity. No one is going to starve if we come home empty handed. We're hunting to enjoy the time together as friends, and to enjoy the time with our dogs. To escape our work realities, or to just get away and reset. Its about life experiences that we share with others, and our connection with nature. I matured a lot as a hunter on this trip, and as for our friend Tom he may or may not kill another woodcock or even a grouse on a great day, but regardless he has a lifetime of memories from his trips already, and I'll never forget his excitement from that day.
It really is just about "the love of the hunt".
Tom with his prize! (you can see the excitement)
Pop, Tom, Tessi, and Jim - showing off his bird
Pop, me, and Tom with a grouse I shot over Tessi on the same trip
Pop, me, and Tom with a grouse I shot over Tessi on the same trip
Friday, February 23, 2018
American Epidemic - What are we waiting for?
Six years ago (shortly after the Sandy Hook tragedy) I went in and met with the Principle of my children's school and expressed my concern with our children's safety. The meeting was a lot of shared concerns at the time but at no fault of hers has led to no action. Still today 6 six years later what we have learned in preparation of these tragedy's has materialized into nothing more than a daily prayer, and constant worry for their safety. I understand there are countless different opinions, beliefs, and worries about how to handle this situation, and while I share some of my own I am willing to lay them aside to focus on what will truly make a difference in the safety of our children. In a time of so much divisiveness, its imperative that we all lay down our personal agendas to find a solution to this epidemic. So just for a few minutes lets forget about political affiliation, religion, or what we personally want and focus on what will make our kids safe, immediately, and then in the long term.
To do this lets explore the truths of the situation -
1. Evil exists in the world - It always has, and always will. Evil dates back as far as history itself, no matter what your measure of history is. So its safe to say that nothing is going to suddenly remove evil from the world.
2. Some people - no matter what the 2nd amendment says should never have a fire arm. Gun lover or not, myself and every other person in the world can agree on this point. There are just some people that are either mentally incapable of managing the responsibilities of possessing a fire arm, or simply fall into the category of my first point and are to the core evil. (Perhaps its my shallow personality but I see no difference, except in the extreme situation of the mentally handicapped.)
3. To much loss of life has already occurred not to do something.
4. Society rarely reverses course. As a country we've unarguably been on a course away from religion and the belief that we answer to a higher power. So regardless of personal belief as a country we're not going to suddenly start to focus on morals, and value human life more than we do. in fact, one could argue that it will continue to get worse.
5. Video games are here to stay. Its the parents job to instill right from wrong, not the virtual gaming industry. If we're holding industries to the standard of moral direction, the alcohol, pharmaceutical, and motion picture industries are all in for a major overhaul. (None of which is going to happen)
So accepting these truths, lets talk options -and assume regardless of opinion nothing is off the table and maintain an open mind.
Increased gun control - Imagine for a moment that congress totally revamps the 2nd amendment. Forget about all the opposition to this possibility. Just imagine that all semi auto guns are banned and a process of confiscation is started immediately.
1. How long would it take to collect, confiscate, and destroy 300 million weapons (thats just the ones we know about, there are possibly again that many unknown)
2. Are the criminals that are going to use these weapons going to turn in the ones they have?
3. How many of these weapons will remain in circulation regardless of the efforts made?
4. How do our other laws work regarding possession of illegal items? I started this out saying that we are going to be honest. So, in being honest... They don't. I am not a pot smoker or user of any substance, but I could find and purchase these items today if I wanted to. We have immigration laws that are supposed to prevent illegal aliens from coming into our country, but there are millions of illegals. Making these weapons illegal would only create a new "drug-type" business. Evil people would still get them, just the same as drug users get drugs.
Quite frankly- I would guesstimate that it would take generations before the gun laws would start to limit the number of these situations.
Arming Teachers - this to me is almost as absurd as confiscating guns. If we're being honest most teachers tend to be more liberal in their views in the first place. Obviously not speaking for all! So, its fairly safe to say that its not likely that most are entirely comfortable around guns anyway. Not to mention they didn't sign up to be swat officers, they are teachers. They love our kids, and do a service that most of us as parents are not even capable of doing. (Guilty, I confess) So while in the environment we live in, there is more required than just teaching, this going way to far to expect of them.
