Stephanie bought us tickets for the Foreigner concert at Centre College last night. It was really good. Those guys did a great job. I was very disappointed they did not do Headknocker - Foreigner (click this link to hear one of the greatest songs of all time), my favorite Foreigner song, but it was still great.
As it worked out, I watched the Boyle County Rebels practice Wednesday afternoon before the concert. Jeff Hester, their DC, mentioned he had been to see Foreigner in 1982. Of course, he also had me show Coach Mike Settles the picture of Jeff and I from the opening game of 1982 for Garrard & Mercer. Jeff was a captain for Garrard and I was a captain for Mercer. We were both skinnier back then and we had hair. Don't ask me who won. I would rather not discuss that.
A few thoughts from the concert:
1- Those old guys with long hair, playing their guitars, singing, playing the drums, reminded me of Coach Roger Gruneisen. If he had not been a football coach, I believe he would have been a great rock star. Roger would have loved the concert and worked it into a pregame speech today.
2- John Combs & Caroline were there. JCB learned to love this old music, riding with me to school and practice when he was growing up. I am glad he loves the same music I love and that is a bond we will always have.
3- I couldn't help but think of growing up in Harrodsburg/Mercer County, playing HS football here, and of course my Dad, as I listened to those old Foreigner songs from the late 70s and early 80s. Paris & Maysvlle/Mason County were great and I would not trade those experiences for anything, but I am really glad to be home and it was time for me to come home.
The kids in our lockerroom right now are having a great HS football experience. Going from 0-5 to being undefeated district champions and hosting every playoff game in November is a tremendous accomplishment for those guys they will remember the rest of their lives. Our guys came off of losing 13 of 15 games over the past two seasons to win a district title. An incredible accomplishment and a testimony to their toughness and perseverance, and to their coaches as well. I am excited about the remainder of our season. I am also glad these kids will always be able to look back on this season, be proud of what they did, and use this experience to help them always believe they have better days ahead of them as long as they continue to fight and do their best. I am thankful I get to experience this with the guys that play football in my hometown.
My wife Stephanie always knows what to do and she is the one that keeps the wheels on for our family. She was the reason I was at that concert last night. I can't imagine anyone married a better person than I did, and by far the only person that would choose to put with me and have the ability to deal with me on a daily basis.
If you hear a good Foreigner song on the radio today, try to imagine Jeff Hester and me with hair. :)
