Archive : December 2004
December 28, 2004
2005 DFW Mini-Reunion
From: Lewis Patton 1970 Dec 28 2004 7:49:02PM
To: ALL
(9) 2005 Mini Reunion
Mini-Reunion Update....
Well apparently, I have learned that Ramona Lambert may be hosting a mini-reunion this year. I have not heard or seen anything that points to this as of yet.
I will continue to work on a mini-reunion for the 2nd Saturday of June.
If ya'll work at a place like I do, the employer needs vacation requests at the beginning of the year. I was planning using a couple of days vacation to get ready to host the mini-reunion, so that's why I was requesting information on what everyone thought ahead of time.
Let me ask the question again. Do you all want to have a mini-reunion? If so, let me know so I can make plans.
Maybe I need to ask this a different way.
How many people would come to a Dallas/Ft. Worth Mini-Reunion for Sweetwater High School in June of 2005?
Please advise.
LRPatton@AOL.Com
Thank you.
Lew
- Lew
- December 28, 2004 10:04 PM
- Comments (0)
December 24, 2004
Tracking Santa
Want to see where Santa Claus is?
Cut and paste this site:
http://www.noradsanta.org/english/
Lew
- Lew
- December 24, 2004 7:09 AM
- Comments (0)
December 23, 2004
Merry Christmas
From: David Redwine 1969 Dec 14 2004 1:53:24PM
To: ALL
(49) That time of the year
MY CHRISTMAS E-MAIL
I have a list of people I know, all logged in my computer,
And now at Christmas time I have gone to take a look.
And that is when I realize that these names are a part,
Not of the computer they're stored in, but of my heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they've become the rhythm in each rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I feel that I'm composed of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you has changed my life, a lot more than you think! For when I do a Christmas E-mail that is addressed to you,
It's because you're on the list of people I'm indebted to.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have been a part of shaping things I do.
And now that Christmas has come, I realize anew,
The best gift life can offer is meeting people like you.
~author unknown~
- Lew
- December 23, 2004 11:34 PM
- Comments (0)
December 21, 2004
Bush honors Crawford's state champs
Bush honors Crawford's state champs
10:56 PM CST on Monday, December 20, 2004
From Staff Reports
WASHINGTON – Crawford's state football champions earned a tribute Monday from their town's most prominent resident: President Bush.
"In case you're not following high school football in Texas," he told the White House press corps, "the Crawford Pirates are the state 2A, Division II champs."
Crawford defeated Troup, 28-14, in Saturday's title game.
Mr. Bush, who will spend the last week of the year at his Crawford ranch, added he would look forward "to wave the championship banner above the Crawford High School."
- Lew
- December 21, 2004 8:26 AM
- Comments (0)
Dodge top coach
Posted on Tue, Dec. 21, 2004
USA Today' makes the call: Dodge top coach
By Trae Thompson
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The nation's No. 1 high school football team now also has the nation's top head coach.
Carroll coach Todd Dodge has been selected the USA Today National Coach of the Year. It's the latest award for the Dragons (16-0), the Class 5A Division II state champions and national champions in both the final USA Today and National Prep polls.
"I think anytime I get a coaching award, whether it's district, state or national, that my whole staff is right there with me," Dodge said. "I feel I'm accepting it on behalf of all of us."
Dodge said he was notified by the paper of the honor Sunday, a day after he won his second Class 5A state title in three years with the Dragons.
Dodge is 66-11 in five seasons at Carroll.
"Isn't that outstanding?" athletic director Ronnie Tipps said. "I think he's very deserving along with our team."
In addition to helping players handle the pressure of being No. 1 in the nation and winning three close playoff games, Tipps pointed to Dodge's leadership after the death of former defensive coordinator Charlie Stalcup before the season.
The Dragons dedicated the season to Stalcup.
"I think the life lessons learned by our kids has been tremendous under coach Dodge's direction," Tipps said.
Senior quarterback Chase Daniel said for anyone who follows football in Texas, the award is a no-brainer. Now others nationally are catching on to Dodge's abilities.
"They obviously know about him now," Daniel said. "He could easily be in the college ranks. All the awards I've got go to him. He's a great coach."
- Lew
- December 21, 2004 7:55 AM
- Comments (0)
December 18, 2004
Merry Christmas!
Today is the final day for football championships.