So if both of the previous items will not work, how to we immediately and long term protect our children? As many people do, I look to the past to see how situations have been addressed previously to see how to address the future. on 9-11 a group of terrorists hi-jacked airplanes and flew them into buildings killing 3,000+ people. Following that time there was a very uncomfortable period of time where people dealt with the adjustments that were made in our security and infrastructure. However, since then, there has not been another instance of loss of life (in this manor) on american soil. So why is this approach not exactly the same, and please don't use money as the answer. Is our infrastructure which has an approved 1.4T spending budget more important that our schools? We all know the answer to that.
School infrastructure & security reform - The answer is simple, and while funding it may not be with a little sacrifice and common sense we can all prevent this from happening again. We need armed security in our schools immediately. I'm sorry if is uncomfortable but that is the world we live in. There is armed security at the mall, and everyone still goes there to shop. There is armed security at the airport, the bank, and and almost everywhere else you may go. Lets prioritize our teachers and children's safety over turf football fields, and even over smart boards in our classrooms. Hell I would even tolerate a little over crowding in each classroom if it meant that I knew my kids were protected day in and day out. Common sense priorities folks. I am not suggesting that one part time security guard is the answer. I'm saying this is a criminal problem so we need the professionals in our schools protecting our loved ones in the proper ratio. There is formula that someone much smarter than me can come up with, but just guessing I would say in a school of 2,000 its probably 5 or 6.
Reformed gun control legislation - Some of my closest friends and family members will likely shun me for venturing from the far right leaning post that I typically reside on, but I ask for complete open mindedness from my readers, so I am practicing what I am preaching here. I'm in support of more comprehensive back ground checks, and a waiting period. I don't want Psychos to posses a firearm any more than any of our friends that lean the other way! So yes, background check the hell out of them, and if you find a red flag stop the transaction, and investigate it. I'm for waiting periods too. Its like this, regardless of what your intentions are with any type of firearm. I cannot think of any "good" situation where an urgent purchase of a firearm is needed. Here are some examples.. I want to have an AR in my safe in case this country goes to hell in the spur of a moment, okay don't wait until it does. If your not responsible enough to plan ahead on this, then perhaps your not responsible enough to have the firearm. Get your background check, go through your waiting period, and if you pass those, then by all means Mr law abiding citizen enjoy your AR 15 at the range, and sleep well at night with safely locked away in your safe just as I do.
Friends and family - we simply cannot continue to travel down this road of sticking our heads in the sand and consoling the victims families. Bad parents are not suddenly going to be good parents, and evil people are going to continue to be born and do evil things. The 2nd amendment exists not to only protect our right of hunting, but to defend ourselves against a government should we ever need to. Last I checked most of us fall into 1 of 3 categories. You detest the republicans, you detest the democrats, or you detest the president. Regardless of which it is for you personally, you may want to reconsider supporting giving away that right, because it will be one or more of those 3 entities in charge of you when you do. I understand that these changes are uncomfortable, so is standing in an airport security line. But I'll take that over the alternative.
A good friend of mine said last week "If giving my AR-15 back would prevent the loss of 1 life, I would return it in a second with no regrets", and I can say I would do the same, but it truthfully wouldn't make a difference. The next school shooter is already born, probably already has the weapon he will use, and is already preparing to kill innocent people that may be your child, spouse, or friend. Look into the future, and look past guns, will a bomb be the next weapon of choice in an unprotected school or worse?
Security & Infrastructure - What are we waiting for? Tomorrow may be too late.
To do this lets explore the truths of the situation -
1. Evil exists in the world - It always has, and always will. Evil dates back as far as history itself, no matter what your measure of history is. So its safe to say that nothing is going to suddenly remove evil from the world.
2. Some people - no matter what the 2nd amendment says should never have a fire arm. Gun lover or not, myself and every other person in the world can agree on this point. There are just some people that are either mentally incapable of managing the responsibilities of possessing a fire arm, or simply fall into the category of my first point and are to the core evil. (Perhaps its my shallow personality but I see no difference, except in the extreme situation of the mentally handicapped.)
