Colorado Coach Diary- Day 39

My day is stuffed with administration and teachers meeting along with preparation for parent – teachers conferences. Colorado Sports Academy High School promotes high achievers in sports and academics. All students must prepare 4 years through sports participation in intramurals, club, or Colorado High School sanctioned sports. The sports go away with declining grades; and students are then on probation. Students attend our high school for both the high level of academics and sports. I have talked to many high school recruits who strongly desire to attend; but have borderline or failing grades. I am not certain that our school is the answer; but strong motivation can overcome some intelligence deficiencies. My English and literature classes focus on the fundamentals; and these fundamental English and literature classes drill the English language into our students’ minds. I want the student to walk out of our classes with high grades from love of English and literature; and accomplishing a high level of reading and communication through speaking and writing. Colorado Sports Academy High School is not remedial. 

Football practice was brisk as we have a playoff game Saturday afternoon against a Denver foe we barely defeated in a prior contest. Our team is readily prepared and we are nursing a few injuries which should be ready. The parents have been quite accommodating; and I have played the entire squad – with many players “stepping up” when needed. The winning comes from selfless play; and all players and coaches agree that winning involves everyone. I can handle a loss because we have been ranked #1 for 3 weeks. I do believe we can win the state title if we play well. The coaches and myself installed a couple plays no team has witnessed prior on film. We have our two quarterbacks in the backfield for runs and passes. Using the shotgun formation, we can side snap the ball to a running back not directly behind center for a RPO (run-pass option). This play will be practiced heavily and used on 5-7 occasions – hoping to catch the opposition off-guard and confusing the defense immensely.

Smitty came over late for an evening beer after I tucked the kids in with another “Goodnight Moon” read. The kids fall asleep quickly after the last page is turned. I love it; but still wish Janae was here to enjoy the bedtime stories. Someday, perhaps I will understand. Smitty and I shared a couple beers and he caught up to me with some social media Colorado front range chatter. There is some talk of myself and Alison Maples DO having a relationship. It then describes the ski parties and fabricates a few other side issues. Modernly, this is expected. Both Dr. Maples and I will both deal with this in our own manner. Smitty was informing me that I may be required to choose one of the two girls; and the 2 professional gals sharing a relationship with me is taboo. I informed him that there was not a formal relationship due to my reluctance to move forward and grief from Janae’s leaving our planet. Smitty was cool and said matters would ultimately fall to my advantage. Our parents never dealt with social media; but in today’s world it is something that you can deal with by ignoring. That is my way of handling any positive or negative internet gossip. Smitty and I fist pumped; and as guys promised to watch some football this coming weekend. Smitty has been a close friend and a blessing.  

We gathered as a family for church on Sunday at St. Francis. Josh entered the Catechism class and I wrestled the other two boys into the pew. Jaiden was crawling under the pew and had a field day meeting fellow parishioners. Church was great but onerous taking young kids. Some of the few acquaintances I have met were encouraging regarding our football team. It is obvious that I am a mini-celebrity because of football. I may be a good coach; but we have been very fortunate with players, parents, and winning close games. As I was climbing into my car after placing seat belts on 3 child car carriers, a fellow student in my English class came running over to my car. We said hello and excitedly she congratulated myself on my engagement to Dr. Maples. I replied that I was not engaged. I asked my student the source of the information. She said it was spread throughout social media this morning. I just stared and said it was untrue and that is just something I will have to confront and deal. The kids were asking what is happening on the way home. I mumbled misinformation and then said somebody said something false about Dad. Josh then asked what he heard about Dr. Maples means she will become our new mom? I said at present we were just friends and nothing more. 

The kids immediately upon returning home had a lunch snack and traversed the neighborhood to play despite bad weather. I was prepared for the early snow along the front range with 3 sleds. Our dog Spark was able to pull Jaiden along slowly; but not much more. Thereafter all the kids came to our house for after play snacks and collectively play video games. The nanny arrived as I said bye to the kids and somewhat grudgingly drove to the ski party at the Broadmoor - invited by Dr. Maples. I met here there and she was grinning and openly said do not sweat the social media. She remarked that none of this would be a “thing” if I was not winning football games against Denver teams. Winning football games in Colorado Springs is not that big of a deal; but beating serious Denver squads grabs everyone’s attention. The party was wonderful with great food and people; and nobody discussed the internet chatter. I gave Dr. Maples a big smooch before we went our separate ways. I am sure when I discuss our relationship with Smitty, he will be consumed by knowing stuff not on the internet about Dr. Maples. We are where we are now; and the past remains the past. I frankly do not care if she robbed 50 banks. Dr. Maples has class and treats me with respect and love. I may be starting to change. Goodnight! 

