Well folks, it's almost 2010. Almost a new year, a new decade. Let's review. First, a brief glimpse at the past decade. Then the year of 2009.
10 years ago, 1999:
- I was 14. 8th grade. I had a crush on a redheaded 7th grader--yikes!
- I was a part of the first ever undefeated football season at PPMS. I take zero credit for that.
- I was a guard on the basketball team. Shot from the hip and began my affinity for shooting the 3.
- Favorite teacher: Mrs. Matthews. She was mean, yet oddly kind.
- Least favorite: Mr. Baker. He was odd. Nine years later, he added me on Facebook. Declined.
In the last 10 years...
My best year: 2007. June, more specifically.
My worst year: 2003/2009.
Biggest accomplishment: Playing college basketball.
Biggest loss: My best friend moving halfway across the country, and essentially out of my life.
Back to the present, 2009:
Biggest accomplishments: Running 351 miles in the month of July, and re-establishing a relationship with my sister.
Biggest loss: I got dumped the day before Valentine's Day. She then got engaged less than 3 months after saying she still loved me. Neat, huh? Then again, in perspective--maybe not such a big loss after all.
Looking ahead, 2010:
Resolutions:
- Find a job (by end of January, no exceptions).
- Find a girlfriend (by March 6 would be nice, but probably not realistic. Let's say June 1).
- Pray. Every single day.
- Run a few races, maybe a half marathon.
- End bad habits. Live right. Do right. Motto--WWAD: What would Amanda do? This is not a new motto, but I will be leaning on it more from now on. Lord knows I need to.
Further ahead, next 10 years...
Goals:
- Get married/have kids.
- Coach at least one championship team.
- Own a house.
- Own a pickup truck.
- See a game at Wrigley.
- Have my picture taken next to the Jordan statue.
- Learn to play guitar.
- Learn to play piano.
Lastly, I'll leave you with a 23-second video that comes to mind for me every single New Year's. Terrific movie, funny clip. Enjoy.
Make your own luck,
Derrick
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Feet on the ground, head in the sky.
Lately, it's becoming clearer to me that my dreams of big things actually seem quite minuscule to most people I know.
This used to bother me. But not so much anymore.
Literally speaking, I don't dream of big things at all. I don't need to scale Everest, hit the lotto or win an Oscar. My dreams are simple, yet elaborate. Let's see if I can break it down a bit...
I dream of tricking a foxy lady into marrying me. I reckon she'll need to be a poor-sighted gal. I dream of three kids or two. I dream of "Daddy, I love you."
A boy and a girl, maybe two of one--or the other.
Teach them both, or maybe them all
that the pick-and-roll
is the heart and soul,
and maybe buy her a Barbie doll.
Just made that up on the spot. Poetic or just nerdy? I'm fine with either.
I dream of movie nights at home with the wife and kids. Eating dinner around the kitchen table. How was your day? and all that.
I dream of coaching a championship team--or five. *cough* Twenty.
I dream of being at Wrigley Field. Green grass, red marquee, blue pinstripes. Breeze in the air and a hot dog just for the sake of having one. Oh, and that wonderful tune when it's over.
I dream of catching a fish as big as I am.
I dream of never having to worry about money. *slaps forehead*
I dream of being able to sleep before 3 AM. Of having a reason to get up earlier than nine. I like mornings more than you'd guess.
I dream of being allowed to invite my best friend to my wedding. Or maybe even attend hers? OK, maybe just the first one.
I am a simple man with simple dreams. My dreams include helping others fulfill their dreams--no matter the capacity. Josh Turner can explain it better than I, so I'll just let him take it from here--provided you have 3:36 to kill.
Also in part because I finally figured out how to put a video in here, rather than just a link. It's stupid how easy it was.
I believe that dreaming small things in a big way is perhaps even more ambitious than dreaming "big" things. But then again, it's my dream.
What are your dreams?
Keep dreaming,
Derrick
This used to bother me. But not so much anymore.
Literally speaking, I don't dream of big things at all. I don't need to scale Everest, hit the lotto or win an Oscar. My dreams are simple, yet elaborate. Let's see if I can break it down a bit...
I dream of tricking a foxy lady into marrying me. I reckon she'll need to be a poor-sighted gal. I dream of three kids or two. I dream of "Daddy, I love you."
A boy and a girl, maybe two of one--or the other.
Teach them both, or maybe them all
that the pick-and-roll
is the heart and soul,
and maybe buy her a Barbie doll.