3. To much loss of life has already occurred not to do something.
4. Society rarely reverses course. As a country we've unarguably been on a course away from religion and the belief that we answer to a higher power. So regardless of personal belief as a country we're not going to suddenly start to focus on morals, and value human life more than we do. in fact, one could argue that it will continue to get worse.
5. Video games are here to stay. Its the parents job to instill right from wrong, not the virtual gaming industry. If we're holding industries to the standard of moral direction, the alcohol, pharmaceutical, and motion picture industries are all in for a major overhaul. (None of which is going to happen)
So accepting these truths, lets talk options -and assume regardless of opinion nothing is off the table and maintain an open mind.
Increased gun control - Imagine for a moment that congress totally revamps the 2nd amendment. Forget about all the opposition to this possibility. Just imagine that all semi auto guns are banned and a process of confiscation is started immediately.
1. How long would it take to collect, confiscate, and destroy 300 million weapons (thats just the ones we know about, there are possibly again that many unknown)
2. Are the criminals that are going to use these weapons going to turn in the ones they have?
3. How many of these weapons will remain in circulation regardless of the efforts made?
4. How do our other laws work regarding possession of illegal items? I started this out saying that we are going to be honest. So, in being honest... They don't. I am not a pot smoker or user of any substance, but I could find and purchase these items today if I wanted to. We have immigration laws that are supposed to prevent illegal aliens from coming into our country, but there are millions of illegals. Making these weapons illegal would only create a new "drug-type" business. Evil people would still get them, just the same as drug users get drugs.
Quite frankly- I would guesstimate that it would take generations before the gun laws would start to limit the number of these situations.
Arming Teachers - this to me is almost as absurd as confiscating guns. If we're being honest most teachers tend to be more liberal in their views in the first place. Obviously not speaking for all! So, its fairly safe to say that its not likely that most are entirely comfortable around guns anyway. Not to mention they didn't sign up to be swat officers, they are teachers. They love our kids, and do a service that most of us as parents are not even capable of doing. (Guilty, I confess) So while in the environment we live in, there is more required than just teaching, this going way to far to expect of them.
So if both of the previous items will not work, how to we immediately and long term protect our children? As many people do, I look to the past to see how situations have been addressed previously to see how to address the future. on 9-11 a group of terrorists hi-jacked airplanes and flew them into buildings killing 3,000+ people. Following that time there was a very uncomfortable period of time where people dealt with the adjustments that were made in our security and infrastructure. However, since then, there has not been another instance of loss of life (in this manor) on american soil. So why is this approach not exactly the same, and please don't use money as the answer. Is our infrastructure which has an approved 1.4T spending budget more important that our schools? We all know the answer to that.
School infrastructure & security reform - The answer is simple, and while funding it may not be with a little sacrifice and common sense we can all prevent this from happening again. We need armed security in our schools immediately. I'm sorry if is uncomfortable but that is the world we live in. There is armed security at the mall, and everyone still goes there to shop. There is armed security at the airport, the bank, and and almost everywhere else you may go. Lets prioritize our teachers and children's safety over turf football fields, and even over smart boards in our classrooms. Hell I would even tolerate a little over crowding in each classroom if it meant that I knew my kids were protected day in and day out. Common sense priorities folks. I am not suggesting that one part time security guard is the answer. I'm saying this is a criminal problem so we need the professionals in our schools protecting our loved ones in the proper ratio. There is formula that someone much smarter than me can come up with, but just guessing I would say in a school of 2,000 its probably 5 or 6.
Reformed gun control legislation - Some of my closest friends and family members will likely shun me for venturing from the far right leaning post that I typically reside on, but I ask for complete open mindedness from my readers, so I am practicing what I am preaching here. I'm in support of more comprehensive back ground checks, and a waiting period. I don't want Psychos to posses a firearm any more than any of our friends that lean the other way! So yes, background check the hell out of them, and if you find a red flag stop the transaction, and investigate it. I'm for waiting periods too. Its like this, regardless of what your intentions are with any type of firearm. I cannot think of any "good" situation where an urgent purchase of a firearm is needed. Here are some examples.. I want to have an AR in my safe in case this country goes to hell in the spur of a moment, okay don't wait until it does. If your not responsible enough to plan ahead on this, then perhaps your not responsible enough to have the firearm. Get your background check, go through your waiting period, and if you pass those, then by all means Mr law abiding citizen enjoy your AR 15 at the range, and sleep well at night with safely locked away in your safe just as I do.
