Colorado Coach Diary Day 77

The press is on regarding myself deciding on taking another job. My mentors have all stated that many coaching jobs in established programs will always be there. Uprooting after 7 months of Colorado living is unsettling to myself. The programs keep calling and electronically contacting me with the ante rising with each phone call or email. It all appears that winning the Colorado 5A High School Championship is a big deal. Overcoming Denver clubs with established successful legacy programs was impressive. Athletic magazines, social media, and chatter makes it appear I have established a new atomic bomb in American football. The 2 QB pro-set and wishbone attack with 2 qualified QBs in the backfield has caught the sports media buzz. I do not feel there has been anything similar since the Arkansas high school football coach that never punted was the chatter. Since it is QBs, the sports whirring is louder because it is the QB position. Nothing has arisen in QB play since spiking the football by Dan Marino in the 1980s to stop the clock (though technically this is intentional grounding – allowed). The platoon QB, dual threat QB, and certain throws like “back shoulder” have been around for years (Marino also perfected this QB pass). Teams are asking a myriad of questions from QB injury risk to running plays designed for the dual threat QBs. I respond that versatility is what makes an offense dynamic. The “carpet-bombing” attack is designed to confuse defenses and succumb to a simple running play up the gut for 5 yards. Defenses are so worrying about gadget plays that simple plays and blocking schemes become easier. 

Smitty maintains that I need to monetize the 2 QB pro-set. I love the idea of making some extra cash; but feel I would have more stability by not having a podcast, book, or other media remuneration by just simply coaching for what I am worth on the open market. Most probably another coaching job involves a move, new friends for the kids, and leaving behind a romance. My life coach always says go with what feels right and good. There is no hurry with relationships; they just happen. I like that advice. The partner in the relationship may help guide myself on my coaching life’s journey. I like that additionally. I need to prepare for tomorrow’s classes with some of the book reports on famous authors. I cannot dwell on the ultimate coaching opportunity. 

I tucked the kids into Harry Potter series. They loved these books and want more. The stories are tremendous about fantasy and the wizard Harry Potter. Harry Potter is a real hero with my kids due to bravery, loyalty, and compassion. There are endless fun exciting stores. My three boys are asleep before I am done. We are a real family. And despite what has occurred, we are surviving and thriving. I do not envision my three boys ever wandering away from myself or each other. The family attachment is forever tight. I am blessed and fortunate. Good night. 

A student had a seizure in class today and required CPR. Thankfully, I have maintained my Basic Life Support every 2 years training. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed by myself and students with staff assisting from nearby classrooms. It was tenuous regarding a success. My student was a female cheerleader who had worked immensely in our class and wanted to attend Stanford University. She was dazed when we finally lifted her onto the ambulance to transport her to St. Francis InterQuest in Colorado Springs. I was hopeful that there was no permanent damage. She will spend the evening; and hopefully be back in class in a couple days. I visited her at the hospital that evening after basketball practice; and many students and family were present. We discussed everything from learning English in our class to the football team. I spent a few minutes wishing her well; and that she could take her time finishing the week’s projects. Our student had already finished today’s lesson; and was working on tomorrow’s lesson in fundamental English – studying sentence structure. My students and families are excited about our class; and feel this is a jump start for their careers. I walked away down the hospital hallways smiling; not crying because I have accomplished my mission of excellent instruction in English and Literature.

Smitty arrived for some college basketball on television with a couple of beers after the hospital visit. We discussed some rule changes that were needed including: 1) Enlarging the floor with four more feet under the basket and extension laterally to allow some room for 3-pointers, 2) removing the inner circle where contact is awarded to the offense – disallowing defense to be played appropriately, 3) No replays – unable to discern who touched the ball last = a jump ball, 4) 6 fouls per player – so a player does not sit with 2 early fouls, 5) Incidental contact that does not affect the play (pass, dribble, or shooting) be a no-call. Many layups are brush or anticipatory fouls historically called which do not affect the shot. 6) No contesting the referees call in any league – live with the call, 7) 8 seconds to cross the mid-court line in all leagues, 8) one time-out the last minute to finish the game. 

Smitty and I left after a couple beers thinking we could restructure the game of basketball. Generally, the better team wins; and I am quite satisfied with or without our rule changes. The kids keep calling and have not fallen asleep after a big day for the entire family. We are still reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. I love wizardry. 