Just made that up on the spot. Poetic or just nerdy? I'm fine with either.
I dream of movie nights at home with the wife and kids. Eating dinner around the kitchen table. How was your day? and all that.
I dream of coaching a championship team--or five. *cough* Twenty.
I dream of being at Wrigley Field. Green grass, red marquee, blue pinstripes. Breeze in the air and a hot dog just for the sake of having one. Oh, and that wonderful tune when it's over.
I dream of catching a fish as big as I am.
I dream of never having to worry about money. *slaps forehead*
I dream of being able to sleep before 3 AM. Of having a reason to get up earlier than nine. I like mornings more than you'd guess.
I dream of being allowed to invite my best friend to my wedding. Or maybe even attend hers? OK, maybe just the first one.
I am a simple man with simple dreams. My dreams include helping others fulfill their dreams--no matter the capacity. Josh Turner can explain it better than I, so I'll just let him take it from here--provided you have 3:36 to kill.
Also in part because I finally figured out how to put a video in here, rather than just a link. It's stupid how easy it was.
I believe that dreaming small things in a big way is perhaps even more ambitious than dreaming "big" things. But then again, it's my dream.
What are your dreams?
Keep dreaming,
Derrick
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What a weak week. Word. Wait, what? Whoa, weird.
Due to the desire to write, yet lacking much of an idea--let's try a good ole recap of the week, hopefully in a comedic way, of sorts. Tried a few of those awhile back to relatively positive reviews.
Thurs; Dec 10...
7:00-8:45 PM--Play a little roundball with the fellas at home in Pretty Prairie. Only managed enough for 2-on-2, but it was fun, as small town basketball usually is. Then this one crazy cat apparently tripped over something (no one saw it) and watched his ankle swell to the size of a beach ball within minutes. He claims he blocked a shot on the play. Ironically, no one saw that either.
Fri; Dec 11...
I do not remember this day. It must not have happened.
Sat; Dec 12...
9 PM-4 AM (Sun)--Hang out in Hutchinson. Watch I Love You, Man for the first time. I pretty much am Paul Rudd. Except for the whole fiancee thing.
Sun; Dec 13...
4:57 AM--Finally arrive home. It should be a 30 minute drive, max. Worst fog I've ever seen in my life extended the drive a bit. Not pleasant.
6:00 PM--Game time.
6:53 PM--Another close loss, 0-4. 62-68, bad guys. For the first time, I wasn't horrendous. Barely. By my count: 16 points, 13 rebounds. Estimate of what I probably should have had: 28 points, 18 rebounds. Had a nice blocked shot on a former teammate I admire a lot (got called for a nonsense foul, but it was a make-up call for something I got away with previously).
Missed a few chippies--pause to check if "chippies" is a real word or just basketball slang. Chippies: Plural of chippy--a promiscuous young woman. Yikes. Definitely not what I meant. Rephrasing...I missed a few easy baskets.
Oh, promiscuous. Easy! Yeah, I get it now...
7:51-9:18 PM--Get back to gym in Pretty Prairie and join the hometown blokes for some 4-on-4.
7:59 PM--Receive a message that totally spikes my curiosity. Like a volleyball. You know, except not boring. Guffaw.
Mon; Dec 14...
11:45 AM-2:15 PM--Get some good games in on the courts at Wichita State. My team won in its first 7 games. Then a loss, then two wins, a loss, and a win. 10-2? In pickup ball? Pshaw, I'll take it.
7(ish) PM--Watch a pretty intense double-overtime Middle School game. Pretty Prairie wins on a tip-in at the buzzer. That kid will remember that moment forever. I know I have a few moments like that. One that was eerily similar, in fact.
Tue; Dec 15...
8 PM-12:30 AM (Wed)--Hang out in Hutchinson again. Pizza rolls and bread sticks from "The Hut" and a drink from Sonic? Eh, fuggedaboutit! <-- imagine an Italian accent.
Wed; Dec 16...
3 PM-6 PM--Jaunt to Wichita. Pick up a few Christmas gift on very limited budget. Result: I'm an awesome big brother, a decent son and pretty solid brother-in-law. As for being a little brother? Jury still out.
6:30--Taco Bell. Cheesy Gordita Cruch. And some soft shells on the side. No lettuce. Dr. Pepper. Yum.
This is a very anti-climactic ending, but that's pretty much all I've got this time.
Do the right thing,
Derrick
Thurs; Dec 10...
