Clemson Tigers: 1981 & 2015/2016

Watching the Tigers right now in the National Championship semifinals. The last time Clemson won the National Championship, I saw that team play at Commonwealth Stadium in October of 1981. They defeated Kentucky 21-3.  My Dad took me. I have a bunch of great memories and experiences because of my Dad. 

Happy New Year. 

My two favorite #71s , their Lord & Savior & the Hallelujah Chorus

During my Dad's last few days, I would play some of his favorite music on my phone while he was in the hospital. His all time favorite song was Sally Go Round the Roses. It always reminded him of a big win against Illinois Wesleyan when he was in college.  During those last few days, we listened to some Mama's & Papas; Peter, Paul & Mary, etc while in the hospital.  I guess my Dad was a closet hippie. If you got to know him, you could see that side of him in his care for others. 

On the Thursday night he passed on, I was in the room with all 3 of my kids, as well as my sister and brother in law.  Early in the evening, we joked that we would appreciate it if the two #71s (Dad & John Combs[my son] )would be nice to the two #10 sissy quarterbacks ( me and my other son, Trosper). John Combs(JCB) and his granddad were always proud to be the men of the family, playing linebacker, defensive line, & offensive line. 

A little before 10 pm, my 3 kids left my Dad's room.  I think once they left, he felt like he could also.  I guess in his way of saying that us #10's are ok, when we saw him take his last breath, it was 10:10. 

Earlier in that evening, I had wanted my Dad to hear JCB play the piano in addition to the music we had listened to previously. Stephanie had JCB playing the Hallelujah Chorus on her facebook page from a performance with the Mason County HS Choir. I found that and played it for my Dad. JCB was a 1st Team All State Linebacker and he plays the piano at the same level of skill.

As I listened to my son's performance, it hit me that very soon my Dad would be in the presence of his Lord & Savior unlike he had ever before. The victory in that moment as I listened to my son on the piano was overwhelming. My Dad had fought the good fight, trusted his Lord & Savior, and was at the doorstep of his reward.

At this Christmas season, many of us are missing loved ones. I am sharing JCB playing the Hallelujah Chorus with the Mason County HS Choir for you. We may miss them, but the victory has been won because of our Lord & Savior. Celebrate His birth with JOY & HOPE.  God Bless you & Merry Christmas.

Hallelujah Chorus- John Combs Buchanan

My two favorite # 71s. Photo by Cheri Johnson

Always the right name..... always the right answer

Steele & Lynn Harmon shared with our family this Christmas season, On this Holy Night, The Heart of Christmas.  Included in the book was a chapter written by David Jeremiah on the name of Jesus.

In the process of getting my Dad's bills paid and helping my mom after Dad died, I had to know some security questions for his online banking. I got two of the three right. The easiest one was "Who would you most like to meet?"  The answer was Jesus. 

As I read David Jeremiah's chapter this morning, it reminded me of what Mike Voigts, my Dad's Pastor at Centenary Methodist in Danville, shared at the funeral about their first meeting.  My Dad had been a HS football coach, involved with FCA, and started an outreach ministry ("Tailgate Sunday") for the Boyle County and Danville football teams. My Dad told Mike, "It has never been all about football. Yes, I love football. But, it has always been about using football to tell young people about Jesus Christ."

It is common for people to remember their loved ones this time of year.  And, especially for me this Christmas, I think often about my Dad and how much I miss him.  

But, I am reminded of the ultimate answer to the important questions..... how can I handle the problems I am facing today?  How do I know I will see my Dad again?  The list goes on.

But, the answer is the same.....JESUS.  Merry Christmas. 

Me & my Dad!

My dad giving me one of my first haircuts.

Coach & Lynn Harmon, with my mom, finding time to celebrate my Dad's birthday during football season, August 16th. This is probably #30 in 1973.

Leadership Workshop

If you have a team or group that would be interested in leadership training, please contact me at coachdavidbuchanan@gmail.com.  Thank you to Monnie Berger from Mercer County Senior HS for allowing me to present to her group:

The leadership workshop lead by Coach David Buchanan for our High School GT students was great.  Coach Buchanan worked to engage students as he talked about the importance of being a leader who serves others. He also talked about the importance of looking for the positives and not dwelling on the negatives.  He encouraged the students to decide what type of leader you want to be and work hard to become that type of leader.  This was a great session for our students and they were challenged to think about themselves and how to improve themselves.

- Monnie Berger, Mercer County Senior HS Gifted & Talented

The blonde headed kid in the back of the church

When Stephanie and I were married back on May 30, 1992, we had a videographer record the event, including video facing the guests sitting in the sanctuary. In the back, you can see this little blonde headed boy, pretty restless, standing up in his dad's lap, I guess trying to see.... or, trying to leave the wedding!

About 7 years later, that same little boy and his dad drove to Maysville. That little boy, his dad, Dustin Grutza, Ty Sargent & myself, all went to this quarterback camp in southern Ohio. None of these guys were in HS yet. As it turned out, this little boy, Ty, & Dustin all became very good quarterbacks and football players.  They are also three of the best guys you could meet and vey successful adults.

Then, in 2005, that SAME little blonde headed young man was the QUARTERBACK for me when I coached the Kentucky All Stars versus Tennessee. It was sort of weird, because the year before, Dustin Grutza(who I had coached at Mason County) had been the Kentucky QB versus Tennessee. Like Dustin, the little blonde headed boy lead us to a win over Tennessee. But, what I remember the most, was standing on the field with him and our offensive coordinator, Chris Pardue. It was a timeout near the end of the game and we were ahead 41-27.  I said, "Let's run the clock out and make sure we win." The little blonde headed guy says, "I want to score again."  We finished the game with a bench-clearing near brawl. I hate to admit it, but it was sort of fun.

Well, that little blonde headed kid in the back of the church just won his first state championship as the head football coach at South Warren HS.  And, he is still really young!  His name is Brandon Smith. He played QB for his dad, Chuck Smith, at Boyle County.

Now, Chuck is still a GREAT football coach and a legend. But, I think it is safe to say,  everyday he becomes less and less, Chuck Smith, and is becoming BRANDON SMITH'S DAD. And, my guess is that Chuck is ok with that.

Congratulations to Coach Brandon Smith. Looks like that little guy in the back of the church turned out pretty good!

Congratulations Chris McNamee & Pikeville Panthers: STATE CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to Coach Chris McNamee & his Pikeville Panthers on their 2015 Class A State Championship victory over Beechwood!

Chris is one of best guys in coaching. We have been friends for a long time and coached together in the 2004 KY-TN All Star Game as assistants to Coach Tom Larkey. 

Chris frequently brings his QBs to my camp in February or June. It always means alot to me that he makes that long drive on a Saturday to help his kids and to help me and my family.

Most importantly, Chris is a committed follower of Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for those kids to have Coach McNamee as their leader.

God Bless the McNamees and Panthers. 

Merry Christmas!

Colossians 3:23