Friends and family - we simply cannot continue to travel down this road of sticking our heads in the sand and consoling the victims families. Bad parents are not suddenly going to be good parents, and evil people are going to continue to be born and do evil things. The 2nd amendment exists not to only protect our right of hunting, but to defend ourselves against a government should we ever need to. Last I checked most of us fall into 1 of 3 categories. You detest the republicans, you detest the democrats, or you detest the president. Regardless of which it is for you personally, you may want to reconsider supporting giving away that right, because it will be one or more of those 3 entities in charge of you when you do. I understand that these changes are uncomfortable, so is standing in an airport security line. But I'll take that over the alternative.
A good friend of mine said last week "If giving my AR-15 back would prevent the loss of 1 life, I would return it in a second with no regrets", and I can say I would do the same, but it truthfully wouldn't make a difference. The next school shooter is already born, probably already has the weapon he will use, and is already preparing to kill innocent people that may be your child, spouse, or friend. Look into the future, and look past guns, will a bomb be the next weapon of choice in an unprotected school or worse?
Security & Infrastructure - What are we waiting for? Tomorrow may be too late.
Monday, November 13, 2017
The Final Chapter - Alder 2017
In the last week of the season we traveled to Graham for the final regular season game of this senior year. This was a memorable game but only because it was the most miserable game I have ever sat through. (36-38 degrees, constant driving rain, and wind) Most of the starters would only see the field for the first 1/2 of this cold, slippery, contest. Alder took care of business in the one sided mess. Stacy and I joked about leaving early but never did hoping maybe he would see the field again. After the game, Nolan said "I can't believe you guys stayed for all of that." Someday you'll understand, bud.
So we advanced onto the Playoffs and ended up heading to Clinton Massie for our first round contest......
Friday November 3rd, It was perfect football weather. We arrived in our seats early as we always do. The Alder defense played well enough to win, holding the Massie Falcons who were averaging 47 points per game, to a season low of 17. In the first 1/2 we had several opportunities to capitalize on Massie mistakes, but our offense could not find its stride. Trailing 7-0 at half time, was a fairly good place to be in as we got the ball to start the 2nd 1/2. Alder came out and got points tying the game at 7's. The defense stayed strong and held Massie to 3 on their next possession. Trailing 10-7 the Alder offense stalled again, and could not find the way to the end zone.
We fell in this physical contest 17-7 to a very good, and very physical Massie team.
For Nolan there were a couple pretty memorable things from this game and the week leading up to it. This week he was named CBC (Central Buckeye Conference) defensive player of the year, won the CBC "sack" title, and was named first team all CBC. Thus accomplishing and exceeding a goal he had set at the onset of the season as 1st team all CBC. Additionally, since then, he's been named All district Defensive player of the year. He says the all CBC award means more because it comes from the coaches you play against. Next is that he played at a high level in this contest. I don't have any tackle numbers, and he did not have any sacks against this run first team, but he impacted the game every snap in a positive way just as he did all year. One play specifically stands out.. Late in the 4th quarter, I saw Preston roll out wide to the right side of the field, and then turn and throw the ball backwards across the field. All the sudden it dawned on me, this was the tackle throw back play Nolan had been talking about for the last 2 years. He caught the ball and advanced forwarded. He didn't take it to the house for the score, but he did pick up about 5-6 yards on the play. He was quite an offensive player when he was a young, but the days of catching passes and scoring touchdowns had long since passed. But on this night in his final game, he got called on to catch one more pass. Stacy LOST her mind!!! Finally with about 1:30 on the clock, I saw him come to the side line limping badly. Totally out of character for him, I knew there was reason for concern. We've since learned that he has a least partially torn his MCL bringing his fantastic senior season to an end just 1:30 sooner than it had too.
We were all pretty emotional after the game, sad for the seasons end and really concerned about his knee. I ran all the way around the fence surrounding the Massie football field to catch up with him before going into the locker room. I gave him one final hug in football pads, and watched him hobble on in. While we were waiting for him to come back out, we got one of the best complements we've ever gotten from any coach. Coach Kyle stopped Stacy and I and told us that Nolan was the most fierce competitor he had ever coached and that he knew no matter what Nolan did in life he would be hugely successful because of it. He noted that it was a reflection of the parenting that we had given him. What an amazing thing to hear someone say about your child, very humbling.