7:00-8:45 PM--Play a little roundball with the fellas at home in Pretty Prairie. Only managed enough for 2-on-2, but it was fun, as small town basketball usually is. Then this one crazy cat apparently tripped over something (no one saw it) and watched his ankle swell to the size of a beach ball within minutes. He claims he blocked a shot on the play. Ironically, no one saw that either.
Fri; Dec 11...
I do not remember this day. It must not have happened.
Sat; Dec 12...
9 PM-4 AM (Sun)--Hang out in Hutchinson. Watch I Love You, Man for the first time. I pretty much am Paul Rudd. Except for the whole fiancee thing.
Sun; Dec 13...
4:57 AM--Finally arrive home. It should be a 30 minute drive, max. Worst fog I've ever seen in my life extended the drive a bit. Not pleasant.
6:00 PM--Game time.
6:53 PM--Another close loss, 0-4. 62-68, bad guys. For the first time, I wasn't horrendous. Barely. By my count: 16 points, 13 rebounds. Estimate of what I probably should have had: 28 points, 18 rebounds. Had a nice blocked shot on a former teammate I admire a lot (got called for a nonsense foul, but it was a make-up call for something I got away with previously).
Missed a few chippies--pause to check if "chippies" is a real word or just basketball slang. Chippies: Plural of chippy--a promiscuous young woman. Yikes. Definitely not what I meant. Rephrasing...I missed a few easy baskets.
Oh, promiscuous. Easy! Yeah, I get it now...
7:51-9:18 PM--Get back to gym in Pretty Prairie and join the hometown blokes for some 4-on-4.
7:59 PM--Receive a message that totally spikes my curiosity. Like a volleyball. You know, except not boring. Guffaw.
Mon; Dec 14...
11:45 AM-2:15 PM--Get some good games in on the courts at Wichita State. My team won in its first 7 games. Then a loss, then two wins, a loss, and a win. 10-2? In pickup ball? Pshaw, I'll take it.
7(ish) PM--Watch a pretty intense double-overtime Middle School game. Pretty Prairie wins on a tip-in at the buzzer. That kid will remember that moment forever. I know I have a few moments like that. One that was eerily similar, in fact.
Tue; Dec 15...
8 PM-12:30 AM (Wed)--Hang out in Hutchinson again. Pizza rolls and bread sticks from "The Hut" and a drink from Sonic? Eh, fuggedaboutit! <-- imagine an Italian accent.
Wed; Dec 16...
3 PM-6 PM--Jaunt to Wichita. Pick up a few Christmas gift on very limited budget. Result: I'm an awesome big brother, a decent son and pretty solid brother-in-law. As for being a little brother? Jury still out.
6:30--Taco Bell. Cheesy Gordita Cruch. And some soft shells on the side. No lettuce. Dr. Pepper. Yum.
This is a very anti-climactic ending, but that's pretty much all I've got this time.
Do the right thing,
Derrick
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Give me your presence, keep your presents.
To the few people who've mentioned that they actually missed my blogs--I take that with the grain of salt. But I'm back--please forgive the 2 week layoff.
This one will be about gifts. It is the season for giving, is it not?
Thinking back to all the Christmas gifts I've been given over the years...
Best gift ever: NBA Live '99 --computer game
From: My grandma, Madeline Crosley. Her last Christmas before passing in February the following year. It was the first basketball video game I actually owned personally. Loved that game--I'll never forget it because of who it came from.
Worst gift ever: Tube socks
From: I have no earthly idea. Some distant relative, I imagine--I was a little kid. What little kid ever wants tube socks? Why do people do this? Ironically, as I near 25, I could actually use a new pair of socks or 2--just not ones like that.
2009 Wish List:
1. Anything Cubs--Ahem, tickets? Just kidding (no I'm not).
...there is a black Cubs shirt at Champs Sports that I would love. They used to have a neat white one, too, at one point. I own 4 blues and 1 grey, but no other colors.
...there are at least 6 new Cubs hats at Lids in Towne East in Wichita that I don't have. Not to mention tons of neatly-colored hats, shirts and other Cubs nonsense online. Just saying.
2. Nintendo Wii. Very unrealistic (money constraints for pretty much everyone I know) and not the best usage of my time, but I'd love one, nonetheless.
3. A foxy new girlfriend. Or at least a New Year's date? Suggestions? Bah.
*Derrick pauses for 2:22 and breaks into a Joe Nichols song* --
"What's a guy gotta do to get a girl in this town?...don't wanna be alone when the sun goes down...just a sweet little somethin' to put my arms around...what's a guy gotta do to get a girl in this town? ...well, ask anybody, I'm a pretty good guy..."