School work has been increasingly tough with grading papers, administering tests, teacher workshops, and parent – teacher conferences. Most of the parents want to discuss football; so, I must steer them back to academics. There are few academic problems at Colorado Sports Academy High School. Occasionally, we have a student who is not college prep. At this juncture, I talk to the parents and student together and we collectively decide what is best for them. A few schools in the area have a trade school course curriculum; and that is the route that non-academic students should tackle. It is so frustrating to tackle essential college level courses when there is not motivation or a professional desire for college. Our system within high schools for many years did not appreciate the vast differences and needs of students. The amount of reading, writing, and studying required in our classes is immense. Inability to have the learning desire prompts academic failure; and leads to loss of confidence in later life.

Smitty was over for some football watching after our kids went to bed. We discussed some of the preparation for the upcoming championship game after our last late-minute win to get to the finals. The team we are playing at home is far superior in talent and legacy than Colorado Sports Academy High School. The game has been delayed by a week due to a bomb threat that may have involved some of the Denver team’s football players. That will not affect our preparation because we will never know who will line-up until kickoff. Smitty’s recommendation after watching our team’s talent was to continue to use a double blitzing scheme in various schemes. One of the defensive plays had a linebacker and corner blitzing from the opposite sides. We have that as a standard play; but Smitty (who has coached some football in his younger years), felt that lining up a linebacker on the line and dropping him off at the snap into the outside linebacker position – maintaining at least the required 3 on the defensive line – was an old play that needed to be revitalized. After we finished a couple beers I slept on his coaching recommendations. 

Missy Bradford from the Denver paper called and wanted to know my feelings about the championship game being cancelled and Denver football players possibly being suspended. I felt that would make little difference because the opposition was so stocked with great players. Many on their 2nd string would start on our team because of their athletic ability, power, and speed. I could ascertain there was some terseness in her voice; as we have not been together for a month. I am certain she knows of Dr. Alison Maples and myself. We all must deal with life’s bumps and fluid relationships. Ending, she asked if she could watch practice without any recording. I advised her not to attend because players and coaches know she is from Denver; and would be considered a spy. She countered that she was attending our opposition’s practices and had sealed lips. I finally crumbled and allowed her to attend one practice session – thinking this was good to maintain media relationships. 

I have received endless amounts of fan encouragement, new play and scheme recommendations, and have my assistant coaches all wanting to mend our subtle deficiencies to avoid defeat. I am working with everyone; but have my own ideas regarding avoiding turnovers and keeping our team in the game with a chance to win. I know we will not overpower this team; and must use expert timely play calling to gain advantages on offense and defense. I am still thinking of Smitty’s recommendation of a double blitz with linebacker coverage by subbing a linebacker on the defensive line – having him commit at the snap to the 2nd level of defense to cover the outside flat. That would require our best athlete. The confusion with a defensive lineman leaving for the flat and a blitzing linebacker on the outside is intriguing. I will discuss the scheme with my assistant coaches. As I am falling asleep, Dr. Maples calls and wants to attend another ski party Saturday night. I would be her guest at her home. I responded positively as we small-talked about the game being cancelled and moved to the next weekend. My appointment tomorrow morning with Nurse Practitioner and life coach Sally Swift RN will be positive since I am moving forward with a relationship – with all the risks of life’s entanglements, and issues of from having more children to being dumped. I need to move on with my life deal better with the grief over Janae’s death, and perhaps get the kids a new mom – “I think.”

