August 15, 2021
We had planned on starting the morning with practice at 7. The rain hadn’t let up in days. In El Paso, Texas. Unrelenting rain. The kids came in. And we waited. We had an extended film session. And we waited. A little talk about making good decisions and we let the kids go home. No need to hold them hostage. Our staff talked about the week ahead, cracked some corny jokes, traded a few funny stories, and made our way out as well. I needed to work out. I put on the latest episode of a podcast I’ve gotten into lately, “No Skips”, and did just enough of a workout to make an old, out of shape guy feel a little less old and out of shape to get through the weekend. And guess what I witnessed as I opened the door to the outside world as I left…Blind Melon. My 90s people will get it.
I had to run home to take a quick shower. It was high school football media day at the County Coliseum. A select group of players, including Miles, and I were to meet there for photos and interviews. Of course the shoot was running late. Not all bad though. It gave me a chance to chop it up with the guys while we waited. The company actually organized a pretty cool shindig. For me, it was the 9th circle of hell. I hate taking pictures, talking in that capacity, and just any attention really. But I buried it for the sake of promoting our kids. As much as I hate it, I’m not too shabby when it comes to that stuff. Well what was supposed to take an hour lasted three.
Three hours of torture. But not really. I gained some insight on how my guys operate in that setting. Saw them light up and let loose with the mini Super Bowl press junket. Trying to hold my coach face steady, I became a fan. It’s a special thing to work with these guys. One kid in particular…He just happens to be my son. To see his smile light up the room, hear him speak so eloquently, and then observe the overall way he carries an conducts himself with such confidence; I’m a fan. Blessed to be in the presence and share moments with such an incredible human being. By the way, he mentioned me a few times during his interview. Just saying.
So, quick wrap up…I celebrated a year of my mother going home, one of my favorite people just left, Miles started his senior year, and I was named interim head coach a few days before our first day of practice. This all happened in the last two weeks. It really has been a crazy time since I arrived back home in EP.
It may sound crazy but I feel good. When everything seemed easy and in place for me on the outside while I was living in South Texas, I was really unhappy and full of turmoil on the inside. The chaos around me right now is my comfort zone. I don’t feed off drama; that’s not what this is. It’s difficult work but it adds value. I’m challenged and I thrive in this setting. Boring doesn’t cut it for me. I have a one of a kind support system with people whom I love and love me back. One particular loved one has been beyond supportive throughout this whole thing. One day, I expressed to her my nervousness in taking all of this on. She listened and then rhetorically asked, “Have you ever let anyone down? Have you ever not come through?”
Nope.