Yikes. Sorry you had to witness that--I'm back now...where was I? Oh yes...
On to a couple random Christmas memories:
1995: Move into new house (out of trailer). With TV on the floor and most belongings still in boxes, we watch the beloved Kansas Jayhawks defeat UCLA 51-30 in Aloha Bowl...Then, with no food worth eating and exhausted from moving--we eat "Christmas dinner" at a gas station in Kingman, KS. Just my mom and us three boys. An oddly cohesive occasion.
2002: House fire, 2 AM--Christmas Eve. Forced to move into a duplex in town for the last 5 months of my Senior year of High School. Weird stuff, watching your house almost burn down mere hours before Christmas.
SO...here's what I want: If you are reading this, take a second to tell me at least one--or more of the following:
1. What's on your Christmas wish list this year?
2. Best gift you've ever gotten?
3. Worst gift you've ever gotten?
4. Good Christmas memory?
5. Bad Christmas memory?
6. Favorite thing about the holiday season?
7. Least favorite thing about the holidays?
You mustn't answer them all...Just share some Christmas-y thoughts. Ready, go.
I'll try and make sure to write again before then, but I'm in holiday mode already.
Early or not...Merry Christmas, y'all.
Do the right thing,
Derrick
This one will be about gifts. It is the season for giving, is it not?
Thinking back to all the Christmas gifts I've been given over the years...
Best gift ever: NBA Live '99 --computer game
From: My grandma, Madeline Crosley. Her last Christmas before passing in February the following year. It was the first basketball video game I actually owned personally. Loved that game--I'll never forget it because of who it came from.
Worst gift ever: Tube socks
From: I have no earthly idea. Some distant relative, I imagine--I was a little kid. What little kid ever wants tube socks? Why do people do this? Ironically, as I near 25, I could actually use a new pair of socks or 2--just not ones like that.
2009 Wish List:
1. Anything Cubs--Ahem, tickets? Just kidding (no I'm not).
...there is a black Cubs shirt at Champs Sports that I would love. They used to have a neat white one, too, at one point. I own 4 blues and 1 grey, but no other colors.
...there are at least 6 new Cubs hats at Lids in Towne East in Wichita that I don't have. Not to mention tons of neatly-colored hats, shirts and other Cubs nonsense online. Just saying.
2. Nintendo Wii. Very unrealistic (money constraints for pretty much everyone I know) and not the best usage of my time, but I'd love one, nonetheless.
3. A foxy new girlfriend. Or at least a New Year's date? Suggestions? Bah.
*Derrick pauses for 2:22 and breaks into a Joe Nichols song* --
"What's a guy gotta do to get a girl in this town?...don't wanna be alone when the sun goes down...just a sweet little somethin' to put my arms around...what's a guy gotta do to get a girl in this town? ...well, ask anybody, I'm a pretty good guy..."
Yikes. Sorry you had to witness that--I'm back now...where was I? Oh yes...
On to a couple random Christmas memories:
1995: Move into new house (out of trailer). With TV on the floor and most belongings still in boxes, we watch the beloved Kansas Jayhawks defeat UCLA 51-30 in Aloha Bowl...Then, with no food worth eating and exhausted from moving--we eat "Christmas dinner" at a gas station in Kingman, KS. Just my mom and us three boys. An oddly cohesive occasion.
2002: House fire, 2 AM--Christmas Eve. Forced to move into a duplex in town for the last 5 months of my Senior year of High School. Weird stuff, watching your house almost burn down mere hours before Christmas.
SO...here's what I want: If you are reading this, take a second to tell me at least one--or more of the following:
1. What's on your Christmas wish list this year?
2. Best gift you've ever gotten?
3. Worst gift you've ever gotten?
4. Good Christmas memory?
5. Bad Christmas memory?
6. Favorite thing about the holiday season?
7. Least favorite thing about the holidays?
You mustn't answer them all...Just share some Christmas-y thoughts. Ready, go.
I'll try and make sure to write again before then, but I'm in holiday mode already.
Early or not...Merry Christmas, y'all.
Do the right thing,
Derrick
Monday, November 23, 2009
Too late to apologize?
My recent bugaboo is excessive apologizing. Seems as though I've harped on anyone who has used the word "sorry" to me, of late. It can get old. My motto: Don't apologize for that which you cannot control. Although I'm guilty of it, too, for sure.
