Getting on the Same Page: Remembering the Royals of the late 90s

This was a week when two different world's ran in to each other. As a staff here at Mercer, we have spent much of the week working to continue getting on the same page. Offensive & defensive schemes, gameplans, the weightroom, practice plans, etc. have all been discussed. Don't underestimate how tough it is for a football program and staff to become one cohesive unit.   Communication, listening, explanations, etc. are critical and often a staff of football coaches can be a strong-willed group of guys.  

JT Walsh (7) & Brandon Drake (61) in our season opening win at Bath County. (1996).  My first game as a Royal. I am not sure I have ever had a team more excited to play a football game than those guys were that night.

During our discussions this week, Coach Rowland (our Mercer DC) told me that when he met Chris Ullery (our Mason DC), Coach Ullery asked him if we still did .... and gave him a list of things we did at Mason. Apparently the answer was "Yes!"  Of course, no one would ever accuse me of being stubborn...😄 (sarcasm). 

Travoris Beckley at West Carter in 1996. This win broke a 3 game losing streak.

I had a bunch of other reminders this week of my first few years in Maysville.  Jordan Johnson(Waggener) & Jonathan Thomas (Mason County)  are both currently head coaches and were freshmen on my first team at Mason County in 1996.  I talked to Jordan & Jonathan both this week.  I am proud of those guys!

I got to talk to Butch & Kim Chain this week. Their son Ray played on my first teams at Mason. Butch and Kim continued to do video on Friday nights and are still helping the Royals from the press box when the lights come on. Butch & Kim have given much to those kids and that football program.

I got to talk to Coach Ullery this week who has become an assistant athletic director at Mason County. Those kids are fortunate to have him in that role.

And, we were able to eat dinner with our good friends, Tim & Jenni Sargent.  I coached both their sons at Mason County, Ty & Mason. And, their daughter Taylor was the inspiration for our pregame speech the night we beat the Red Devils in Flatwoods for the first time (2008)!  

Rees Denham in Mason County's first ever victory over Russell in 1997. We got behind 17-0.

Our week at Mercer and all the Mason County encounters reminded me of Royals Football in the late 90s. It was a tough time but it was a great time. Very rewarding.   The same things that make football tough, are the same things that make football great. It is hard for such a large group of strong-willed men, young and old, to get on the same page and become one heart beat. But, when you fight through it together and make progress toward a common goal, it is a tremendous feeling... and one that you can only experience as a group.  It is the constant challenge of putting the team ahead of yourself on a daily basis that enables a squad to come together as one. That is a big challenge for me and helps push me to be a better person. It is a challenge I need.

Seth Faulkner (11) & Geoff Sherman (50) in a big road win at Erlanger Lloyd, 1999.

Jeremy Wheeler (67), Harry Lewis (2) & Matt Gilbert (42) in the Homecoming upset win over #4 Newport in 1999

While I was getting in my 3 mile run tonight, this old song came up.   In the late 90's, those Mason County kids always liked this song at their dances after a ballgame.   I can't hear this song without thinking about those kids and what a wonderful time that was for all of us.

TLC- Creep

Those were not easy days, but that time was a great experience and we did have alot of fun and rewarding days & Friday nights.  When I feel like we have a long way to go in getting all of our guys on the same page, I remember the Royals of the late 90s, and I realize that what we are going through right now at Mercer is just as special and to ENJOY this process and time. Good luck in 2017 to the Royals, Titans, Greyhounds, and all the football programs that are working hard to become one heartbeat when the lights come on for that first Friday night this fall. 

Photos from the Maysville Ledger Independent

Tackling Drill: Brian Rowland

Brian Rowland is our DC at Mercer County HS and coaches our Linebackers. Here is video of a drill he did today during our Perfection workout. The drill is creative, fun and safe. It works on footwork, defeating blocks, and making a tackle at the end when the player scoops the ball. Great job coach!

Mercer vs. Boyle photos, 1969-1987

1969 @ Boyle

1971 @ Boyle

1971 @ Boyle

1972 @ Mercer

1973 @ Boyle

1973 @ Boyle

1973 @ Boyle

1975 @ Boyle

1975 @ Boyle

1976 @ Mercer

1976 @ Mercer

1976 @ Mercer

1977 @ Boyle

1977 @ Boyle

1977 @ Boyle

1977 @ Boyle

1977 @ Boyle

1982 @ Mercer

1982 @ Mercer

1987 @ Boyle

The value of the past and moving toward the future

I am writing this blog before our Perfection Workout this afternoon. What a blessing to be back in my hometown and getting ready for another season of football in central Kentucky. I am especially excited because we are renewing some old local rivalries, like getting to go to another Boyle-Mercer football game. I have been to several of those, especially in the 70s and 80s. And, we are playing at old Harrodsburg HS(Alvis Johnson Stadium). With the improvements made in the bleachers, lighting and playing surface, there is no better place for a HS football game. 

As I sit here with my laptop, at my side on the floor are two scrapbooks. One is from Boyle County, 1971 through 1973. The other is from Mercer County, 1974-1977.  Boyle County 1969 and 1970 have their own separate scrapbooks.  I think the past is important to me because I had such a great time growing up as a coach's son and then I loved playing HS football. When you add in all of the coaches, players, and wonderful people that have crossed my path over the years, since that time, I am blessed with many great memories.

Boyle vs. Frankfort, Kentucky Advocate Messenger, Sunday, October 17, 1971. Willie Washington is #22 for Frankfort. The Rebesl in the picture are Mark Lee (82), Ronnie Mayfield (45), Dickie Mayes (65) & Richie Bottoms (71).

 I have been accused of living in the past. And, I guess when you walk around with white shoestrings in your black coaching shoes and listen to your old music, you have to live with that as charged. 

But, I would argue that I am using the past to make me a better person, husband, father and coach in the present and future.  

Going forward, I am going to pick out a particular season, or month of the season, or event to remember and celebrate. And, I have the old music and scrapbooks to go with every bit of it. It may sound crazy. I am fine if you think that. As I have told others, I am crazy but not dangerous. 

So... why does it matter.  

James 1:17 says that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from our Father...". Hebrews 13:8 says  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Those great memories/experiences from the past are from my Heavenly Father.  I don't know what the future holds, but I know HE will be there. If there is more stuff ahead of me like I am celebrating today.... WOW!  

Which brings me to another point that I struggle with... worshipping the gift and not the Giver. I always remember that all good things go back to HIM.  

So, I am encouraging you.... remember those great times and remember the source of them. When you remember the tough times... for another blog in the future.... remember HE who delivered you.

For your enjoyment, here is my favorite song of all time. It was at the top of the charts when I was born, May of 1965.  Enjoy some old music.

I Can't Help Myself- Four Tops

And, no, I don't remember May of 1965 and being  few days old, but this is still a great tune from the past with many great memories over the years.