My arrival is school was met by the superintendent and principal or Colorado Sports Academy High School. The student in the hospital with the seizure has a large malignant brain tumor. I nearly cried discovering how cruel life can become. Our class was subdued today as everyone in the class, cheer squad, and school is crying or downcast. I nearly cried addressing all the students as questions were raised regarding religion, medical diagnosis, and how we can collectively assist our fellow star student and cheerleader. I replied that much of what is discussed is in God’s and the medical community’s hands. We can support her with visits, positives, and make her feel she is not alone in her medical fight against cancer. I mentioned that I had a prior similar bad outcome with my wife, Janae, dying from unexpected breast cancer. My situation and experience were difficult dealing with three young children and their mom advancing to heaven early. I will support her family and our student with anything she needs. This will be our class’s mission – to assist where needed. We planned a Go Fund Me account, daily positive social media narratives (in proper English), and daily visits would be planned within medical constraints. She will undergo surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy over the next 2 months. Prayers daily outside of school will occur. The class was considerably more positive as we discussed the disease and our student. We all want a positive outcome. 

The frosh basketball squad is advancing with our season tethering on late game free throws. I instructed the “Gather” technique to advance our percentage as the best in Colorado High School. We are missing 1-2 free throws per game. Advancements beyond this will include plain fundamentals of rebounding, passing, dribbling, execution of plays, ball screens, and immense full court pressure defense. All frosh are participating on teams, playing indoor and outdoor constant scrimmages, and parents have assisted where needed. The developmental squads are exactly what I wanted; and the school and other schools are attempting to recruit myself. I am still dealing with college and pro NFL positions; but need to decide to stay or grab a lucrative position elsewhere. I am not certain with so much occurring of where to land next year. There are windows of opportunities; and many feel I would be a fool to look the opposite way at many of these opportunities. I stare at my kids as they play with neighbor kids in our backyard and others property. I could not be happier to have them enjoy the play they have experienced. They potentially could obtain that anywhere; but I am living Janae’s dream of a Colorado upbringing for our children. I am fortunate to have options and that my teaching and coaching is proceeding well. Few would not entertain a move that would provide family security forever. The kids arrived back in the house today for some late evening ice cream and Harry Potter bedtime stories. These Harry Potter book series are wonderful for kids. I will sleep tonight. 

A letter arrived on my desk today at home from Alison Maples DO (our former pediatrician). She states Alison is dying from end stage leukemia unresponsive to bone marrow transplants and chemotherapy. The family and Alison have elected hospice care and it is hours to days before Alison is in heaven. Alison’s request included only her immediate family have contact with her. She elected to stay at the Mayo Clinic Hospice because the care was wonderful. I cried and felt how unfortunate life is for many people. Life certainly has its bumps and bruises; and is unpredictable. The entire situation is quite sorrowful regarding Dr. Maples and how she left knowing that there was something seriously wrong with her body and metabolism. I feel she was embarrassed and shocked simultaneously. I could have married this woman because she was a great person and physician. The 3 kids did not bother her; and Alison would have welcomed the kids into her own sphere. Most probably Alison was infertile from her leukemia treatments of radiation, immune, and chemotherapy. She did not mention if she saved eggs before her treatment; but she probably salvaged eggs as most patients do before major surgery or intense medical treatment. Janae and I both saved our DNA. I do not know if Janae’s eggs were fertilized because she died so quickly. It probably does not matter except the Catholic Church wants all these infertility clinics with frozen embryos at early cell division to be adopted. That would be a large stretch for myself; but again, things happen within families. Our kids will undergo genetic testing at The University of Colorado. 

The frosh basketball team is nearing playoffs within the city. We have maintained good composure and learned an immense amount of fundamental hoops this year. Many players are playing AAU and Denver Nugget youth ball. Obviously, the parents and players want me to coach. The golf team is also asking that I coach while I muse over a myriad of offers from high school, college, and professional football. Honestly, I am not certain where to go and what to do. My life coach feels I need to go with what feels good and right. I am not certain if leaving in the middle of an undefeated season of football makes sense. Additionally, the Greenfield Village debutante, Mandy, is serious about a partnership. She is overwhelmingly beautiful and nice. The annulment does not bother me because to a football guy, an annulment is like a typical break-up at any age. The annulment is just not recorded as a divorce – like the breakups we have all experienced. I want something good to happen to make me stay in Colorado – as Janae desired. The offers I am receiving would have many coaches stating I need a new brain if I refused any of these great offers. 