But then this afternoon, as I prepared for my game tonight (another L), the One Republic song Apologize came across my iPod. All right, so it was the Lil Wayne remix version, but still--it got me thinking...
Can it really sometimes be "too late to apologize?"
Or does the old adage "better late than never" apply here, too?
In the spirit of covering my bases, let's find out. Going to try and think of anyone who deserves an apology from me.
I'm also going to attempt to be discreet, in an attempt to be "publicly private," if you will. Here goes...
TK: Not going to lie, you're the driving force behind this entire blog--aside from the kick-start from One Republic, of course. I'm sorry for what I said in a blog 13 days ago. Though sincere, it was a horrible approach, and not the time or the place for it. I know you saw it, and not sure you'll see this--or that you even care anymore. But I shouldn't have done it, and I'm quite sorry. It's been a horrendous year-plus, and I just get frustrated very easily these days (no excuse). If you see this, your forgiveness would be greatly appreciated.
Cat who showed up a couple months ago, and never left: I'm sorry I broke your foot. I'm not sorry that I slide you out of the way when you're in the doorway. And I'm not sorry about always telling you I hate your species. Cats are stupid. See, no remorse. I didn't break your foot on purpose. You shouldn't have been standing right behind me while I was playing catch. So it's really your own fault. But still...I didn't see you there when I stepped back, and I feel a little bad--so I'm sorry about that.
DS: You will never read this, and probably couldn't care less, but I was a bad friend to you. I quit talking to you (and several other female friends) when I was with my now ex-girlfriend 2+ years ago. She was an insanely jealous psychopath, and it was the only way to keep her happy--at least temporarily. We were once very close friends, you and I. You've since deleted me from your life, and it's all my own doing. I maybe should have handled that better, and I didn't. I'm sorry.
AW: I'm just sorry--in general. I really don't even need to elaborate. It's worked out for you, and that's so awesome. Me? Eh.
JB: We had us a pretty dramatic debacle last year, eh? I was caught in the middle of a situation having nothing to do with me, and didn't know what to do--or say, and to whom. Seems to have worked out, since all seems copacetic nowadays, but still...it was a tough spot, and another situation I maybe should have handled better. I'm sorry.
Self: Dear me, I'm sorry I keep you up at night making you think about silly nonsense. I keep telling you that I'll work on it, and I really am trying. It's just hard. So shut up. Still...sorry. I'm also sorry I haven't been living up to the standard of ethics I've set for you/me. I'll continue working on that, too. Thanks for understanding, self. Yeah, no problem--that's what I'm here for.
God: I'm sorry for not talking to you more often. Sadly, it's often when I need you most that I forget to talk to you. Silly, huh? I'll continue to try and do better.
All: I'm sorry I haven't been able to provide you with anything more interesting to read--especially lately. I honestly have no idea who all even reads this nonsense. Sometimes, I'm led to believe that I have upwards of 100+ readers on a few things I've written. But most the time, I wonder if it's more than 5. Regardless, apology to the masses. I expect more of myself, and you should, too.
Finally: To anyone who's ever said "sorry" in a situation that didn't really call for it (myself included)...
Here's a 9-second video. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-VP8wnFwo8
Do the right thing,
Derrick
But then this afternoon, as I prepared for my game tonight (another L), the One Republic song Apologize came across my iPod. All right, so it was the Lil Wayne remix version, but still--it got me thinking...
Can it really sometimes be "too late to apologize?"
Or does the old adage "better late than never" apply here, too?
In the spirit of covering my bases, let's find out. Going to try and think of anyone who deserves an apology from me.
I'm also going to attempt to be discreet, in an attempt to be "publicly private," if you will. Here goes...
TK: Not going to lie, you're the driving force behind this entire blog--aside from the kick-start from One Republic, of course. I'm sorry for what I said in a blog 13 days ago. Though sincere, it was a horrible approach, and not the time or the place for it. I know you saw it, and not sure you'll see this--or that you even care anymore. But I shouldn't have done it, and I'm quite sorry. It's been a horrendous year-plus, and I just get frustrated very easily these days (no excuse). If you see this, your forgiveness would be greatly appreciated.