Congratulations to the teams playing today, and I hope you have a good day and bring home that last trophy. It makes for a great Christmas to be state champions....so as my gift to the big country, here are my picks for today's championship games.
Southlake Carroll Vs. Smithson Valley:
You know, this game should be anti-climatic for SLC.
Carroll is just too tough for Smithson Valley.
I think the best game of the year and the the team that had the best chance for beating Carroll was Abilene High School.
PICK: Southlake Carroll
Dallas Lincoln Vs. Kilgore
It's been ages since a Dallas high school has made it to a state championship game in any bracket. Kilgore is undefeated though. This should truly be a great game.
PICK: Dallas Lincoln
Gilmer vs. Jasper
I don't know what sort of diet the folks around Tyler and Gilmer are on over there in east Texas, but it is a high school football hot bed. Tyler Lee has already won the 5-A Championship and Gilmer is about 20 minutes from Tyler. Gilmer has it all. Speed, defense...they are a complete team.
PICK: Give me Gilmer
Crawford vs. Troup
President Bush's hometown has done very well this year.
President Bush won re-election, and Crawford wins state...good combination.
PICK: Bush and Crawford win in 2004
Stratford vs. Shiner
Any town that makes beer has to have a great football team.
PICK: Shiner Bach
Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen....the final week for high school football at any level.
I just want to say that perhaps in the future, since this great newspaper is the only link to the outside world as far as recognizing good high school players is concerned, perhaps we will begin to see a shift in the voting from high school coaches and sports editors in the state. I truly believe this website will go a long way to include more players from west Texas, and not have a "city" block of players from the areas around Dallas/Ft. Worth just because of the size of the newspapers.
This site is better, the newspaper is better, and frankly, the football is better out west than here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. In the near future, let's hope our athletes will get more recognition because of it.
Have a great Christmas!
Lew
- Lew
- December 18, 2004 9:10 AM
- Comments (0)
December 15, 2004
Where is the love????
Dear fans of District 4-3A:
We have been ripped off!!!
The ALL-STATE ballots are in.
District 4-3A, one of the toughest districts in the state, a district that was far and away the best district in Texas, a district that produced 1 state champion (Division 1 Abilene Wylie) and a state final four team in Snyder, and another team in the final 8 of the state playoffs, (Sweetwater), and there were a total of 2 players on the 1st team ALL-State team! Abilene Wylie Guard Tyler Crump, offensive guard, and defensive end D'Angelo Davis, defensive end from Synder.
Something is very wrong with the balloting procedure in my opinion.
Here is the official wording on how the all-state team is selected:
"The Class 3A All-State high school football team, released Wednesday, as voted on by The Associated Press Sports Editors based on regular-season performance."
Baloney...
The 2nd team ALL-STATE Team includes just one player from 4-3A, Kicker Lico Castillo from Snyder.
Honorable Mention:
Zack Garcia, Snyder, Offensive Lineman
Levi Wolfe, Abilene Wylie, Offensive Lineman
Dee Walker, RB, Snyder
Trevor Hood, DB, Merkel
Riley Lambert, DB, Merkel
What in the world is going on here????
Not only were the votes for players in 4-3A skimpy, not ONE single player from Sweetwtaer was voted in??????
Gimme a break!!! I am not an expert on such matters, but how can teams that didn't even make the playoffs have more all-state players than say a team like Abilene Wylie that won the state crown????
Here is another amazing thing I have found out.
How can the Top 100 blue chip recruits in Texas not include RB Dee Walker from Snyder? Do they just recruit from Class 5-A or what?
Does this mean all running backs that are in the Top 100 have more rushing yards than Dee Walker? I don't think so.
And how can Jeremy Thompson (Sweetwater) be the Most Valuable Player in District 4-3A, and not even be in the Honorable Mention catagory for the State Team????
This is just goofy!!!!!
It's no wonder college polls are insignificant to me. They must have learned it from Texas High School polls and sportswriters.
It makes no sense!
I am willing to bet if we could get a football game between the ALL-District team of 4-3A and the ALL-STATE team of Texas, I would take District 4-3A in a heartbeat! I am willing to bet 50 cents that my team would win that showdown. Anyone with me???
Lew
- Lew
- December 15, 2004 11:24 PM
- Comments (0)
December 13, 2004
District 4-3A, ALL-DISTRICT
Congratulations to the ALL-DISTRICT TEAM for District 4-3A.
I think I can speak for all the good folks in the Big Country when I say you players and coaches were such a class act all year long.
