Giving It All...

The time for the football season is upon us and many of us are ecstatic. Others are most likely a little ho hum because they don’t appreciate the battles and the fight for yards and field position that we football fans can thoroughly get excited about.

It’s been 43 years since I wore a helmet and shoulder pads for the Broncos. There was a great deal of hard work that went into those days filled with pain and sweat and the feel of accomplishment when the day was done.

The players of today are no different than us with the exception that the linemen seem to be a little bigger than the guys who blocked for our backfield. I’m not jealous because the line that I ran behind always got the job done and we appreciated that fact.

What may be more important than a downfield block that springs a running back for a touchdown jaunt, is the type of teammate these athletes are as people.

I’ve seen the kids that are playing this year and they would be just as welcome on the team that I played on because they are good kids who work hard and want to win just as much as we did.

This is a tribute to the parents who support these youngsters and follow them to all their games and make sure they make it to every practice. They also have a duty to make sure these kids get their schoolwork done and turned in on time.

The leadership they receive from their coaches is also extremely important as these mentors do their best to put these athletes in positions to succeed.

When it comes to the coaching staff that I played for I can assure you the linemen did not like our line coach one bit. I had no problem with Coach Boyd because he somehow got our linemen angry enough to take it out on our opponents. And I can guarantee you that when a block was needed, those guys would make it.

Oh sure, the backfield would often get the glory in the paper but we gloated together after victories and sharing that success is memorable for a lifetime.

The faculties, principal and superintendent all have their roles in helping shape the lives of each of these athletes in the classroom as well as on the field of play.

I will be honest with you when I say I didn’t always think the teachers or administration were totally in my corner but I would find out a few years later that they really were. They just didn’t always show it if you know what I mean.

The fans in the communities also have a very big job and that is to show support by coming to the games and to show appreciation for this next installment of Bronco football.

This job is really not very difficult at all. It you love sports and you love kids then coming up to Jimmie Snider Field in order to cheer on the Broncos should be really easy.

Don’t use the excuse that you don’t know anyone on the team. If you don’t know anyone get to know one or two and before you know it you’ll love them all.

It’s time for the Broncos to head out on the field and give it their all in the pursuit of victory. As fans it is our duty to let them know how much we appreciate them!