Cat who showed up a couple months ago, and never left: I'm sorry I broke your foot. I'm not sorry that I slide you out of the way when you're in the doorway. And I'm not sorry about always telling you I hate your species. Cats are stupid. See, no remorse. I didn't break your foot on purpose. You shouldn't have been standing right behind me while I was playing catch. So it's really your own fault. But still...I didn't see you there when I stepped back, and I feel a little bad--so I'm sorry about that.
DS: You will never read this, and probably couldn't care less, but I was a bad friend to you. I quit talking to you (and several other female friends) when I was with my now ex-girlfriend 2+ years ago. She was an insanely jealous psychopath, and it was the only way to keep her happy--at least temporarily. We were once very close friends, you and I. You've since deleted me from your life, and it's all my own doing. I maybe should have handled that better, and I didn't. I'm sorry.
AW: I'm just sorry--in general. I really don't even need to elaborate. It's worked out for you, and that's so awesome. Me? Eh.
JB: We had us a pretty dramatic debacle last year, eh? I was caught in the middle of a situation having nothing to do with me, and didn't know what to do--or say, and to whom. Seems to have worked out, since all seems copacetic nowadays, but still...it was a tough spot, and another situation I maybe should have handled better. I'm sorry.
Self: Dear me, I'm sorry I keep you up at night making you think about silly nonsense. I keep telling you that I'll work on it, and I really am trying. It's just hard. So shut up. Still...sorry. I'm also sorry I haven't been living up to the standard of ethics I've set for you/me. I'll continue working on that, too. Thanks for understanding, self. Yeah, no problem--that's what I'm here for.
God: I'm sorry for not talking to you more often. Sadly, it's often when I need you most that I forget to talk to you. Silly, huh? I'll continue to try and do better.
All: I'm sorry I haven't been able to provide you with anything more interesting to read--especially lately. I honestly have no idea who all even reads this nonsense. Sometimes, I'm led to believe that I have upwards of 100+ readers on a few things I've written. But most the time, I wonder if it's more than 5. Regardless, apology to the masses. I expect more of myself, and you should, too.
Finally: To anyone who's ever said "sorry" in a situation that didn't really call for it (myself included)...
Here's a 9-second video. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-VP8wnFwo8
Do the right thing,
Derrick
Saturday, November 14, 2009
2009 Pretty Prairie Bulldogs football
The 2009 Pretty Prairie High School football season came to a disappointing end Friday night, as the Bulldogs fell to the Falcons from Baileyville B & B.
Baileyville was a deserving, well-rounded team that plays good solid football, and is well-coached.
But this isn't about them.
This is about the Pretty Prairie team that took a previously-unbeaten record four-plus hours north to see what it was made of.
On the field, the Bulldogs lost the game--their season was over. Then the helmets came off.
Let's rewind.
Pretty Prairie opened its season by surrendering 22 unanswered points to South Barber. The rest of September? Pretty Prairie 172, Opponents 28. They never looked back.
On October 9, the Bulldogs provided their home fans with the game of the season in a clash with the visiting Claflin Wildcats--pitting two teams who'd gone down to the wire the previous season, with Pretty Prairie coming up on the wrong end.
The rematch did not disappoint, culminating in thrilling fashion, as the Bulldogs closed out Claflin, 46-44. In the waning seconds, ailing quarterback Hunter Pittman threaded a nifty pass in traffic to freshman Alex Mains just inside the left pylon. Mains made the catch of a lifetime in the endzone to give Pretty Prairie the lead. Claflin moved down the field with a couple quick--albeit long plays, but was brought down just short of the goal line by the Bulldog defense as time expired.
Hysteria in a community of barely 600.
Pretty Prairie coasted through its next two games before grinding out a win versus Goessel and smashing Udall in its Bi-District game. They then rolled past an unsuspecting Frankfort squad (40-8) to set up a Sub-State battle with the defending State Champion Baileyville Falcons.
Pretty Prairie won 11 games for various reasons.
Leadership: Ben Ketchem, Cole Kirkbride. If you watched even a single game, nothing else need be said. True, Pretty Prairie "only" loses two seniors, and could be even more formidable next season. However, those are two tough seniors to lose.
Touchdowns (and lots of them): Junior Daniel Krehbiel has to be considered one of the top running backs in Kansas for his play in 2009.
Play-making: Hunter Pittman and fellow junior Tanner Hines were integral play-makers on offense for the Bulldogs as well, while the defense was a harder-hitting group than anyone seemed ready for. Junior Seth Hastings was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all season long. Junior Josh Kaufman laid a smashing hit on a Frankfort player that looked like it should have landed him in a coma. Brilliant football play. Freshman Stetson Broce seemed to always have a nose for the ball as he racked up tackles and interceptions throughout the season.
