Runner-Up

Few things in life are more humbling than a medal ceremony where, after a long, hard fought battle on the field, you are awarded the second place medal.  Immediately after the final whistle, the winners explode all over the field congratulating each other and you are left at the 50 yard line waiting for some measure of decorum so that you can proceed with the handshake line.  Following that, the medal table is set up with the trophy.  You are awarded your silver medal first, before the champions are awarded their much sought after gold.  Everyone in the stands and everyone on the other team gives you a courtesy clap as you choke back your tears, allow some strange guy to sling a medal around your neck, and walk off and wait for your team's post game huddle.

Eventually, after the head coach has diplomatically shaken hands with nearly every person in the stands, he makes his way over to the huddle as Queens' "We are the Champions," blares over the speakers for someone else.  He congratulates guys on a great season, recounting how far we have come in the last few seasons.  It is a bitter speech to give, given the circumstances.  He reminds us that we have come along ways for such a young team and that our future is bright if we all stick together.

This season had its share of highs and lows.  Mostly, we were blessed with highs.  We finished our second consecutive regular season undefeated in Czech play, including our first victories over our rivals since 2006.  We had two scrimmage games against Berlin Adler and the Dresden Monarchs, arguably two of the better programs in Europe, and our guys came away with a good idea of what we are striving for in our program.  Thanks to working with our American QB, Garrett, our receivers got a lot better, and our defense is ever improving.

Our group of American players.  

My own retirement from playing was short lived, as we noticed after week one that our depth on the offensive line was not going to get us through the season.  So, right before our second game, I showed up to practice with my equipment, instead of a whistle.  I anchored down the right tackle position, feeling pretty good for about two games, then feeling pretty lousy for the rest of them.

At my final practice, with Marco, one of our junior centers who played up this year.
Sort of an out with the old, in with the new kind of picture.

Our coach is right.  We do have a bright future.  As of right now, we are the only team in the country who is fielding a junior team, which means we are the only people developing our own talent.  As every coach in America will tell you, there are no shortcuts on the way to the top.  The road is long, but in the end, I firmly believe that we will have success.

I am proud of our guys.  For some to receive a second place medal is a huge accomplishment.  It marks the first time many of our guys have something to show for something that they have done.

As for me, my playing career is, without question, over.  Because I was slated to simply coach this year, I came into the season not in game shape, and as a result, played most of this season hobbled and out of shape.  I used more tape this season than in all previous seasons combined.  It is time to hang it up.  What was a difficult question last year is no more.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to have played this game for a number of years and have received more than I could ever imagined from this game.  The Lord has blessed me with great coaches and mentors throughout my career.  I look forward to being able to coach and influence a new generation of football players here in Prague.

On offense.  I am #70, playing right tackle.