The kids are continuing to perform will in school and preschool. I have been able to make all the birthday parties and other social events. They love having dad present. We talk about guy stuff after the birthday parties and ski outings. It is obvious the kids have adapted to Colorado much easier than I have assimilated. My acclimation is slow compared to my kids’ adaptations. Thus, would my kids adapt in a new setting that guaranteed a life-long financial security scheme? Money is not everything; but it is important. I want something to happen that keeps me here. More pay would help additionally. I think about this all through the day when not teaching or coaching. The kids sense that other jobs and a possible move is in the air. I inform them before the Harry Potter read at night that presently we are staying in Colorado. Perhaps I just need to pray more for guidance. 

Mandy called late last night and we talked for 45 minutes. It was delightful; and we are going to a play at the Littleton theater. We are having dinner afterwards at her house (she loves to chef). That really works because it is not far from our Monument, Colorado home (35 minutes). Mandy sounded quite interested and mentioned the Alison Maples situation – it is repeated throughout Colorado social media on many platforms. We discussed that we dated a few times, never were serious, and her health became an issue quickly with recurrence of leukemia. Mandy felt bad for myself; but I mentioned that I am slowly adapting to life’s bumps and bruises. I am moving on with relationships, planning on teaching and coaching next year, and my focus was my three boys. She was quite happy that I had my priorities correct. She discussed her job dealing with the complexities of NFL and some college level teams accounting. The NFL has salary cap issues with constraints and unfairness within the system – players on the same team competing for their share of a large amount of free market money. Players deferring salaries is risky because a league may become bankrupt with little left for players owed millions of dollars. The college system is undergoing massive transformation with a swinging gate of money, players, contacts, and coaches. The student athlete for Division I football and basketball players is highly secondary. 

Most collegiate Division I teams must win to survive. Failure to win breeds impediments to future success. The colleges at the highest level of football are professional football – watered down overall. There are massive amounts of money through media, boosters, and endowments that want to maintain winning programs at any cost. Mandy is withing the sphere of accounting and advising on the limitations of NCAA money allotments and outside appropriations. She feels despite everyone down on portals and NIL (Name/Image/Likeness), there will be widespread growth of college football. The competition is ramped beyond reason; but fans are immersed because football is our sports culture modernly. 

Finally, Mandy discussed the kids and wanted to do some things with our kids. That highlighted me beyond sense because many women though interested in myself would consider the kids as “baggage.” Mandy wanted to know details of my kids’ friends, schools, teachers, and social adaptations to Colorado. I freely discussed their kids wanted a new mom; and probably should not have said that statement. There was quiet on the other end of the phone when I said that statement; but it could not be retracted because it was true. I jumped far too early; and it is so stupid of me. I told Mandy that I said that in jest; but she said that was probably true and kids generally spill their emotions. I am totally ahead of myself and was somewhat embarrassed; but overall, the discussion was a 10. I need to read them Harry Potter – Mandy loved Harry Potter. 

School has been fabulous for our kids Josh and Jake. Jaiden has a couple years before preschool. The nannies are loving our kids; and the neighborhood is a haven for kids playing together of all ages. Our kids fit nicely within the group and have made friends in the surrounding blocks. After homework, the kids play 4-square, the “Keen Game” from Wisconsin – like hide and seek, whiffle ball, capture the flag, soccer, tetherball, sidewalk chalk, and pickle ball on a neighbor’s court. The kids argue, pick sides, perform small trash talk, and promote teamwork. I sit on our back patio and watch the joy my kids expel in good and bad weather. I generally do not bring them in until one of the surrounding moms screams for the third time to come home for supper. A neighbor down the street has an old cowbell that she rings when the evening dinner is ready. I want our kids to obtain as much out of life as we did as kids while growing up in Chicago. Many of the niceties of life are simple – such as the late afternoon early evening playtime, performing well on homework and in school, having a puppy (our Spark), and socializing at birthday and ski parties. Today as we wind down the basketball season, I am mulling over coaching opportunities that are fabulous, repeat upgraded offers (some in the millions), and long-term security for our family. I am torn between my simple happiness and peace coming inside of myself and the issue that I would be a business fool not to tackle one of these high paying college or pro coaching jobs. It would be unusual to vault into the professional ranks; but the offer is on my plate. 