Teamwork: Perhaps the most cliche rally cry in sports, but you'd probably be hard pressed to find a closer-knit group of young men than the 2009 Bulldog football team.
Coaching: Over the course of eight-plus years, I've concluded that C.T. Young could catch a fish, teach it to grow legs, run a slant route, and catch a pass over the middle. OK, perhaps a bit far-fetched. But my guess? Probably not by much. He knows the game of football, and loves it. And it shows in the attitudes of his players.
Back to Baileyville, KS--Friday, November 13.
I know the guys on the team will most likely see the Sub-State loss as a failure, a disappointment, unfinished business, all that stuff. I've played sports all my life--I know how it works.
But...
As the young, dispirited Bulldogs walked off the field in sorrow, helmets in their hands and tears in their eyes--senior captains Ben Ketchem and Cole Kirkbride stood firm at midfield applauding the victors from Baileyville--the type of defining moment that turns boys into men in an instant.
Goosebumps.
In that very moment, as if never before--I was proud to know those two young men. Ben and Cole, I'm proud to call you my friends.
Kudos to you both for always playing--and acting the right way. Trust me, people notice.
To the rest of the Bulldogs,
Congrats on a great season. You will be back.
Derrick Mead
PS--Tried to tinker with a pic. Looked good when I finished, but came out blurry for some reason. Enjoy.
Baileyville was a deserving, well-rounded team that plays good solid football, and is well-coached.
But this isn't about them.
This is about the Pretty Prairie team that took a previously-unbeaten record four-plus hours north to see what it was made of.
On the field, the Bulldogs lost the game--their season was over. Then the helmets came off.
Let's rewind.
Pretty Prairie opened its season by surrendering 22 unanswered points to South Barber. The rest of September? Pretty Prairie 172, Opponents 28. They never looked back.
On October 9, the Bulldogs provided their home fans with the game of the season in a clash with the visiting Claflin Wildcats--pitting two teams who'd gone down to the wire the previous season, with Pretty Prairie coming up on the wrong end.
The rematch did not disappoint, culminating in thrilling fashion, as the Bulldogs closed out Claflin, 46-44. In the waning seconds, ailing quarterback Hunter Pittman threaded a nifty pass in traffic to freshman Alex Mains just inside the left pylon. Mains made the catch of a lifetime in the endzone to give Pretty Prairie the lead. Claflin moved down the field with a couple quick--albeit long plays, but was brought down just short of the goal line by the Bulldog defense as time expired.
Hysteria in a community of barely 600.
Pretty Prairie coasted through its next two games before grinding out a win versus Goessel and smashing Udall in its Bi-District game. They then rolled past an unsuspecting Frankfort squad (40-8) to set up a Sub-State battle with the defending State Champion Baileyville Falcons.
Pretty Prairie won 11 games for various reasons.
Leadership: Ben Ketchem, Cole Kirkbride. If you watched even a single game, nothing else need be said. True, Pretty Prairie "only" loses two seniors, and could be even more formidable next season. However, those are two tough seniors to lose.
Touchdowns (and lots of them): Junior Daniel Krehbiel has to be considered one of the top running backs in Kansas for his play in 2009.
Play-making: Hunter Pittman and fellow junior Tanner Hines were integral play-makers on offense for the Bulldogs as well, while the defense was a harder-hitting group than anyone seemed ready for. Junior Seth Hastings was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all season long. Junior Josh Kaufman laid a smashing hit on a Frankfort player that looked like it should have landed him in a coma. Brilliant football play. Freshman Stetson Broce seemed to always have a nose for the ball as he racked up tackles and interceptions throughout the season.
Teamwork: Perhaps the most cliche rally cry in sports, but you'd probably be hard pressed to find a closer-knit group of young men than the 2009 Bulldog football team.
Coaching: Over the course of eight-plus years, I've concluded that C.T. Young could catch a fish, teach it to grow legs, run a slant route, and catch a pass over the middle. OK, perhaps a bit far-fetched. But my guess? Probably not by much. He knows the game of football, and loves it. And it shows in the attitudes of his players.
Back to Baileyville, KS--Friday, November 13.
I know the guys on the team will most likely see the Sub-State loss as a failure, a disappointment, unfinished business, all that stuff. I've played sports all my life--I know how it works.
But...
