A Few Thank-You's and Wrap-up

As it goes at most end of the season Banquets, there are always a few Thank-You's that get missed for various reasons. And I always feel bad when that happens. I usually remember about 2 minutes after I sit back down and even though I had planned to make sure I included them, I somehow miss them anyway. So here goes.
First of all I would like to thank the Team Managers for all of their great support for the season. Usually we have a few dads that perform this function, but this year we had 3 couples handle this for us. Both Mom's and Dad's were always there ready to help with equipment needs or Ice bags at practice. And the dad's shined on the sideline as our waterboys for the season, So I would like to thank the Buddenhagens, the Guetzkes, and the Kennedy's for all their efforts and support this season. It sure makes it easier to coach when all the other tasks are handled.
Of course all of the volunteers that helped out on Game Day, with equipment distribution and return, and all the other behind the scenes activities. The club only grows greater with the support of all the volunteers.
And of course the support of my family and my Lovely Wife Lynne. I had coached 6th grade for 9 years prior to taking 2 years off to handle the equipment shed and watch my son at the HS lower levels. And she thought that maybe I was done spending my fall evenings at the HS. I really love coaching the kids and wanted to get back into coaching, especially since we were starting up a 5th grade program and this has been one of my drives for several years. So we made a deal, since we had to put our 2 older Siberian Huskies down over the previuos year and a half, I could coach, if she could get a puppy. Well now we have 2 dogs, and 2 birds in the house. So I guess I get to coach for a while.
I will be back at 5th grade next year, I enjoyed this group of players as much as any I have had over the years, and to some point, they will hold a special place as the first group of 5th graders. It is a very rewarding experiance to watch them grow through the program and into HS and on to college. There are 3 players that I personally coached playing D1 football, and many more playing at other colleges around the state. It is fun to follow their successes and watch them grow, not only athletically but as fine young men in the community.
Thanks again to everyone for a great 1st season of 5th grade Football, and especially the players for making this year special. Good luck to all of you next season and beyond, and remember, I'll be watching you. Make MeProud.
Coach Dave,