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! 

The next day after the championship game was tumultuous. We had a preschool party for Jake; and then a birthday party with Josh. I had to get gifts for all these celebrations; so, I went on line to calculate what to bring and where to get stuff. I ended up going to a Super Target and successfully purchased age specific Lego toys that morning. I am running with Jaiden having a diaper rash and crying a ton. Where is Janae when I need her? My thoughts race regarding having “new mom” stuff. I am getting that from all sides – including kids, Janae’s parents, and my teacher and coaching colleagues. People are just trying to be nice; but I truly am skittish regarding a deep committed relationship. Yes, it would be nice to have a woman of the house; but all this comes with immense commitment, time, courtship, weddings, honeymoons, and another family. Perhaps we are all set where we are as a family; and I should not rush into such love and madness and risk a relationship with an assortment of baggage. Janae and our relationship were nothing but love without restraint – I was fortunate and very lucky – after watching good couple relationships turn sour. 

What happens if my fiancé is also ravaged by disease, has a miserable family I need to periodically confront, or is a mental health problem herself that surfaces after marriage? Thereafter, I am then stuck with pills, doctor visits, and endless encounters dealing with controlling psychiatrists and her mind. I think of Smitty – his wife having to be committed to a state hospital – totally uncontrollable – though perhaps no fault of her own. I guess life has its risks and some women will do what they need to do – including concealment – to capture a supporting alpha male. These are my inner thoughts that do not stray and must be written per Janae’s directive. I am enjoying writing the diary. It is my consummate mental health treatment – along with my life coach, NP Sandy Swift. These facts of my life keep me going and not treading water. 

While I am dealing with the drop-offs and pickups at the kids’ parties, Jaiden vomits green tinged fluid. His clothes are a mess; and I need to rush home to change his clothes and clean him. He was so good through all this; and we are strongly bonding. Jaiden even says Mom when I am the dad. While I am driving with my phone on its mount, I am receiving college coach recruiters galore texting, calling, and emailing myself. They are quite cordial, have great offers, and I am fully expecting this barrage – like the coaching offers I received after winning the Illinois football championships. I politely reply no - despite knowing I can name my price. I am not certain I want to enter those upper end coaching channels – because it is never ending. There are name and no-name programs offering considerable perks - from assistant to head coaching positions. I was trained to be a teacher of English, literature, and composition. That is where my interests lie. Coaching is great; and an instructional tool. I do not want desire to chase coaching positions as a never-ending spiraling endeavor. I could establish a web site and promote playbooks; but again, there is banter, blogs, and time with secondary work. 

Smitty came over for some Sunday night football. My day was so busy with the coach and team party -moved to late Sunday afternoon. Dr. Maples attended with me; and we had a great time. Jaiden’s GI disease quieted with some Pepto-Bismol. I could discern that Dr. Maples wants us to be a serious relationship; but I just do not know. I know I cannot fend off a beautiful woman who wants seriousness in the relationship forever. Smitty tells me I either need to break it off and find another pediatrician or go with it.  Smitty and I discussed the successful use of a 2 QB backfield set and how we would blow away college and pro teams with the mass confusion when receiving a side angled snap. The beer from a Springs craft brewery Smitty brought to our house after the kids fell asleep tasted great after an immense suspenseful weekend! 

Monday morning, I was met with many high fives and fist pumps from faculty, students, and administrators. The assistant coaches on the football staff rightfully are receiving offers for head coaching positions; and I suspect I will lose 2-3 coaches who want to enter the coaching carousel market (good for them)! My assistant coaches have earned the respect and integrity amongst Colorado and the national coaching fraternity. Colorado Sports Academy High School won the upper division High School Football Championship without recruiting a single player. Our players attended our school for the high level of academics and excellence in sports. Our first year was a success with many other sports excelling well amongst state powerhouse athletic programs. We have a long way to go with practice fields, funding, swimming pool, and budgeting with sanity our athletic programs admixed with academics. We now have Denver students wanting to attend our school. We are private; but receive some peripheral state funding – which may cause an upcoming nexus issue with church/state entanglement. There is a strong push to incorporate religion into our school. I will allow the administrators and parents to deal with that issue. I am not against the issue as it may prevent violence, suicides, failing grades, or providing a life scheme for many susceptible students. Religion may counteract endless and mindless negative social media barrage – provide a path for many students. 