As the young, dispirited Bulldogs walked off the field in sorrow, helmets in their hands and tears in their eyes--senior captains Ben Ketchem and Cole Kirkbride stood firm at midfield applauding the victors from Baileyville--the type of defining moment that turns boys into men in an instant.
Goosebumps.
In that very moment, as if never before--I was proud to know those two young men. Ben and Cole, I'm proud to call you my friends.
Kudos to you both for always playing--and acting the right way. Trust me, people notice.
To the rest of the Bulldogs,
Congrats on a great season. You will be back.
Derrick Mead
PS--Tried to tinker with a pic. Looked good when I finished, but came out blurry for some reason. Enjoy.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thankful for laughter...now where did I put it?
Every day seems to bring a new reason for sorrow. Just today, I discovered some news that would devastate at least 601 people (at the 2000 census) simultaneously if they all found out (only a few know). Perhaps best they don't. Epic panic would probably ensue.
BUT...
This is not about that.
It's time to focus on happy things. The little things.
You know what, let's take it a step farther. It's November. I'm not a big Thanksgiving guy, but why not dive in? Let's talk about things I'm thankful for (SO not the direction I planned to take this blog less than a minute ago)...why not? Everyone else seems to be.
I'm thankful for...
My dog, Pete. He may be fat and ugly (traits we probably share), but no matter how many girls get on my nerves, Pete's always around. I'm reminded of Carrie Underwood's song The More Boys I Meet...well, to paraphrase:
"The more [girls] I meet, the more I love my dog."
I figure if Pete can smile, I might as well. Seriously, look--he's smiling in the picture. How awesome is that?
I'm also thankful for...
Technology:
- My BlackBerry (the phone, not the fruit)
- Having texts waiting for me when I wake up
- Text messaging in general
- My Macbook. Macs are much better than PCs. If you disagree, we might not be friends.
- My iPod--it's purple, and I like it
People:
- My family...most the time.
- New friendships
- Old friendships that last
- Friends who are better friends than they realize
- Really beautiful women
Sports:
- The opportunity to play something I love (basketball)
- Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears
Possessions:
- Flip-flops
- Cubs hats...all of them
- Books, movies
I could probably go on. But I'm (finally) getting tired, and I think you get the picture. This is not exactly a productive blog, but oh well. Lastly, a little joke to go out on...
Two old men were fishing off a bridge as they had done daily for many years. Suddenly a funeral procession came down the road.
The one old man reeled in his line, lain down his pole, faced the street and bowed his head until the procession had passed. He then picked up his pole and started fishing again.
The other fisherman was amazed and stated "I didn't know you were that religious."
The other looked at him and said "Least I could do, we've been married 42 years."
Do the right thing,
Derrick
BUT...
This is not about that.
It's time to focus on happy things. The little things.
You know what, let's take it a step farther. It's November. I'm not a big Thanksgiving guy, but why not dive in? Let's talk about things I'm thankful for (SO not the direction I planned to take this blog less than a minute ago)...why not? Everyone else seems to be.
I'm thankful for...
My dog, Pete. He may be fat and ugly (traits we probably share), but no matter how many girls get on my nerves, Pete's always around. I'm reminded of Carrie Underwood's song The More Boys I Meet...well, to paraphrase:
"The more [girls] I meet, the more I love my dog."
I figure if Pete can smile, I might as well. Seriously, look--he's smiling in the picture. How awesome is that?
I'm also thankful for...
Technology:
- My BlackBerry (the phone, not the fruit)
- Having texts waiting for me when I wake up
- Text messaging in general
- My Macbook. Macs are much better than PCs. If you disagree, we might not be friends.
- My iPod--it's purple, and I like it
People:
- My family...most the time.
- New friendships
- Old friendships that last
- Friends who are better friends than they realize
- Really beautiful women
Sports:
- The opportunity to play something I love (basketball)
- Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears
Possessions:
- Flip-flops
- Cubs hats...all of them
- Books, movies
I could probably go on. But I'm (finally) getting tired, and I think you get the picture. This is not exactly a productive blog, but oh well. Lastly, a little joke to go out on...
Two old men were fishing off a bridge as they had done daily for many years. Suddenly a funeral procession came down the road.
The one old man reeled in his line, lain down his pole, faced the street and bowed his head until the procession had passed. He then picked up his pole and started fishing again.
The other fisherman was amazed and stated "I didn't know you were that religious."
The other looked at him and said "Least I could do, we've been married 42 years."
Do the right thing,
Derrick
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