Coaching a SEC school in football is a pinnacle of all coaches; and it is an email starred on my computer. I purposefully have taken my time as directed by my life coach. It is early evening and the Spring snow on our back patio is very light and beautiful. I cover the computer while my kids are 2-doors down screaming for attention and fun. I begin to drift off and in walks Mandy with a glass of Sangria wine. I am shocked because I did not invite nor expect the unexpected visit of a now acclaimed girlfriend. I am sitting on our small patio with a coaching whistle, sweats, Chicago Bulls tee-shirt, and dirty socks. My hair is a mess and I probably smell like old sweat after working with the frosh basketball team – participating in drills (which is what all coaches should do). I embrace Mandy as a welcome and she smiles with her brown hair and eyes. She appears a million dollars and smells wonderful. This is a mismatch. She brought supper for the family and a box of Sangria – pouring herself a glass. I asked where did she discover I liked Sangria? Obviously, she performed a complete background check on myself (all girls do this). Mandy said Janae and I were the talk of Chicago enjoying a glass of Sangria on Michigan Avenue after the Illinois football 5A championship win. The evening will be great! 

Mandy and I had time to talk for an hour as the sun set against the Rockies. The unexpected visit and wine were tremendous and signified seriousness. I liked it. When the kids came home; Jake mentioned and asked if this was finally the new mom? I said we are working on that; and he said Dad, I need a yes or no. Mandy and I smiled and packed this into our back pocket for later discussion. After I opposed Janae’s parents Sunday afternoon debutante coming out parties for weeks, I realized they may have been correct. Mandy helped with the dishes, hugged the kids, and read a story from Harry Potter’s wizardry book. This is better than a football win. 

The days keep slowly lengthening as the kids played outside. We have completed a couple spring ski trips to Winter Park and Ski Granby. I now understand Janae’s missing Colorado- because there is nothing close to the activities, mountain weather, and grandeur of Colorado Springs. Mandy and I had a date in a couple days after the nanny agreed to spend some extra time at our house with college homework. I probably need to have her move-in and occupy a bedroom. The kids love the nanny and backup nanny. The date with Mandy was ecstatic. We visited the Will Rogers Shrine (wonderful) and then had supper at the upper Broadmoor 1858 restaurant at the base of Seven Falls. The food was exquisite; and I mentioned it was as delightful as downtown Chicago food (some of the world’s best restaurants). Mandy had never been to Seven Falls; but as a spoiled Denverite, it was taboo to travel south to Colorado Springs. Nothing in Colorado Springs could be as nice as Denver. We laughed about such matters; and I had mentioned that when we initially moved to the front range of Colorado, the traffic was unsettling. The Larkspur Renaissance Festival was ongoing for 2 weeks; and traveling to Denver was impossible. Mandy mentioned that Larkspur was the furthest south any Denver resident would ever travel. Colorado Springs is not considered part of the discussion along the front range. The Springs is in second place. 

Mandy opened about her dreams and wanting to have more children as a gulped more Sangria wine. I can have more children; and my three boys would probably love more offspring in the family. That is a monster commitment from a guy who is on overload already. It is obvious that Mandy respected Janae; and felt Janae knew how to pick husbands. Why me? Mandy stated I was a 10 in looks, alpha guy, loved sports, and had respect with my religion and teaching background. I knew she was scouring the social media platforms. I have not and will not do that with Mandy. I will take her at face value. I do not need internet support for decisions. I am thinking of my life coach Sandy stating go with what feels good. Am I falling in love? 

As the sun set and the night was a touch chilly, a couple interrupted us and asked that I sign their menu for an autograph. It was obvious they were a football couple. After some small talk and some discussion about the 2 QB set, I opened my iPhone and revealed some 2 quarterback plays I have used. I informed him that variations were smothered on the internet. The couple was extremely cordial; and I would enjoy being their friends. Mandy had a nice talk with his wife. The couple then asked if we were married or getting married; and Mandy and myself stared at each other. I did not know what to say; but felt the easy answer was: “working on the relationship.” They smiled and drifted away as Mandy and I smooched. We arrived home to sleepy kids who fell asleep on the couch. We placed them into beds and Mandy parted with a smile. Mandy is helping me out of my funk with resisting relationships and partnerships. It was a good night. I will not sleep; but that is fine. I could be falling in love!

