Last night, Coach and I were relaxing watching a little T.V. when suddenly at 10:00 the doorbell rang. He quickly got up, mumbling something like, '...who in the world could that be at this hour?" He opened the door and much to his surprise stood the four team captains, A'mon Pimpton, Blake Spears, Brandon Henderson and Will Ford! He brightened up and said, " Hey! What are you guys doing?" Sincerely they spoke, each saying in their own words, ' Coach, we just wanted to come over here tonight and tell you that we've got your back'! ...and you can count on us. We're going to win this game!' Coach was touched. He was patted them on the back, saying "thanks guys that was really nice of you!... and y'all come on in the house!". When suddenly there appeared 40-45 young men saying, "..me too, Coach!", "You can count on me, too!" etc.
It would be hard for me to explain how deeply my husband was touched by this gesture. As our front yard filled up with young men, he simply stood there. Holding back emotion, looking at their faces, and trying to find the words to express what his heart felt. When words were not found he simply said, "Wow! What a surprise! You guys really got me. For the first time ever, I'm speechless. I have no idea what to say!" Everyone kind of laughed for a man of few words he is not. Then quietly he said, "You guys are really special! You don't know how much this means to me. I love every one of you."
He stepped off the porch and began to hug some of the guys when someone, maybe A'mon , said
'Break us out, Coach! Others agreed and without hesitation my husband walked into the center of what quickly became a large, tight huddle. In total silence, with fists in the air, they waited for him to speak. Then, in a loud but muffled voice I heard him say, " Where we go one," and the team in immediate response shouted in precise unision, " We go all!
The crowd began to disperse. We didn't want them to leave. We wanted them to stay! We wanted everyone to come in and hang out for a while (but where would everyone fit?). We needed to say 'thank you' and somehow express our gratitude but in the end words came up short.
We walked them down the sidewalk hugging along the way, to the street corner where I attempted to take a group picture.
Then they left us,
akwardly standing there, on a lawn full on love.
An hour later, while dabbing his eyes, he said, "As a coach, that's the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
It would be hard for me to explain how deeply my husband was touched by this gesture. As our front yard filled up with young men, he simply stood there. Holding back emotion, looking at their faces, and trying to find the words to express what his heart felt. When words were not found he simply said, "Wow! What a surprise! You guys really got me. For the first time ever, I'm speechless. I have no idea what to say!" Everyone kind of laughed for a man of few words he is not. Then quietly he said, "You guys are really special! You don't know how much this means to me. I love every one of you."
He stepped off the porch and began to hug some of the guys when someone, maybe A'mon , said
'Break us out, Coach! Others agreed and without hesitation my husband walked into the center of what quickly became a large, tight huddle. In total silence, with fists in the air, they waited for him to speak. Then, in a loud but muffled voice I heard him say, " Where we go one," and the team in immediate response shouted in precise unision, " We go all!
The crowd began to disperse. We didn't want them to leave. We wanted them to stay! We wanted everyone to come in and hang out for a while (but where would everyone fit?). We needed to say 'thank you' and somehow express our gratitude but in the end words came up short.
We walked them down the sidewalk hugging along the way, to the street corner where I attempted to take a group picture.Then they left us,akwardly standing there, on a lawn full on love.
An hour later, while dabbing his eyes, he said, "As a coach, that's the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
I'm so moved by that! I just heard Coach Spradlin say there are greater things going on at Cooper besides winning. GO COOGS!!! We love you!!!
ReplyDeletethats awesome.
ReplyDeletep.s. the lights on the fence look great!
ReplyDeleteI have chill bumps! I want the game to start now! I can't wait til tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWe got a call at our house from the QB's telling us they were heading to your house. Afterwards, they called to say it was really cool. I was really touched and it didn't even happen to me :) haha. Those boys love the game but they love the coaches like fathers and respect them above all else. We too have their backs!!!! Great job catching the moment Roxanne and I too love the lights on the fence. NOW, Lets go get our trophy!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMoments like these are gifts from above. Little things that make us remember why we are here. I'm always a fan of true team spirit. And sounds like this team has got it. GO COOGS!
ReplyDeleteAs the mom of one of those coogs, thanks for loving the guys and sharing the story with the rest of us. WE BELIEVE! GO COOGS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT moment - He is coaching alot more than football over there!! Go Coogs!!
ReplyDeleteOh I actually have tears in my eyes. What special boys showing their love and respect to their coach. It is so heartwarming to see that. I can't wait to read about the outcome of the game. I will be rooting for the Coogs all the way in Pittsburgh, PA. Whatever the outcome, there is one sure thing----that team of boys are all winners.
ReplyDeleteMimi
That is so cool! Thanks for sharing that Roxanne and I will be in Lubbock Saturday to cheer the Coogs on to hopefully what will be the first of six big Cooper wins! Let's Go Coogs!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. A person can teach/coach an entire lifetime and never experience that kind of devotion. That's way awesome.
ReplyDeleteI ran across your blog a while back while browsing. Come over and visit. We're kind of neighbors, apparently.
Okay...so I was looking for the October post about the quaint market you were talking about that is taking place next week. I found this instead and I am chilled and moved! I dont know your husband personally but as a coach's wife myself...I know he is a great man...a leader...and a man of God. Kids have the best judge of character (even if they are in high school!) Im so glad he got to experience that moment as a coach...its very touching.
ReplyDelete