Jaguars 2011

These boys probably are the toughest boys on the face of the earth.

Were they the champions?  No.  Were they the biggest?  Definately not.  In fact, some of the other players were at least a couple of heads taller and 50 or more pounds heavier. 

I am 38 years old and never in my life have I had the integrity nor gumption...or heart...to go through what these boys went through all season long.  I watched these boys come home from school and leave half hour later to practice for 2 or more hours three to four times a week...only to get beat up, yelled at, pummeled, throttled and stripped of any spirit or vigor left.  They went home, did their homework, ate a late dinner, and went to bed.  They kept up their grades.  They spent time with families, and always came back for more.  They were frustrated, they were brought to tears; but at the same time they grew.  They grew stronger, of course physically; but within their hearts emerged endurance, loyalty, heart, gumption.  They never quit.  All for the love of football.

They didn't get to the playoffs...but I have more respect for these kids than most other so called accomplished folk I've ever met in my modest 38 years. 

Congratulations Boys.  You're better men than me!

(My sons are the two blond ones in the front.  I love them so much!)