So with all of this done and written, this is the final chapter of Nolan's senior season football blog. Your road to recovery is ahead of you, but it will only be a speed bump in your road of goals and aspirations. Take everything you have learned being part of this team the last 4 years, and all the other teams before that and apply them to everything you do. Should you follow through and enlist, the US Navy will be lucky to have you, and your mom, me, our family, and the rest of the citizens of this great country will all be safer for having you and your new teams protecting us in the years to come. Never lose that relentless drive that coach Kyle sees in you, but above all son, no matter what it is, or where you are, don't ever give up.
We love you and we are as proud as ant two parents can be.
Dad
That's #52 with the ball!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Week 9 - Senior Night
Fall 2009- I looked out across the field from the sideline and noticed Justin Hunt was under center, and our QB Bryan Blacka was spread out wide right. (What in the world is going on) Jim and I were losing our minds in disbelief as the last few seconds ticked off the clock with us trailing West Jeff White by less than a score. Just then with only seconds left, Antonio Valero snapped the ball and Justin dropped back to pass. He launched the prettiest pass that i had seen in all the years of junior football. Deep over the middle, It felt as if the ball was in the air for an eternity when Bryan reached up and snatched it down, he beat the one lone defender and trotted into the in zone for the win over West Jeff.
On this night as I walked into Volunteer field, memories from years past like this one rushed over me. I looked around and saw all these young men that we have parented, coached, disciplined when needed, cheered for, and now we are on the verge of sending into the world of adulthood. My chest swells with pride for all of them, for what we have all worked together to instill in them, but tonight my heart could barely take it.
I arrived at my seat earlier than normal, 5:37 for the 7:00 kick off. I took note of the tempature it was a warm & dry 75 degrees with a slight wind out of the south. I sat silently there in a moment of solitude taking in the sounds and smells, but had to quickly return to the present. Stacy called for me to come down to the field to line up for senior announcements. Don't forget your sunglasses, I reminded myself, as I reached back to grab them (these would be must tonight). We lined up with the other senior parents, and I think we were all feeling the same thing. Excited for the game to start, but hanging onto every moment, and just trying to slow down the eminent, fast approaching, end of this season.
Announcements started and one by one the fall athletes of this senior class marched accross the field. I listened to the hopes and dreams that the kids had written about themselves, and their plans for their futures. It was exciting to hear the big aspirations these kids have. There are future doctors, businessmen and women, a welder, a nurse, and the list went on and on. They really are the future of this country, and while I cant say that I feel great about their generation as a whole, I can say I feel exceptionally good about this this group of of kids. Nolan joined us, just before the football players started their part of the announcements. It was exciting to get to stand next to him, and talk to him on the field. He is not a kid that will typically sit back and let you do things for him, but he let me carry his helmet accross the field, which I thought was kind of neat.
"Nolan Larison, accompied by his mom and Dad Matt and Stacy Larison" - That was the last thing I heard... We headed accross the field, stopping only to smile for some pictures. I'm not sure why I didn't hear the rest of his senior announcement (i tuned it out perhaps) but I didn't need to hear it anyway. I had already heard and read it. I've been hearing it since he was in the 6th grade, and he's been preparing us for it since then as well. He's inlisting in the Navy, and pursing his dream of becoming special forces. We all know very few men are truly capable of making it, but I'd bet everything I have on him, he'll make it. Just like so many of these kids will accomplish their dreams as well. They just have to be brave enough to believe they can do it, and never quit. When we got to the other side we shook hands with the coaches, and we got to see a glimpse of the connection that Nolan has with several of the coaches. Regardless of whether I like everycall or decision thats made, I am truly thankful for the time, attention, and dedication they have all poured into him and all the others as well. They have made him a better person, and a great team mate. Finally, all the dads got stand with all of our senior sons on the hash mark for the coin toss. I could feel the excitement, from the boys as game time got closer. After the coin toss, I gave him this parting advice. "No plays off Kid, Take no prisoners. Love Ya". On the way off the field, got a hug from Sully, and Drew and I couldn't look back. Just had to push the glasses up a little tighter to my face and march on back to my seat.
