Most Recent Blog Entries

Way to go Rookies!!

galtpatriots@comcast.net — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 01:39:00 GMT

What an exciting year. I am so proud of our boys for how far they went. Further than any team in our town. That Eagles team was tough, but I was touched by the way the head coach came over and applauded our team and parents at the end of the game.

I received an email today from the head coach of the Buccaneers congratulating us on our season and telling us he was sure that we would be going head-to-head with his boys because we had given them their toughest game of the season. (Name me one team from last year that showed us that kind of respect.)

Good coaching, gentlemen. Nice job making sure your kids were at practice and showing support at the games, parents. I am so looking forward to the momentum that this team will provide for this organization next year.

Galt Patriots vs Galt Jr Warriors

galtpatriots@comcast.net — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:09:00 GMT

I ran into an old friend at a local establishment here in town on Friday. His child plays for the Jr Warriors. He proceeded to explain to me that it was ridiculous for this town to have two football leagues. His child's team had only won one football game this year and it was because we are ruining the talent pool for the entire town. Not only that, but we are making harder for our high school team to produce good players. According to him and several other parents (apparently he was given permission to speak for others) we should combine forces and better serve this community by making the talent pool stronger. It is our fault that they cannot compete with teams in Elk Grove and since we play "Dog towns" anyway, it would be better for our kids. I am not sure what a "dog town" is but apparently the perception is that we have it pretty easy.

I am not writing this to trash the Jr Warriors. I was involved with that program both as a kid and as a parent. I would kill to have the backing and support that an established league like that has. I do believe that while our rosters aren't overflowing, there is obviously room to give these kids the opportunity to play football and cheer that they wouldn't all have if we were not around. So, when you hear about us playing dog towns or depleting the talent pool, please wish them a better season next year.

Go Galt Patriot Rookies!!!!!!

Chain gang

galtpatriots@comcast.net — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:43:00 GMT

In all the years I have been involved in youth football I have never run the chains until our varsity game against the Modesto Raiders. I don't see why parents are jumping up to do this job. That is sooo much fun. To be that close to the action without the anxiety of being a coach or a ref was a blast. The hardest part (especially for a loud mouth like me) was to keep quiet on the big plays. I had a great time with the refs. I learned more about some of the special rules for youth ball than I ever learned in the stands (or the snack bar, booth, or announcers table.) So I want to announce a change in position. I need someone to take over my tasks and free up my time so I can be at the sidelines of all our games. Any takers?

Final regular game

galtpatriots@comcast.net — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:03:00 GMT

So this week concluded our regular season games for most of our teams. We went out with a bang if you consider the stands cussing at the refs and the refs cussing on the field. What a day. I can tell you that I am not terribly dissapointed that that was our last home field game. That is a lot of work. Thank you to the parents and children that helped out! We couldn't run this deal without your support.

As for the golf marathon, it was not the hit we were hoping for. We had a great time and the weather couldn't have been any better. The sponsorships could have been greater. We really thought that event would pull us out of debt. We'll just keep working at it.

Half way there

galtpatriots@comcast.net — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:31:00 GMT

Here we are with 4 games of the regular season left to go. This stuff goes fast. For the most part, this has been the most organized season yet. Some of that is experience, some of it is realizing that not everything can be under control and letting it go. The new league (NYFL) has made some of it better, but there is something more important than that. I am a firm believer that wherever 3 or more parents gather (including myself) there will be politics. Our board made a firm commitment coming in to this season, that if it did not benefit the kids, it was of no importance. That isn't to say that we have wiped out all problems and concerns. Actually we are far from it. I just find it easier to ask the question when a problem arises.

This Golf Tournament is my biggest concern at the moment. It is not going as planned and yet the kids need new gear next year, so it is worth the commitment. For those who haven't heard all the rumors, it is extremely expensive to run a league. We still owe a significant amount of money from our initial season. Then you have league fees, insurance, gear that was lost, stolen or damaged. The cost of playing at Cosumnes River College alone is enough to keep me up at night. And yet, when I think that these kids have something better to focus on than running around, getting high or worse, I am proud to say I am part of an organization who puts the kids first and will figure out the finances later.

We are going against the Lodi Jr Flames Red team this weekend. I don't mind telling you that I hope to really make a great showing against this team. Usually I am just happy the kids are playing, win or lose. At the beginning of this year we lost a player to recruitment by this team. We struggle all year to make sure we get enough players to fill a squad. This particularly hurt because these parents were very involved in our league. So please..say a little prayer with me. Please don't let any of our players be injured, may they all have a fun time, and can we please RULE THAT SCOREBOARD!!!

Thanks
Channa