The composition lesson today was writing in the first person – stating your own thoughts. I want our students to be able to express themselves in the first person because they will be in all employment endeavors. The first person is not unlike my diary – I write what my mind thinks. All students are on-board with the ideas in our classroom and want to learn. Our school strongly desires a pattern of informing students not to attend if they cannot handle or are not motivated to learn academics at Colorado Sports Academy High School. Writing composition is a strong part of our curriculum. We will be continually changing the writing style and I expect some authors from this class. I remember writing a short story when I was in high school that won a scholastic magazine award. This was my start and my love of English, Composition, and Literature studies. Despite the Artificial Intelligence that can produce a book report or term paper in seconds; the mind needs to be trained and become a learned bank of information. Perhaps I could be like a Joe Paterno at Penn State and teach English while coaching – but his ending did not finalize well. I am actively being a real teacher and coach – the entire package at Colorado Sports Academy High School. I am in my element! 

Jaiden became very ill and I had an emergency appointment with Dr. Maples. She ordered a CT scan of his abdomen, admitted him to Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs, and called general surgery. The surgeon felt the CT scam would only confirm appendicitis; and my little guy needs an appendectomy. The operation went well, Dr. Alison Maples is now my hero, and I heartfully thanked the hospital staff with some purchased cookies A couple nurses knew of our football team and wanted to discuss having 2 QBs in the backfield. They mentioned that a couple friends had student athletes on our football team. I was more than happy to talk football because they had done such a great compassionate job caring for Jaiden – healed and ready for home. Dr. Maples and I are having a late-night supper after the kids are down. I have a neighbor 14-year-old gal who loves to babysit. Alison Maples made the date so after Jaiden’s cure, I am not running away from someone who does their job well. The relationship is starting to turn the corner. Maybe, I will go with it! 

Football is through and the offers are pouring in through the school, email, faxes, and texts. Incredibly during school hours, a prominent top 10 football program who is never not in the news showed up after school was dismissed. I was grading papers and the athletic director and university president were welcomed into my classroom by the school superintendent. Everyone tended to know who these people were; and there were interested bystanders outside the room – anticipating news that I am leaving for the glory of coaching a legacy college football program. Word spread like wildfire through the Colorado Sports Academy High School family. It was assumed the next day I was gone after the school year ended – if not before. I do have a year-to-year contract with the school district which I am honoring. Obviously, I could be released by the school board for extenuating circumstances; but deep-down I am not one to dishonor commitments. The college AD and university president were very cordial, lucrative, and made an offer 99% of coaches could not refuse. Though I am honoring Janae’s pledge for me to raise the children in Colorado, I need to rethink this entire scenario. Apparently, I should be proud over the rooftops with winning a Colorado State High School Football Championship in our first year – stealing it from Denver. The reality is this winning is clouded with the extraordinary grief as an unexpected widower. I informed this college football recruiting team of the AD and college president what I was feeling and dealing. They understood. The head coach of this college had just been released due to a reasonably good; but not great record. I understand; but I am also a teacher of English and Literature at heart. 

Beyond the college coaching ranks are the professional ranks. The phone calls came from a few professional teams regarding assistant coaching positions. I listened, the money and perks were fabulous, and this was an entirely different level of commitment year-round coaching, scouting, drafting, attending pro days, and combines in Indiana yearly. I would be gone from home a ton. Many of the coaching jobs came with nannies, traveling perks, and incentives based on player and team productions. The coaching professions knew their business well; and many had reviewed films of our 2 quarterback sets. There were many questions regarding the 2 QB set with men in motion, side snaps, bootlegs, and fakes. I replied were had a few twists depending on the defense; but we willingly made the plays quite simple. Two running/passing QBs with RPO (run-pass option) ability, allows immense flexibility and surprise into our offense – including the 2nd QB being a runner and pass receiver. Both QBs are taking hits relentlessly; and must be as durable as a running back. I am probably more confused now after the visits. 

