This coach dad tends to be wordy and talk a lot, although I try not to make "it" about me...as I mean to highlight certain players and/or special teams. There was one certain player (actually two !) who made the first three teams...seven, eight, and ninth grade ('85, '86, and '87) in the junior high years and concurrently made top grades and were really good examples by their attitudes and classwork and soccer skills. The student/player I had planned to mention graduated eventually and earned a scholarship to the Air Force Academy and went on to greater achievements...(my having lost track some 20-25 years later.)

Let me emphasize additionally (and I will elaborate in future blogs) that in 20 years of coaching school soccer, it appears to me that every year of the 20 this Byrd soccer team seemed to be blessed with high caliber student/players like the one I am trying to highlight. Of the approximately average number of ...say...25 players who made the team yearly, I can safely estimate at least 10 to 12 were on the scholastic honor roll.....and probably at least 2 - 4 student/players made straight A's. If I err on this number (high or low), I would apologize......but my numbers are verified during the season by this coach......

Back to the first three team years with the two top student/players...The key player I meant to highlight was much like his fellow player who had much the same qualities: these two student/players were respected...humble... quiet...intelligent...respectful...played without error or complaint....and were team players. This coach could say more, but there goes that wordiness..again...!

Starting the first or second year (memory does fade) at banquet times, I would announce the honoree/recipient of the newly named award named after that player as the ________ _________ Scholar-Athlete Award. That award was a true honor....and it made this coach proud of the winner...as well as the other deserving players...!!