The boys in black got it done 35-21 tonight, and secured a birth in the playoffs. The offensive line, paved the way for Jamie who fought hard for yards as he always does. Nolan took the lead in the CBC for sacks, capturing the QB on 2 separate occasions. One of my favorite plays of the season occurred in this game. Early in the 4th quarter, with the score knotted up at 21's Shawnee had the ball and and took off on an outside run opposite of Nolans side. A gang of Alder tacklers, had met the running back and his support staff of linemen. Bryan Blacka got a hand on the ball and was attempting to work it loose before the refs whistled it dead. When all the sudden #52 comes blazing a trail accross the field, (from the opposite side) and blows the pile apart like a stick of dynamite. Bodies went all different directions, and so did the ball. Blacka quickly scooped it up and took it to the house for the score. Simply an awesome hustle play by Nolan, and smart play by Bryan.
Stacy and I couldn't be more proud of this senior class, and the leadership they have displayed this season. Nolan, I wrote you letter at the beginning of this season where I gave you some advice for this year about leadership, and leaving it all on the field to make sure you had no regrets when it ends. Its obvious that you took it, and took it to heart. I am so proud to be your dad, and I'll only be even more proud as you pursue your dreams in your next phase of life.
Well the boys extended their season just a little further with their performance with this win, and all of us parents are excited for each one that we get. Nice job boys, keep it going....
Next up Week 10 - Graham Local
Photo credit Bill Morgan
First sack of the night!
2nd Sack of th night!
Post sack celebration!
O-Line! (Look pretty pround of themselves!)
Seniors with Coach Glass (his first 4 year class of players)
Waiting to walk accross the field
Taking the walk...
Proud Momma with her boy
Proud dad - Sporting my new favorite sweatshirt
On this night as I walked into Volunteer field, memories from years past like this one rushed over me. I looked around and saw all these young men that we have parented, coached, disciplined when needed, cheered for, and now we are on the verge of sending into the world of adulthood. My chest swells with pride for all of them, for what we have all worked together to instill in them, but tonight my heart could barely take it.
I arrived at my seat earlier than normal, 5:37 for the 7:00 kick off. I took note of the tempature it was a warm & dry 75 degrees with a slight wind out of the south. I sat silently there in a moment of solitude taking in the sounds and smells, but had to quickly return to the present. Stacy called for me to come down to the field to line up for senior announcements. Don't forget your sunglasses, I reminded myself, as I reached back to grab them (these would be must tonight). We lined up with the other senior parents, and I think we were all feeling the same thing. Excited for the game to start, but hanging onto every moment, and just trying to slow down the eminent, fast approaching, end of this season.
Announcements started and one by one the fall athletes of this senior class marched accross the field. I listened to the hopes and dreams that the kids had written about themselves, and their plans for their futures. It was exciting to hear the big aspirations these kids have. There are future doctors, businessmen and women, a welder, a nurse, and the list went on and on. They really are the future of this country, and while I cant say that I feel great about their generation as a whole, I can say I feel exceptionally good about this this group of of kids. Nolan joined us, just before the football players started their part of the announcements. It was exciting to get to stand next to him, and talk to him on the field. He is not a kid that will typically sit back and let you do things for him, but he let me carry his helmet accross the field, which I thought was kind of neat.
"Nolan Larison, accompied by his mom and Dad Matt and Stacy Larison" - That was the last thing I heard... We headed accross the field, stopping only to smile for some pictures. I'm not sure why I didn't hear the rest of his senior announcement (i tuned it out perhaps) but I didn't need to hear it anyway. I had already heard and read it. I've been hearing it since he was in the 6th grade, and he's been preparing us for it since then as well. He's inlisting in the Navy, and pursing his dream of becoming special forces. We all know very few men are truly capable of making it, but I'd bet everything I have on him, he'll make it. Just like so many of these kids will accomplish their dreams as well. They just have to be brave enough to believe they can do it, and never quit. When we got to the other side we shook hands with the coaches, and we got to see a glimpse of the connection that Nolan has with several of the coaches. Regardless of whether I like everycall or decision thats made, I am truly thankful for the time, attention, and dedication they have all poured into him and all the others as well. They have made him a better person, and a great team mate. Finally, all the dads got stand with all of our senior sons on the hash mark for the coin toss. I could feel the excitement, from the boys as game time got closer. After the coin toss, I gave him this parting advice. "No plays off Kid, Take no prisoners. Love Ya". On the way off the field, got a hug from Sully, and Drew and I couldn't look back. Just had to push the glasses up a little tighter to my face and march on back to my seat.
