THAT VIKING PRIDE!!!
That's right, this one is for you, men- My 2011 Viking Football team. (Mostly directed towards the 20 kids of the class of 2012).
Welcome to game 11! We've got a little more than 24 hours until we head down to Berlin Center to show em how it's done. Take these next 24 or so hours to reflect upon your season, and your career as a Viking football player. As I said, this is mostly directed toward my senior class, so you've got the past 4 seasons to reflect upon. This is the first time since 2003 that we have made it to week 11, so you should already be incredibly proud of yourselves. Now, I've only been with you guys for this season and the last, but I have come to know each and every one of you pretty well. After the season ended last year, I couldnt help but look forward to this year. We've got this incredible group of freaking 20 driven, strong leaders. This is what you guys have been talking about and working for since I've been working with you.
I remember Tim saying "Man I cant wait til next season...we gonna show em how its done." I could see the fire and passion is his eyes as he said these words. I remember ya'll asking me "Tess, you ready? You excited?" And my answer was always "Hell YES." I knew that this season was gonna be something special. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you, you have no idea. You have reached your number 1 goal...Make it to post season. Now it's time to reach the other goal: Conquer each opponent week by week and head to states. And trust me when I tell you, Ive got my Northface and my Columbia jackets ready for December 3rd.
So we have this team - Western Reserve. Yeah, theyre 10-0, but who have they played? Uh...no one. Let's see them try and take on the teams we have faced this year. Most of you have played at a higher division towards the beginning of your football career. We werent always D6, and we most definitely dont play against many D6 schools. I dont need to tell you that we play at a higher caliber than most D6 schools. You know this.
So we're gonna get down to Berlin Center tomorrow and face up against these "corn fed" boys. My sources tell me that you guys have been eating alotta corn this week anyways, so I guess that makes you "corn fed" as well. Their line is averaging about 300lbs a boy. Yeah thats alotta boy, but you know how it goes, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." I hear they do alot of standing up on the line...push em over and go on through. Vikings don't get intimidated. Start talking at them like Joe the Equipment Man when youre facing up with them...I think that'll be enough to make them fat boys scared!
So to those that I've taped every day, to those that I've spatted, to those that I've run out on the field for, to those that have been through crappy injuries, to those that annoy the crap outta me just to make me laugh, to those that I've kicked out of my office, to those who ask me if I have my bitch pants on, to those who make it a point to say hi to me every day, to those who try to kick down my door with the force of Michael Jackson, to those who I have secret handshakes with, to those that haven't been injured the past 2 years, and to those who just started playing football this season: Thank you. Thank you for making me part of your family, thank you for the laughs, thank you for annoying me. YOU GUYS are the reason that I wear a smile on my face every single day. YOU GUYS are the reason that I'm the happiest and proudest Athletic Trainer in the world. Not only are you my athletes, but you are my KIDS! Yes, Im 23 years old and I have about 300 kids, and I LOVE IT.
Gal, Timmy, Stef, Celli, Toes, Chris, Johnny D, Chay, Eddie, Paul, Jack John, Rodney, Ant, CJ, Dan, DeShawn, Diante, Adam, Bubs, and Gabe: This is your year...your post season...your legacy. No one gets in your way. No one stops you.
...and yes, I will spat you tomorrow so dont bug me about it.
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