I am giving you a standing ovation for your class and hard work in being part of the best high school district in the state of Texas.
To the coaches of the district:
I find it fitting that the coaches of the year came from Snyder, Sweetwater, and Abilene Wylie. Great job guys..!!!!
You make us proud.
Congrats to Abilene Wylie for bringing home the trophy.
Lord knows, the competition in 4-3A got you physically and mentally prepared to win that trophy and the rest of us are very proud of your success...
Man, what a year for 4-3A!!!!!!!
All-District 4-3A
Most Valuable Player: Jeremy Thompson, Sr., Sweetwater
Offensive MVP: Dee Walker, Sr., Snyder
Defensive MVP: Kendall Carrillo., Jr. (unanimous), Sweetwater
Offensive newcomer of the year: Joseph Banyard, So., Sweetwater
Defensive newcomer of the year: Lance Day, Fr., Snyder
Co-coaches of the year: Hugh Sandifer, Wylie; Kent Jackson, Sweetwater; Chad Rogers, Snyder
First Team Offense
Quarterbacks: Riley Lambert, Sr., Merkel; Case Keenum, Jr., Wylie
Fullback: Zack Maxey, Jr., Merkel
Runningbacks: Kendall Carrillo, Jr., Sweetwater; Michael Kiger, Sr., Wylie
Flanker: Lico Castillo, Sr., (unanimous) Snyder
Receiver: Josh Poorman, Sr., Wylie
Tight end: Josh Archer, Sr., Wylie
Center: Levi Wolfe, Sr., Wylie
Guards: Tyler Crump, Sr. (unanimous), Wylie; Chase Ashworth, Jr., Snyder; Zach Gilbert, Sr., Sweetwater
Tackles: Josh Camacho, Sr., Sweetwater; Zach Garcia, Sr., Snyder
First Team Defense
Noseguard: Jared Robertson, Jr., Wylie
Tackles: Casey Walton, Sr. (unanimous), Clyde; Garrett Clayton, Sr. (unanimous), Sweetwater
Ends: Brandon Fangman, Jr., Sweetwater; Chad Copeland, Sr. (unanimous), Wylie; D'Angelo Davis, Sr., Snyder
Linebackers: Jacob Jennings, Jr., Wylie; Scott Wilkerson, Sr., Clyde; Eric Martinez, Jr., Snyder
Cornerbacks: John Sugay, Sr. (unanimous), Wylie; Lico Castillo, Sr., Snyder
Safeties: Riley Lambert, Sr. (unanimous), Wylie; Josh Poorman, Sr., Wylie
Kicker: Lico Castillo, Sr., Snyder
Punter: Kendall Carrillo, Jr., Sweetwater
Second Team Offense
Quarterbacks: Jacob Agnew, Jr., Clyde; Matt Reigh, Jr., Snyder
Fullback: Alan Copeland, Sr., Sweewater
Runningbacks: Chase McCravy, So., Clyde; Chad Brown, Sr., Snyder; Skye Green, So., Sweetwater
Flanker: Chris Collum, Sr., Wylie
Receiver: Patrick Jones, Sr., Snyder
Tight end: Scott Wilkerson, Sr., Clyde
Center: Lance Clark, Jr., Sweetwater
Guards: Carl Cunnings, Sr., Sweetwater; John Hoyng, Sr., Wylie
Tackles: Wade Lawson, Sr., Merkel; Ty Palmer, Sr., Sweetwater; Colt Johnson, Sr., Wylie
Second Team Defense
Noseguard: Jesse Abshier, Sr., Clyde
Tackles: Colt Johnson, Sr., Wylie; Aaron Tutt, Jr., Merkel
Ends: T.J. Rosson, Sr., Sweetwater; Nick Chiappone, Sr., Clyde
Linebackers: Zack Maxey, Jr., Merkel; Haskell Hall, Sr., Wylie; Jacinto Rosas, Sr., Sweetwater
Cornerbacks: Trevor Hood, Jr., Merkel; Skye Green, So., Sweetwater
Safeties: Brittan Pittman, Jr., Sweetwater; Curtis Brown, Jr., Clyde; Garrett Pinson, Jr., Snyder
Kicker: Parker Morrow, Jr., Sweetwater
Punter: Lico Castillo, Sr., Snyder
- Lew
- December 13, 2004 7:59 PM
- Comments (0)
December 12, 2004
See ya next year!
