Doug

One of my high school friends and fellow teachers brought me to tears today.  She didn't mean to and wasn't relaying anything sad.  Instead they were tears of pride.  Her oldest daughter plays on Doug's soccer team and her youngest plays with Meg.  She said that she really enjoyed watching the 7th graders last night.  It was great to see how well they played.  Doug was instrumental in starting boys and girls middle school teams.

She then said that when she picked up the high school girls that carpool with her last night, she saw Doug standing there waiting for the girls to head out.  It was well after nine and she turned to the girls in her car and said, "I hope you appreciate that man."  They looked at her kind of funny and she followed up with, "His son had a tennis match tonight and his daughter had a soccer game, but he was here with you giving you his best.  He has spent a lot of time away from his family in the hope to make you all a better team."  The girls quickly said that they do appreciate him and enjoy soccer.

She didn't have to tell me that and she certainly didn't have to say anything to the girls, but it sure made me feel proud of all of the hard work that he has put into the program.  Doug coaches because he loved playing soccer.  It made high school fun for him and created a lot of memories.  I know that he wants to pass that on to others.  Along the way he has been a wonderful role model for the students at our high school.  He works hard and appreciates their effort.  Much as a teacher in a classroom he is making a difference in our community.  The students here have had a rough couple of years.  I am proud of Doug for being a part of the solution.  It brought tears to my eyes that someone else recognizes it as well.