PLENTY TO SHARE

Good day to you fellow bloggers and blog readers, I have resurfaced for a moment and am blogging again, LOL.  I know it's almost been a month since my last blog but that is the state I've been in - Under the radar.  For those that followed during the season, I graciously appreciate it and want to let you know that the blog will continue even though the season has ended.  This is where we will dive a little into my life from a mental aspect, see me in the off season as I continue to grow as a coach, see my other world as a teacher and just get my perspective on life as I continue to live it.

HEART OF A CHAMPION, MIND OF A SORE LOSER, MENTALITY OF A COMPETITOR

If you don’t know by now, we did lose the heavyweight battle against playoff rivals, Riverdale in the 3^rd round of the state playoffs. (Hence, no report after the game and for awhile, sorry) After winning seven straight games and being on a roll, we picked the wrong Friday night to play one of our worst games.  A few key plays not in our advantage and too many turnovers, put us in a whole of 21-0 in the 2^nd quarter, but we fought back to make it 21-10 at the half.  Being our worst enemy in the 2^nd half, we could never get our offense started, as the defense put up a valiant effort and more turnovers later suffered our first loss in 2 months and our season was over.  It was a sad moment, watching seniors, the kids we’ve had for 3 years and were the reason for us turning the program around, end their season on that field, but the memories will be there for them and us to cherish for ever.  The lessons those boys learned and the qualities they’ve acquired during the high school football careers will stay with them forever and I am grateful to have been a part of their lives for this short time.  They will go on to do bigger and greater things, but having an impact on their lives and being a role model for those young men is why I continue to do what I do. 

It was especially a treat to see so many fans, family and friends that came and supported us.  I had friends from college, coworkers from Nashville and some of my fraternity brothers come to the game and support me and our football team.  It was so good to see those that made the trip, thanks again. 

Me with my 7 and my front, preciate the support LB's.  Roo.

With just my 4^th year of high school football coaching completed I have learned a great deal of lessons from many coaches, mentors and the kids themselves.  I look forward to advancing in my career as a coach and look forward to the upcoming challenges new/old players and another season will bring.  After going to the 4^th round of the playoffs last year and the 3^rd round this year, I believe we have the Oak Ridge High School Football program heading in the right direction and will once again be identified as a 6A Football powerhouse in the state of Tennessee.  The next step though is the off season which athletes know is where championships and the fate of your season is done.  We will start off season weight training when we return from Christmas break on January 3^rd and look to get the players not in other sports prepared for the season.  (Yes, this early)  It is the key to our success.  As I continue with the blog I will share some of the progress of our off season training and keep you updated with the advancement of the Wildcats. 

Display at the Walmart during Playoffs

QUICK NOTE

Christmas is about giving and enjoying one another and this December our football program did that.  For the 3^rd year straight since I have been here we have taken part in Anderson County Toy Run in conjunction with my church, Heritage Fellowship Church.  For this project there were about 130 kids chosen throughout the city of Oak Ridge to participate in a shopping spree, in which they were given $80 gift cards each and had the opportunity to shop in K-mart and get things they wanted for Christmas.  Our teams assisted by being chaperones for these kids, helping them pick out things they wanted and made sure they spent close to every penny they could from their gift card.  It was a great time for all in attendance and they’re we’re definitely smiles and blessings in the air for all.  Check out the picture and video below.  GOD IS GOOD. 

Oak Ridge football team and coaches

Click this link to check out the video:  Anderson County Toy Run 2011 video

SURVIVING UNTIL THE BREAK

With the season at an end and some time off until off season, I now had the task of just being Mr. Rosser, the 4^th

Mr. Rosser trying to set a good example for the kids

On the flip side, the holiday season was approaching and keeping a kid’s mind focused and attentive during this time is a very interesting time in itself.  Between classroom observations, teacher evaluations, school wide holiday sing-a-longs, school plays, Santa after school activities and class Christmas parties, this is the busiest time of the year and usually most stressful for teachers.  Needless to say, I survived, got all the things done I needed to get done for the end of the calendar year and will enjoy my Christmas break which starts today and will go to January 2^nd.  THANK YOU LORD.

My precious little Christmas tree in my apartment in Oak Ridge

HIBERNATION, RELAXATION AND RESTORATION

Now that we are on Christmas break and I have some time for myself and these are my focus items for the next two weeks.  I will be home in New Jersey with family and friends until New Year’s Day and will make the best of my time with them while I am away from work, school, football, bills, stress, etc.  Rest and relaxation is a must – with my inconsistent and troublesome sleeping pattern I am hoping that the next couple weeks spent in MY OWN bed will help cure that problem at least for the moment.  I will in fact  BE LAZY, which I don’t do much and read books, listen to music, watch TV and movies and just do absolutely nothing so that I can refresh my mind.  During this time I will also be looking to restore my energy on all levels in an attempt to be ready to start 2012 on a positive note and even better than 2011.   Though I will miss my Oak Ridge families that have taken me in and cared for me as part of their own (which I love them for so much), I will thoroughly enjoy being with my retired parents, seeing my peculiar sister when she comes up and visiting family and friends while I am home.  There are very few things I HAVE TO DO when I am home and I look forward to doing none of it, LOL. 

Heading home from the airport, crossing the George Washington Bridge, headed into Jersey.  No I was not driving, my pops was.  

My place of vacation where I go and let loose.  You should visit this place some time.  LOL.  

As usual, thank for taking the time to check out my blog.  If you can try and join the site or leave a comment and I will TRY and do a better job of updating my blog on a regular basis.  It is a great outlet of communication and time for me.  Thanks again, Happy Holidays to all and stay blessed.  Peace

Bryson Rosser