Happy 4th of July- Highlighting a former Marine, great person/coach: Bill Arnsparger

Happy 4th of July to everyone, but especially to the veterans, including many of those old coaches that served our nation in WW II. Coach Bill Arnsparger, a Paris, Ky native was  a Marine during WW II. His HS football coach was Blanton Collier. Coach Arnsparger coached the greatest defense in the history of the NFL, the No-Name Dolphins of the only undefeated Super Bowl Champions from Miami in 1972.

Besides being a great coach, Bill Arnsparger is a great man who serves others and puts the well-being of others ahead of himself. In 1992 when I became the head coach at Paris HS, he always made time for me and our program. I can never thank him enough for the kindness and help he gave me in those early years at Paris HS. Coach Arnsparger's ability as a coach, character, concern for others, and willingness to serve are second to none. Every accolade you could bestow on a wonderful human being, he deserves.

Here is an excerpt / AFM blog entry from Black Shoes & White Shoestrings on Coach Arnsparger:

Arnsparger: A Master at Deflecting Attention

Happy 4th of July to Coach Arnsparger, his wonderful family, and all the Veterans who served our nation!

Dustin Grutza- still winning championships

http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/local-business-to-be-featured-on-discovery-program/article_ac271858-379a-5269-a654-bf3331815e6c.html



Here is a great article on my former QB Dustin Grutza, and his new business, Craftforce, which will be featured on the Discovery Channel.

A little background on Dustin.....

In the summer of 1996, he showed up as one of about 9 kids at our first little kids camp at Mason County. As a sophomore starting his first game in 2001, he threw a TD pass on 4th down in overtime to defeat Tate's Creek in the season opener. He lead our team to two region championships, three state quarerfinal appearances and two state semifinal appearances in his three seasons as our starter. He lead the KY All Stars over Tennessee in Neyland Stadium, and went on to be a starter at the University of Cincinnati.

Dustin is mentioned several times in my book. He comes from a great family. He has always been a winner, and you can bet he will continue his championship ways in all he does. Congratulations Dustin!

New QB Drill - Gulf Shores, Alabama

Doesn't have to be the ocean. Find a swimming pool. Kentucky guys.....AFTER the dead period. No instruction right now, even in the swimming pool.

New QB Drill- Gulf Shores, Alabama

Father's Day- the price our Heavenly Father Paid

Thank you to my bosses for allowing me to give JCB his diploma.

The first week of June was a tough one for me. JCB was graduating and it was my last week of school at Mason County. On that Friday, the last day of school, as I drove by the Straub Elementary playground, it seemed like only yesterday I could find him out there from the parking lot at the football field and wave at him as a little boy.

On Saturday morning before graduation, standing outside the gym, I could see the football stadium and the spot where his all state banner had hung for the 2014 season. I had coached 200+ games at Mason County over the past 19 years.  At that moment, I thought, "Why can't this be 5 minutes before one of those 200 + kickoffs? Why does this have to be five minutes before the conclusion of our time together here and 19 years of memories?"

When your son plays for you, he is the only one that is with you at work and at home. He knows you better than anyone. And, when he has been there working / helping you in all the years leading up to it as a little boy, it is a bond and experience unlike any other.

The "emotion" of the weekend was overwhelming for me. I tried to keep it private and keep a lid on it, but it was very tough for me.  So.....what do I take from it?

1- Be thankful for the experiences and memories of the past 19 years, and remember Who was the Provider of those gifts.....my Heavenly Father.  He goes forward with me and will continue to provide for me and my family, and guide me.

2- Of course I love my son and it would be great to go back and enjoy those days when my son was little. But, this experience helps me understand how much God loves His Son ....which helps me understand how much He loves you and me!  Gods loves us so much that He allowed His Son, who He loves beyond comprehension, to be the sacrifice for our sins.  I can't explain that , but the emotions of the weekend at least let me scratch the surface of what kind of love my heavenly Father has for His Son and for you and me.

I hope all the Dad's out there have a great day. I do believe our earthly Father gives us a glimpse of our Heavely Father.

And, especially Happy Father's Day to my dad, the old coach.

MIni Camp: Install Practices- Pictures

American Football in Sweden!

Here is an American Football game in Sweden! Boyle County Football Coach, Chuck Smith, is in Sweden right now, working at a football camp. He says the kids try hard and have a desire to be good players. 

Ledger Independent Videos: Mason County Royals Football- Cody Evans, Zack Klemme, Cody Leist, Bob Hendrickson

David Buchanan discusses the 2014 Mason County Royals

Buchanan talks playoffs, Estill County

Mason County vs. Rowan County, Sept. 5, 2014

David Buchanan discusses Russell and the Royals' season so far

Mason County vs. Boyd County

Royals topple Red Devils for district lead

Royal romp locks up district title

Mason defeats Powell to start AAA playoffs

Mason moves to 12-0, prepares for Bourbon County

Royals run past Lions to stay perfect

Royals stay unbeaten with rout of Panthers