Dear Mustang fans,
I hope I have helped writing about the 2004 edition of the Sweetwater Mustangs
an enjoyable experience for you. As I have mentioned previously, it was alot of fun and I enjoyed it.
Happy holidays, and look forward to seeing ya'll next year!
Go Mustangs!!!!!!
Lew
- Lew
- December 12, 2004 12:55 AM
- Comments (0)
December 11, 2004
3
Psalm No. 3
Blessed are the knuckleheads...
Blessed are the long-haired, the unruly, the disenfranchised..
Blessed are the dropouts, the screwups, the ne'er-do-wells...
Blessed are the nervous, living in trailer-park double-wides,
scratching and clawing, not answering the bill collector's calls
Blessed are the cowboys on their Saturday nights...
Blessed are the rowdy...
Blessed are the flawed...
Blessed are the pipe fitters, the ironworkers, the wheel alignment specialists, the carpenters and dishwashers and paper or plastic supermarket captives of a time clock...
Blessed are the farmers
Blessed are the housepainters
Blessed are the firemen and cops, and US Postal workers and the career enlisted military men, hashmarks down their pressed sleeves.
Blessed are the truck drivers, alone against the night...
Blessed are the work-on-commission salesmen, bounced from another office without a sale...
Blessed are the security guards...
Blessed are the fry order cooks..
Blessed are the commuters, stuck in traffic...
Blessed are the third-base coaches, the utility infielders, the ground crew working in the sun...
Blessed are the character actors and the stuntmen and the lighting crew...
Blessed are the bass guitar players...
Blessed are the unappreciated with rough hands, calluses built stronger every day, dirt deep under the fingernails, skat soap and hot water needed every night...
Blessed are the unnoticed with tired feet that are stuffed inside steel-toed boots and door to door wingtips...
Blessed are the uncounted with tired legs that are stuffed inside denim and uniform cotton...
Blessed are the uncomfortable with hungover heads that are stuffed under hard hats in the morning...
Blessed are the untouched with still-beating hearts that are covered by pocket protectors filled with ball-point pens..
Blessed are the hastily married...
Blessed are the divorced...
Blessed are the stepfathers...
Blessed are the stepchildren...
Blessed are the stepchildren of the stepchildren...
Blessed are the weak, who want to be strong...
Blessed are the poor, who want to be rich...
Blessed are the inarticulate, who want to speak...
Blessed are the frustrated...
Blessed are the restless...
A window to the imagination stays open...
A racetrack on a sunny day..
A black car steams from the back, get out of the way, get out of the way, pushing through the multicolored obstacles in front...
Get out of the way...
A great roar comes from the car, from the crowd, from deep within each and every thoraic cavity...
Get out of the way...
The action comes past in a blur...
Blessed are the knuckleheads, most of us, caught wherever we are caught, doing whatever we are doing, wishing, looking to get outside our lives and fly...
Blessed is Dale
Dale Earnhardt 1951-2001
He found the way.
Leigh Montville
March 2001
- Lew
- December 11, 2004 8:58 AM
- Comments (0)
December 10, 2004
December 5, 2004
Before I go.......
Dear Sweetwater Mustang Fans.....
Just one last blog entry before Danny archives this whole season of blog entries..
I just can't tell you how much I have enjoyed writing this blog this year. It has been such an honor and it was truly a labor of love.
I want to take a moment to thank Danny Reagan and the staff at the Abilene Reporter-News. This is the first year of existance for GoFridayNight.com and it has been just an amazing feat what Danny and the staff in Abilene have accomplished with this site. Everything from schedules, stats, to the Friday Night web casts....this site was just unbelievable!
Thanks Danny...
Let me also thank everyone who read the blog who wasn't a Mustang fan. I hope you know and enjoy a little Friday night competiton. I meant no harm or disrespect to any high school or fans.
You know, I have always said west Texas football is the best football in the state. With the aid of GoFridayNight.com, this whole dream came to fruition.
Well, I guess this is it for 2004.
As we close the door on this season, ol sentimental me just can't wait until next year, and a new chance to write the blog for Sweetwater again if Danny will let me.
I guess this is just about it.
Time to finish it up..
Time to stop writing about it for crying out loud (smile).
See you all next year.
GO MUSTANGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lew
- Lew
- December 5, 2004 8:34 PM
- Comments (2)
December 3, 2004
Oohhhhh, so close!!