Missy Bradford from the Denver paper called and wanted to know where I was coaching next year. I replied I did not know; but most probably I am staying in Colorado Springs with 3 little kids. Missy jokingly mentioned they need a mom….but I understood that as a serious gesture. We parted ways amicably – as she already knows about my relationship with Dr. Maples. I could discern she was frustrated. I almost said there are 8 billion people in our world – meaning there are 4 billion males. I am not the only male. I do like Missy Bradford; and she would make a great wife. I get Janae’s mom does not like her because she was not from Greenwood Village – Denver money. I have many things to think about; and we will discuss with my neighbor Smitty tonight over a beer when our kids are finally tucked in bed. 

My text sounded loudly this morning. I prepared breakfast for the kids and prepared them for school. Josh is performing well in all-day kindergarten; Jake is learning rapidly in preschool; and Jaiden is the nanny’s pet child. The nanny is ill today so the substitute nanny is on her way. I am so fortunate to have such great schools and nanny services. I do not know if I could ever procure such a great set-up as I now utilize. I have a supportive classroom, student body, administration, neighborhood, and child services. It does not get any better……..well, unless I get the kids a new mom. A new mom would more than likely pressure myself into jobs that pay multiples of my present income. A coaching carousel follows myself throughout the rest of my life; and I am chasing money and prestige. A new wife likely would push me into much higher paying coaching jobs to allow solvency and security. Our kids are young enough that a move would not be hampering. These are all questions that I could have solved with Janae. She is one of the few spouses or persons in my circle that would say “stay put.” Janae is not in our world; and again, I need to move on. Perhaps someone in the neighborhood would have disliked our family; and Janae would have said take a job in Houston or San Francisco – could not be worse. Additionally, our neighborhood could dramatically change since Colorado Springs is quite a mobile community – as are most IT communities. My life coach, Sandy Swift NP, says go with the flow and let your gut decide what is best for your family…..and your heart decide what is best for your relationship. 

Smitty talked a ton last evening regarding his bipolar divorced wife who was committed. Apparently, she has improved and is moving out and wants her kids back (full custody). Smitty feels the kids will die; and he has months of upcoming litigation battles. After we finished dealing with a drained bank account to properly maintain his family and deal with a mentally ill former spouse, it was all football talk. We discussed the offers; and Smitty feels I need to visit a couple of these college or pro camps. He remarks that once a losing season hits Colorado Sports Academy High School, there will be vultures wanting my coaching removed. Despite winning a 5A high school football championship, a coaching job is never safe. There are now some articles and discussion in the football and sports media regarding the 2 QB setup. I have been asked to participate in some skype television and podcasting sessions. Smitty and others feel it is genius what we have done with our backfield in single-wing T, wishbone, and stacked I-formations. As head coach we used this in Chicago which tricked the entire town. In Colorado, the formation fooled the entire state. It is just a matter of time before defenses adopt appropriate defenses. I know how to defense a 2 QB set-up; but I am not saying a word. It required 30 years of college football before the wishbone offense became defensible. It matters how your backfield performs – using their athletic skill, strength, and speed to win the contest. 

Dr. Maples and I are having a small dinner in South Denver Saturday evening at a local famous steak house. She has already texted me as to where I may be coaching next year. She states the town is buzzing. I reinforced to her that no decision has been made; and that our family will probably stay in Colorado Springs. That generated a thumbs up on the text. 

Jaiden came down with a fever and ear pulling today. I need to get him to the pediatrician. I call Dr. Maples and she is not in the clinic today. I asked if she would be there tomorrow or in the evening clinic. The receptionist remarked that Dr. Maples took a leave of absence from the clinic; and her return is questionable. Whoa! I asked what happened and the receptionist said she was not at liberty to discuss privacy information. I totally get that; but am wondering where she is and why she is not responding. Thus, I call her on the phone and there is a recorded message that I will get back to you. Something has happened – either an illness, family, or personal issue. I do not know where this is leading our relationship – because it was beginning to get serious (as she wanted). One would think she would allow me to know what is happening. I do not know her family – and therefore cannot discern where to go. Perhaps something “bad” has happened? 

