Panther Football

In the past six months we have moved, Erin started new job, had a baby, started new schools and completed our first football season at Great Bend.  It seems like it has all just flown by and we have sat here for the past 3 days just thinking about everything that has happened in that time and all the memories that have been made.

I have been wanting to write about the football season multiple times, but then we got on a winning streak.  There was no way I could change up the routine and talk about it.  :)  Then we got into the playoffs so I thought I would just wait it out and do an end of the season review.  (This post got a little long because of that reason)  What a ride this season was!  The Panthers began with a 8-0 start and then ended their season in the sub-state finals with a record of 10-2.  I couldn't be more proud of all the players and coaches for their hard work!

Everyone was there for Dad's debut as head coach.  Lexi was 1 1/2 weeks old.

Daddy's Good Luck Charm

Lawson was asked to be the crown bearer for homecoming.  He did a great job with all of his responsibilites.  He even caught a bit of a nap during the parade.  He knew he would need some energy for the night.  What a cutie though! 

Grandpa was able to come over and watch some games this season.  He looks good in that red and black!

We loved having all the family and friends that would join us at the games.  The kids always enjoyed having extra people to play with.  It was great always hearing from others that were following along throughout the season as well. 

Game Faces

Me and my crew (Lexi is in the wrap)

I want to say thank you to my parents and Erin's parents for all their help at the games.  It was always nice to have extra hands with the kiddos.  Although all the extra sugar they were given may not have been real helpful :)  I loved being able to sit with all the other coaches' wives and kids.  We have made some new friends and gotten closer with friends from before.  It made our Friday nights such a great time.

Game Day Attire

Payton played tag one day with the boys in the locker room.  He gained two more fans after that :)

Laney was absolutely terrified of the panther.  She still looks at this picture and just says how scared she is.

Lexi actually awake for some of a game :)

Excited about our comeback win against Valley Center

I have to say a little about how proud I am of Erin.  He has grown so much this year and worked so hard.  Challenges and changes came up daily and he took everything in stride and kept plugging along.  I know days weren't always easy and he would still come home and play with our kids when he probably just wanted to dive back into film and work.  I think the last 13 weeks his brain was constantly thinking of formations, plays and strategies.  I am getting to watch him live his dream of coaching football.  I told him he has to give me to Thanksgiving before we start talking about next year.  I'm not sure we actually have made it a day yet though without him already planning :)

I know the end still stings and is fresh on everyone's minds, but I do hope they realize how special this year was.  These kids were such a fun group to watch play.  The community rallied around them and gave them so much support every Friday night.  It was a great atmosphere to be a part of.  Erin told me all the time how much he just enjoys being around and coaching such great kids.  Our own boys got excited to see the players and talk to them.  The parent, school, and community support was amazing and a main reason of why we knew we wanted to come back to Great Bend.  Its not like that everywhere and something we truly missed!