The boys in black got it done 35-21 tonight, and secured a birth in the playoffs. The offensive line, paved the way for Jamie who fought hard for yards as he always does. Nolan took the lead in the CBC for sacks, capturing the QB on 2 separate occasions. One of my favorite plays of the season occurred in this game. Early in the 4th quarter, with the score knotted up at 21's Shawnee had the ball and and took off on an outside run opposite of Nolans side. A gang of Alder tacklers, had met the running back and his support staff of linemen. Bryan Blacka got a hand on the ball and was attempting to work it loose before the refs whistled it dead. When all the sudden #52 comes blazing a trail accross the field, (from the opposite side) and blows the pile apart like a stick of dynamite. Bodies went all different directions, and so did the ball. Blacka quickly scooped it up and took it to the house for the score. Simply an awesome hustle play by Nolan, and smart play by Bryan.
Stacy and I couldn't be more proud of this senior class, and the leadership they have displayed this season. Nolan, I wrote you letter at the beginning of this season where I gave you some advice for this year about leadership, and leaving it all on the field to make sure you had no regrets when it ends. Its obvious that you took it, and took it to heart. I am so proud to be your dad, and I'll only be even more proud as you pursue your dreams in your next phase of life.
Well the boys extended their season just a little further with their performance with this win, and all of us parents are excited for each one that we get. Nice job boys, keep it going....
Next up Week 10 - Graham Local
Photo credit Bill Morgan
First sack of the night!
2nd Sack of th night!
Post sack celebration!
O-Line! (Look pretty pround of themselves!)
Seniors with Coach Glass (his first 4 year class of players)
Waiting to walk accross the field
Taking the walk...
Proud Momma with her boy
Proud dad - Sporting my new favorite sweatshirt
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Waterfowl 2017 - Hunting season is here
If you follow my blog you might remember last years post about youth
waterfowl season. "Dads, Donuts, and Ducks". Well this year I didn't
have to make up for any big parenting fail, but we still went out and
had a great hunt.
We rose well before the roosters on Saturday morning, and quickly made
our way to our favorite central Ohio swamp. (I'd tell you where but, I'd
have to kill ya). As it turned out, Pop was in town from Nolans
game the night before, so he tagged along to watch so Owen had a nice
support staff for his early morning duck hunt. We found our way in the
dark, and quickly settled into a dead fall (some beavers handy work) in
the flooded timber better than a full hour before daylight. Not long
after, another flashlight made its way into the swamp with us. I flashed
my light in their direction, thinking they would make a turn one way or
the other and avoid us, but instead they came directly our way. Upon
introductions, we agreed that since there were only 2 actual hunters in
the group (Owen and his new friend Hunter) it would best if we just all
sat together. (It's a pretty small swamp)
The action started fast for Owen and his new buddy at first shooting
light. It wasn't long and wood ducks were cruising bye, Mallards were
flying over checking out our decoys, and a group of Teal were performing
aerial maneuvers that would remind you of the Blue Angles. About that
time a couple teal dive bombed our decoys. As they approached the water,
they banked a hard right and curved left to right in front of us. Owen
quickly swung the gun, touched off the round, and followed through with
his shot. I saw the Miniature F-14 splash down into the swamp lifeless.
Nice shot buddy! (He has officially shot one more teal than I have now)
haha
A little while later he knocked down a immature drake mallard flying
high overhead. Like any good bird dog, I headed out for the retrieve. As
I made my toward the middle of the lake, the water got deeper and
deeper. I was walking along carefully as the water climbed to about 3
inches below the top of my waders. I was about 20 feet from the duck,
when I stepped in a hole that sent me all the way under water. My waders
filled completely with water, and I was swimming with all I had to get
back to an area i could reach. Well after several more attempts all
resulting in swimming back to safety, I finally just swam on out to the
duck. Fought my way back to shore and stripped down to empty the water
out of my waders. When I go back to Owen, he was a little shook up from
watching me fight the deep water in my waders, and I was just a little
more that tired....