Smitty came over for some football watching and gave me a mouthful of social media about myself and Mandy. We had some discussions about relationships as his employee on and off fling is now over. The issue is that he is her superior – never a good situation. Office romances are tough – but I get how people meet. We are all capable of marrying many people. The alignment of the stars, hormone levels, compatibility, family, money, future, and entering a monogamous relationship for life matter to a high level. There are barriers in every relationship. Smitty asked how Mandy enjoyed and dealt with the kids. I replied it could not have been better; as Mandy read them to sleep, fed them, changed Jaiden’s diapers, and the kids loved her immensely. Smitty felt that was a positive sign. I have a ton on my plate with semester exams, evaluating students’ prose writings, and parent-teacher conferences (which I enjoy). I invite students to attend with their parents so we are all on the same wavelength structurally regarding improvements academically. Few teachers employ this technique; but I find it helpful since one message is sent to the family. The parent – teacher conferences require preparation and time. Obviously Smitty pried into my job offers; and I had not seriously given much thought. I wanted to wait until the school year ended before tackling that proposal – realizing that many would be relinquished. . Smitty and I discussed the issue of a partnership with Mandy and then departing for some remote job (like Baltimore) as an offensive coordinator or QB coach. I said we would cross that bridge if the relationship became more serious. We are just beginning to know one another. This will take time; but it is strongly apparent Mandy is interested in myself as a life-long partner potentially. We have a date this upcoming weekend – meeting between us in Castle Rock. 

The beer and football were great. I love watching football with another footballer. We argue calls, plays, and strategy continuously. I generally think I win; as does my opponent (Smitty). Smitty feels I could outcoach most coaches presently in college and the professional ranks. I replied that was conjecture; and players, money, contracts, injuries, fans, owners, and the overall program legacy had considerable effects on the success of the program. Coaching was a part of football success; but not the entire package. Great coaching is on every winning program. Great coaches can be on lesser programs if not supported by players, management, assistant coaches, trainers, fans, and media. Alignment of many positives must occur for a winning season. I do feel I could coach college or professional football – given the opportunity. I am not certain if I should jump ship. There is a ton on my plate; and I need to finish the school year. 

The phone rings and Dr. Alison Maples sister is on the phone from the Mayo Clinic Hospice. Alison has died; and she will have her body donated to the local medical school anatomy class. I was subdued, cried, and asked if there was anything I could do to help. Her sister remarked that Alison loved me, asked for your prayers, and died peacefully without pain. Her family was present; and a mini celebration of life was held at the bedside as Alison desired. Her ashes went to her sister. I said we would stay in contact because she was so nice and sincere. God Bless Alison Maples DO. 

Our family spent Sunday at the Wolf Lodge in northern Colorado Springs. We enjoyed every water ride and the lazy river. Mandy joined us as we seemed like a real family. The kids automatically feel she is the new mom. We will determine this in time. I have enjoyed Mandy’s companionship. Everyone in our family loves her – as well as Janae’s parents (Herb and Sherry Tompkins). Next week we are invited to a Saturday evening social at the Tompkins in Greenwood Village. The kids are also invited as neighbor kids will be attending. Mandy is highly anticipating the social since she now has an automatic date. I was wrong about the Tompkins and dissuaded myself about their Sunday afternoon socials of meeting neighbors and debutantes. I was blindly hit by an amazing woman (Mandy). I am certain many friends and family in our sphere are anticipating a proposal. I will take my life coach’s advice – if it feels good, then go with it regarding relationships. I will always have grief over Janae. These are her kids. Sad, she cannot enjoy them; but we do not understand many aspects of our earthly existence. God’s plan is not of our making. Life is unpredictable; and I am not surprised when jobs, relationships, or lives falter or rise. I feel that I am becoming happy again. Realistically, I need a mom for these kids; but having another 3-on-3 basketball team is somewhat overwhelming. The give and take of a relationship equate that if I marry Mandy, I must respect her wishes to have a large family along with my kids (blended). I can deal with all this having a strong partner. 

The youth who had the drug issue turned his life around by attending rehabilitation, working to obtain As and Bs in his classes, and progressed in frosh basketball. I discussed the situation with his parents and they were relieved he was able to stay on the hoop team. Few people knew of his drug issue; and since this is a medical issue; federal privacy applies. I cannot discuss his situation medically with anyone excepting his family and the student. Colorado Sports Academy High School performed well because this easily could have been a suicide. I strongly wanted to avoid this by not dismissing him from his peers through sports and socialization. This could be a small bump in a future strong life because our school academically and through sports supported his academic and emotional needs. 

The kids are winding up the ski season. The original ski group with Dr. Maples invited our family to an Arapahoe Basin final ski party. We have an early start, nannies and games for kids not skiing (Jake and Jaiden), and we end skiing at 2 PM with a tailgate in the parking lot. This will be ultimate Colorado; and great socialization for our kids because other young families will be present. Few places on earth have such immaculate ski resorts. Mandy is also skiing; so, we will all have a year-end ski retreat. The snow is great; and more is coming. I applied a hook with the kids – meaning we are skiing if the grades are good (not kind of). The got the message firmly. Colorado is a great place for families. I do love it here. I get what Janae meant about raising kids in Colorado. Good night!