That's very cool that she is into sports and good at it. Hopefully, jr high won't spoil her attitude about running, it's such a weird time for everybody.

Very cool Mike. My 8-year old son just finished his first year of tackle football last month and absolutely loved it. He plays football, baseball, or basketball year-round, but football was special. After his last game he was crying not only because he was sad that his team lost their second playoff game, but because he knew football was over. Over the next few days I cannot count the number of times he commented that he wished football was year-round. He also said he was going to miss the bruises.:)

As a parent it makes you very proud. He's one of the fastest kids on the team but loves to block and hit, so he played halfback/fullback on the 1st team, o-line on the 2nd team, and linebacker on the 1st team defense. Played nearly every play on both sides, with the exception of a few blow-outs where the 2nd team got significant playing time. He did great, both of us are looking forward to next year.

Funny thing that I didn't expect about football, it has made him significantly more aggressive at basketball. He's always had the physical ability but lacked aggressiveness and confidence, but that's no longer an issue it seems. He fights for rebounds, dives for loose balls, drives to the basket, etc. Huge difference that I 100% attribute to his football experience. He also sits down and actually pays attention when we watch football on tv. He periodically asks questions or makes pretty insightful comments, I think he is now watching and trying to learn.

Funny you mention attending practices, while I never missed one of his games, I also never missed a practice either (when i was in town). They had to be on the field at 6:30 AM. At the very beginning of the season he asked me why I stuck around nd watched from the truck, I told him 'your growing so fast, before i know it you'll be off to college. I want to see you all I can before that day." He looked at me and smiled and said "OK, just don't yell anything."

I couldn't always stay for the entire practice and funny thing, he always made greats sacs or hits 10 minutes after I left! Then he would say to me "you should stay another 30 minutes Dad." I wish buddy, I wish I could. :)

Great! he has two more MBs for Eagle requirements. He thinks he will Eagle out when he is a Sophmore. His motivation for it is scholorship money for college and as a resume builder. Its getting tougher and tougher. Kids are thinning out. The BSA is really cracking down now. The Scouts have to present their 'books' complete with all the MB worksheets and proof projects. Its made him grow and mature. I just have to know when to throttle back and let him blow off a week or so to catch his breath...

The Dad in me insisted on just a few things, one of which is that my kids would either play a varsity sport or be involved in a meaningful way in something that required competition and a won/loss record.

Playing to win or lose is the great teacher, the leavening agent to character development.

Every important lesson in life, every nuance and struggle, every ingredient, is contained within the boundaries of competition.

Well done, Mike.

Right on...