Our weekend ended up with a delicious Sunday afternoon snack of Mallard
Duck, and Green wing teal. And yet another memory that Owen, Pop, and I
will never forget....
Early morning buds
Owen and his Teal
Owens and his new buddy
Owen and Pop
A good day
A couple weeks later, the official waterfowl season came in for the rest of us "older folks" that don't get to enjoy the early season youth hunting. I met my good friend Mat Schmalz at another "undisclosed" central Ohio swamp for an early morning duck hunt. We had a great time, and got to do a little shooting. On the day I scored a nice Drake Woodie, and a nice 8 point buck skeleton in tact, while he scored a Drake woodie, and a Northern Shovler (A fairly uncommon find). After I shot my duck, I went into the water for the retrieve. This particular swamp has a very "mucky" bottom, so i was taking my time being careful. After I got the Duck I was heading back to shore, and my boot got stuck in the muck and my foot came out of my wader boot. I fought it for a few seconds, before I landed firmly on my back side (in the muck). Unable to get up without rolling over into it, I just sat stil slowly sinking further, and further. Shortly before the water level reached the top of my waders, Matt showed up to give me helping hand getting back up. I willingly offered to let him take a picture, but like any good friend he declined. I'm afraid I'm starting to see a pattern with me hunting in water!
Sure hope the weather stays warm enough to keep the water from freezing, so hopefully we can all get out again... Hope you have enjoyed hearing about our early season duck hunting in Ohio.
Matt
My day's harvest
Matt with his Drake Woodie and Northern Shovler!
Week 8 Vs.Tecumseh
The Pioneers battled through yet another gut check last Friday against the Tecumseh Arrows. It was a see-saw battle of trading score for score each quarter with the Pioneers edging them out with 2 scores in the 4th to their one. The final score ended up 35-28 to keep the pioneers playoff hopes alive.
Tecumseh lost the toss and the pioneers deferred their possession until the 2nd 1/2. The Pioneer defense started out looking pretty strong, and Nolan was on fire to start. He had 3 early tackles, and was looking like he was going to have a fantastic game. Then on the next play, he had wrapped up the running back for another tackle when he came under friendly fire and an Alder helmet coming in on the assist landed right on his left elbow. Over the years of watching him play, I've never seen him take himself out of a game, but almost immeadiately he got up and headed for the sideline with his left arm hanging loosely. I saw him head straight for the trainer and Dr Adams met them there. After quite a bit of a examination, the trainers started taping him up with KT and medical tape. A few snaps later he was back in on the offensive side of the ball. The next possession after that kid was back on field every snap.
At this point we were pretty concerned, as we sit back watching him play with only full use of 1 arm. When 1/2 time came I went down and spoke to Dr Adams, and coach Glick. Dr Adams assured me that his bone structure was totally fine and that he had possibly slightly torn his bicep and strained his tendon. I ask coach Glick if he was "okay". Coach Glick smiled at me and said "No, but it's Nolan, so yeah he's fine." The kid came out in the 2nd half and was nearly an unstoppable force. The Arrows attempted to run away from him most of the game but he still finished with double digit tackles and a sack.
As a father, it really has been easy to be prideful about how tough he is and how effective he has been this year. Its been a lot of fun... But as a parent, it's been really difficult to see him get hurt this season, sacrifice his body for his teammates and continue to play through it. Just today I ask him how his arm was feeling and he said, I'm fine, I'll be good by Friday. His typical response.... After the game, I met him at the locker room and said this. "I love you man, you are seriously the toughest kid I know."
Well anther week has gone by and these guys have proven again and again, they can win when the chips are down or the game is on the line. This really could be a great playoff run with the way these guys play under pressure. A few short weeks will tell.
Next up Springfield Shawnee - Lets get it on! (Not sure we're ready for this but its senior night)
Getting a pep talk pre kick off
Getting worked on in the first quarter
Final Check - get back in there kid! (Do it with one arm!)
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