I went to the clinic and received some amoxicillin; and the substitute pediatrician mentioned that Jaiden may need ear tubes and a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We will determine over the next week how Jaiden recovers from these repeated ear infections. The nanny came to save me so I could get to my English class. We have a big test on William Shakespeare today. This will be difficult for the students; but I want my graduates knowing about the world’s greatest playwright. Thoughts are racing through my mind regarding Alison Maples DO as I administer the test. I can easily discern the tenseness within the room. As I am handing out tests, I state that our goal is to recognize Shakespeare and his genius with language, syntax, grammar, and communicative abilities. Why did Shakespeare write so many great plays that have withstood centuries? 

I encounter the athletic director as I am walking the halls during the test to ease the student test taker’s mind. I preached the honor system; and that if an answer was unknown, we would retest until the entire class was perfect. The AD ask why I was not in the classroom; and I replied that I would be causing stress by staring at test-taking students. He understood the honor system. I suspected this was about coaching basketball, tryouts, cuts, and making tearful student athletes and parents. The boy’s frosh basketball coach stepped down from the position due to family issues (divorce). Thus, the AD needs an emerging sub; my name was added to the mix. I told myself I would not get into hoops (one of my pure loves). I informed the AD that I never cut student-athletes and would play all 50 on separate squads. The AD felt that was undoable; but I said everyone would play on some squad – be it 1st string to 5th string. We would somehow find gyms, time, parent coaches, and play a ton of hoops. The AD left impressed. I entered the room where my test takers all were in a state of shock, The athletic director left hearing me state that we all are learning Shakespeare – along with many other great writers, They stared as I said: If you get through me, you will easily pass any college literature of English class!

Smitty was over the next day; and we hashed as guys the Alison Maples situation. Smitty foretold something potentially devastating (illness, custody battles, crime, family issues). The entire scenario is weird. I may never actually see Alison Mapes DO again. I have heard of couples separating when one of the partners goes “poof.” This is what is happening. I am probably truly “dumped!” There were no clues; nor any hints of misgivings, illness, stress, or alarms sounding. Smitty did not feel I should take on the frosh basketball squad – too much toil and pressure from students, administration, and parents. I retorted that I was accustomed to the noise, I love sports, and it is a way to keep my mind off Janae’s early departure from our world. The kids (Josh, Jake, and Jaiden) all have adapted to our new life with a nanny and my coaching/teaching jobs. The “new mom” thing will come; it is just a matter of time. I cannot marry to just marry. The gal taking on 3 step kids is a big hurdle – it is almost undoable. Smitty agrees; but acknowledges that if she loves you, that will trump any hurdles. 

The AD called and we agreed on a coaching fee, structure, and the ability to “coach” the team using Colorado Sports Academy High School’s basketball schemes from the head coach. The head coach may be thrilled or perhaps intimidated having me on the basketball staff. I will not coach girls – far too many issues (guilty until proven innocent). The rumors were swirling; and now 75 kids are vying for the frosh team. I will solve this with a brief parent/student conference – emphasizing there are no cuts, everyone will play a ton of basketball, and they will learn the sport for life. I will need parental help; and most of our games will be intrasquad scrimmages if the opposition cannot play multiple strings. We will play outside or wherever a basketball court exists – potentially half-court driveways. 

I am enmeshed in sports; and will need electric – shock therapy to remove me from the love of sports and coaching. I am already thinking about spring football. There are immense happenings surrounding myself; but the kids and our family are doing well. Smitty agrees as we guzzle another beer before retiring. Smitty wants me to play on video repeatedly the double pass QB set with the lateral and subsequent pass play that mirrors a run – and would fool even Vince Lombardi. 

The phone rings as I am checking on the kids and about to retire. It is from an elite college program that is offering coaching NIL money with all the perks. He remarks that he knows I am sitting still for now; but encourages me to take a weekend trip to view the immaculate situation. There are boosters that would have you settle for nothing but the best for you and your family. I settle in and begin to think. If Janae were here; she might just say – go where your heart belongs coach. I will stew on this offer. Good night!