A game of inches.
By the smallest of margins, Sweetwater lost to Snyder 21-20.
It's been a good run. Thanks to Joe and Cathy Butler calling me on their cell phone from Big Springs with updated scores. I really appreciate it.
What can I say? The Big Red Mustang's season is over.
Congratulations to Snyder for the victory and I know it is quite possible you will go on to win state. Let me just say I hope I speak for the rest of Sweetwater when we say good luck as you continue your journey towards that championship trophy.
I don't know the details of the game yet. I would imagine it won't change the score though. Let me just say I am proud of both teams.
As Danny Reagan from GoFridayNight.com has said many times, District 4-3A
has proven to be one of the best in the state. Truly, this has been an awesome season to remember. Good luck Snyder. You are the champions of the region and again, I wish you well.
To the fans of Sweetwater. I have been so impressed with ya'll this year. Thanks to all of the folks who had kind comments about this blog. It has been a labor of love. You fans have been so supportive and demonstrated support in victories and defeats. Let's continue that "Sea of Red" next year.
To the Coaches of Sweetwater High School.
Coach Jackson and your staff have shown true leadership for this town and football team. I have always been impressed with ya'lls leadership for these young men.
To the Sweetwater High School Football Team.
Guys, hold your head up. I know what you feel. When you get the chance, look up the 1968 season. I know it hurts right now, but please remember you were in the top 10 of teams in class 3A in the entire state. Thanks for letting me write about you. Thanks for all the good memories that you have given an entire community. I think I can again speak for the entire town when I say we are so proud of ya'll and what you accomplished this year. Bear in mind this is a very young team. You will be back next year.
To the Senior Mustang Football Players of Sweetwater.
I think I feel the most for you.
It was a great run wasn't it? I hope as you took your shoulder pads and equipment off for the last time, to take that Mustang off your shoulder for the last time, that you realize your contributions were greatly appreciated as being a player and student for Sweetwater. You have just crossed into that rite of passage we all went through. Your leadership was awesome!
Please remember your are just starting in life, not ending on a losing note. There are many more exciting times ahead. I am very proud of ya'll. GREAT JOB SENIORS!!!!
Lew
- Lew
- December 3, 2004 10:42 PM
- Comments (3)
Dallas Morning News Picks
OK Mustang Fans,
Don't take my word for it, read the Dallas Morning News weekly high school picks: Sweetwater wins!!
MATT
WIXON
Abilene Wylie vs. Royse City..............Abilene Wylie
Aledo vs. Wichita Falls Rider ..............WF Rider
Canadian vs. Holliday.........................Canadian
Cedar Park vs. Lufkin..........................Lufkin
Celina vs. Crawford............................Celina
Denton Calvary vs. Greenville Christian...Greenville Chr.
Euless Trinity vs. Tyler Lee..................Tyler Lee
Gilmer vs. Tatum.................................Gilmer
Gregory-Portland vs. Pflugerville Connally.....Gregory-Portland
Haskell vs. Windthorst ......................... Windthorst
Henrietta vs. Boyd ................................Boyd
Jasper vs. Marlin ..................................Marlin
Katy vs. Houston Clear Lake...................Katy
Kilgore vs. La Marque.............................Kilgore
Liberty Hill vs. Hallettsville.......................Liberty Hill
Lubbock Christian vs. Muenster Sacred Heart ....Lubbock Chr.
Marshall vs. Boerne................................Marshall
Newton vs. Brookshire-Royal...................Brookshire-Royal
Palestine vs. Cuero.................................Cuero
Plano Prestonwood vs. Waco Reicher.........Prestonwood
Rogers vs. Lexington................................Lexington
San Antonio Taft vs. Smithson Valley.........Smithson Valley
Sherman vs. Ennis...................................Ennis
Shiner vs. Brackett..................................Shiner
Snyder vs. Sweetwater.............................Sweetwater
Southlake Carroll vs. Denton Ryan.............Southlake Carroll
Spring Westfield vs. Converse Judson.........Converse Judson
Sunray vs. Stratford..................................Sunray
Troup vs. Omaha Pewitt..............................Troup
Wylie vs. Lincoln.........................................Wylie
Last week 27-3 .900
Season record 117-33
.780
- Lew
- December 3, 2004 6:15 AM
December 2, 2004
Sweetwater Reporter reports
Mustangs, Tigers to battle for 'Final Four' spot
By Ben Barkley/The Reporter Managing Editor
The Sweetwater Mustangs and Snyder Tigers are no strangers to each other on the football field.