The days leading to the state 5A Football Championship are escalating with excitement and fear amongst the student population, fans, players, cheerleaders, and player parents. I have been hearing things that do not normally occur such as: What happens if we fall behind by 30 points, what if we are blown out, or we are treading in Denver football territory where we do not belong. I am throwing the entire playbook at this Denver squad. They will not have seen some of our wishbone, I formations (with 3 backs), pistol backfield, unbalanced lines or having two QBs in the backfield. If the opposition calls timeout for an adjustment; we win because I will change the play during the timeout. On defense, we are using unbalanced lines, varying blitzes and will have team speed to catch their scrambling QB – forcing the play to the middle of the field. I am strict regarding maintaining coverage on the edges. All linemen will have their hands in the air during pass rushes to blind the opposition QB and force turnovers. If Colorado Sports Academy High School loses, we are going down swinging. Though everyone in Colorado Springs is worried, I faced the very best high school teams in Chicago and outmaneuvered them by planning and executing. Our practices preceding the game’s delay are phenomenal. 

I talked to my life coach and she mentioned that I am transforming, resolving grief, and headed in the correct direction regarding an opposite sex relationship. The life coach feels comfortable that I am resolving the deep-seated guilt, frustration, and severe grief accompanying a spouse loss. She mentioned that I cannot drag this somber mood and anger into the next relationship. We all have many mind clogs that need to be resolved virtually on a never-ending basis. Football is the very least of my worries – though I do not express that to anyone except Smitty. Preparing for a big game is not a new experience for myself; and I perform well knowing what I am facing. I am confident if our team performs well, we will win the game and have an undefeated season. Our players are 110% committed. Many players are discussing playing college football – they love the sport considerably. Thankfully, our team’s school grades have not been an issue with the entire team. 

My kids are performing well for school, pre-school, and with the nanny. This has worked well; and our neighborhood has pitched in with periodic help since our kids have become leaders of the subdivision kids’ play team. The kids play endlessly after supper until bedtime; and these are real fun child games. It is common to have neighborhood late night snacks with popcorn and ice cream before everyone retires. Everyone is smiling; and Janae would be so happy. They still love Goodnight Moon as their favorite book. Goodnight Moon is now memorized with myself. I still do hear progressively from the kids about getting a new mom. Josh says everyone but Jake, Jaiden, and himself has a mom. I said I am working on it as they fall asleep. Football is life; but our family is real life! 

After I gave the nanny instructions, I hurriedly went to our football field for the final championship game. The field was stuffed with fans 2 hours pre-game. Our players were assembled and we had a brief chalkboard meeting before warmups. The team and coaches recommended repeatedly having two QBs in the backfield (equal talent with both having RPO (run-pass options). I said we would use this strategic play depending on the score, prior success, game situation, and what my gut told myself. I was not opposed to running an entire drive with 2 QBs on the field. Understand if we have a hot back that is grinding 8 yards a carry, we will beat that to death until the runner is stopped. I love wearing defenses down until they react with 8 or more players in the defensive box. 

The game remained close until we forced a turnover strip after a crossing pass reception. Our linebacker ran the fumble back putting us in the lead. We unexpectedly on the ensuing kickoff recovered an on-side kick. The 2 QB backfield set produced a monster run for a score; and we never looked back. Our fundamentals were tremendous; and we walked off the field with a perfect 14-0 record. The locker room was ecstatic with joy, sweat, and media. Missy Bradford gave me a kiss that was more than just a congratulations. Honestly, inside I did all this for Janae. My feelings are that I care a ton more for Janae at this moment because she followed me all through the last winning season in Chicago. These two girls chasing my heart are wonderful; but relationships to me are now just different. I cannot describe my feelings; but inside I feel I need a relationship and the kids need a mom. My life coach continues to inform myself to tackle one day at a time – easier said than done. 

After all the hoopla and vigor of winning a state championship, I was the last one to leave the locker room after a party was planned at one of the assistant coach’s homes tomorrow evening. One of our cornerbacks had an extremely sore wrist he did not inform us about since the first quarter. He intercepted a tough pass in the flat in the third quarter. His parents were divorced recently and his dad was not in the state. His mom asked me to examine him; and I said we need an Xray tonight. The player’s mom had a little one at home and I told her I would take care of the injury and bring him home after the Xray and treatment at Penrose Hospital. My nanny was good with staying late because it may be 0200 or so before we get home. I walked into the parking lot and Dr. Maples was there with a big hug and congratulations. She wanted to tag along to the hospital. This is how Janae and I had our first date – taking an injured player to the ER. Alison Maples DO is certainly supportive. She is going to the post-game party tomorrow night - after we finally with the wait and treatment for a fractured wrist - got our cornerback home at 0300. The non-displaced small distal radius fracture should heal over the next 6 months. What a wonderful day!