But this is a new situation for both teams. The two rivals will meet in the Class 3A, Division II quarterfinals Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Chamber of Commerce executive directors for Sweetwater and Snyder have put their community pride and team spirit on the line awaiting the outcome of Friday's game between their two rival high schools.
Lynn Adams, executive director for the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce, and Vicki Shroyer, executive director for the Snyder Chamber of Commerce, have what is being termed a "friendly" wager on the outcome of Friday's game. What's at stake? The loser will attend the winner's January 2005 Chamber networking function wearing a shirt from the winning school.
"When the Mustangs win, Shroyer will don the red and white of Sweetwater and attend the Jan. 5 Chamber coffee," Adams said.
Should the Tigers win, Adams would wear the gold and black of Snyder at the January Business After Hours event.
The two directors made the "friendly" wager much like governors of states whose teams play in big games -- the Super Bowl, Oklahoma-Texas, the NCAA national championship game or the World Series.
A similar wager was attempted between the two newspapers for the communities. However, the Snyder Daily News did not want to make the wager.
Over the years, Sweetwater and Snyder have played a total of 56 games. Sweetwater holds a 34-21-1 series lead since the series started in 1925.
This will be only the second time in the history of the series that the two teams have played twice in the same season.
In 1982, the teams played two games and Sweetwater won both.
Earlier this season, the Mustangs scored a 35-25 win over the Tigers at Mustang Bowl. Sweetwater held a 35-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter and held off a late rally to secure the win.
Jeremy Thompson led the Mustang attack with 123 yards rushing and two scores.
Snyder's Dee Walker finished with 130 yards on 27 carries and two scores. Quarterback Dustyn Williams completed 13 of 16 passes for 203 yards and two scores.
General admission tickets for the Sweetwater-Snyder playoff will be sold Wednesday through Friday at the school administration office.
Tickets will be sold for $5 in advance for both adults and students. At the gate, tickets will be sold for $7 each.
Tickets will be sold from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 3.
Fans can show their spirit by purchasing today's edition of the Sweetwater Reporter.
In a special wrap that will cover the newspaper, a poster will be available for fans to wave during the game. The poster can also be displayed on vehicles driving to the game.
Also, KRBC-TV will replay the game Sunday, Dec. 5, beginning at 10:30 p.m. Cody Coil and Sports Director Cayden McFarland will call the action on the telecast.
The winner of this game will advance to the state semifinals and meet the winner of the Tatum-Gilmer game. On the other side of the bracket, Liberty Hill and Hallettsville will meet in one quarterfinal contest. The other game will pit Marlin against the Jasper Bulldogs.
- Lew
- December 2, 2004 4:50 PM
Remember, it's just a game
Dear football fans:
I want to mention this before anything goes haywire.
It's just a game.
This game Friday night is between two rivals, each with storied histories.
Sweetwater and Snyder have always had great games. There is nothing wrong with healthy competition. Both teams are very good.
I mention this because I have seen some comments that aren't relative too football. In fact, some go beyond good sportsmanship.
I'm sure Texas and Texas A&M is one of the best rivalries in the state at the college level. When disaster struck Texas A&M a few years ago with the bonfire incident, some of the first people on the scene helping that university were folks from Texas.
We live in a time of terror. We have young folks going to Iraq every day. We have young folks defending our country and doing a great job putting themselves in harm's way.
I encourage folks (especially the students from each school) to enjoy your days of youth. Enjoy the rivalries. But please know there is much more to life overall than a football game regardless of who the opponent is.
In fact, let me ask the seniors for both Sweetwater and Snyder this question. If you plan to attend college, have you applied for any scholarships yet? If not, why not? I live in the Dallas Ft. Worth area and go into different high schools on a daily basis as an admissions officer for a technical college. I make my living working with high school seniors. I work with young people who sometimes has little or no support at home. I know football is important. I'm from Sweetwater. But let's keep things in perspective.
The bottom line is I love high school football. But high school football doesn't pay my bills.
See? That sort of brings things back into focus doesn't it? I want everyone to succeed. We all get caught up in this game of football, but I care what happens after the season ends also. I wish both teams well, I wish for success for everyone. Please remember though, it's just a game.
Lew
- Lew
- December 2, 2004 6:00 AM