South Padre Island

Thanksgiving weekend some of us went to South Padre, Texas to watch Noah play two games. Here are a few pictures. Noah hit a game winning shot in 2-OT and was selected as an all-tournament player.

Jake and Jo playing in the Gulf of Mexico. I walked around on the dunes. It was a bit chilly down there for a few days.

Oklahoma!

I really enjoyed living in Norman. Besides coaching volleyball at NHS, I also attended some OU football and volleyball games. College towns are the best, especially as a new school year begins in the fall.

OU Football

OU Volleyball
(NCAA Tournament)

OU Campus

Fall Volleyball

Another fall season of volleyball has come to a close. I enjoyed my time coaching at NHS, working with some wonderful girls, and also appreciated the opportunity to live and work in Norman near the campus of OU. It has also been nice to watch my sister grow up and play at Bartlesville, helping them to a top-4 finish and making the All-State team.

NHS teams

JV-Orange Team Photo

Norman Varsity 1st Place Finish at Home Tourney

Jo's team (BHS at state)The Bruins played Edmond Memorial (state champs) in the semi-finals. Jo (#5) also made the all-tournament team. I was able to see them play a few times this year, including at Ponca City (where I started coaching volleyball).


Ark City, KSA few of the girls from Arkansas City I helped coach in club a few years back. I came to their senior night, and after the game they wanted to take a picture with me.


Collage of some of the fun times this year... at IHOP, Zio's, Union tourney, Arkansas team camp (and the stairs), Retro night... and Jo & I at Stillwater. Then our end of year banquet (below), I gave out 'awards' to the juniors.

Colorado

Got to visit Boulder, CO again this year. The fall session of my semi-annual trips for work to attend conference meetings. And then I go out and explore the town at night. The weather was gorgeous all week! I wish I had more time during the day to go hiking up in the mountains or take a nice long bike ride along the boulder creek trail. Our hotel is next to the University of Colorado campus.

Chicago!

I spent last weekend visiting my brother Ben and his family in Chicago. I wanted to see their place out there and spend time with the kids. I had originally picked that weekend to also see a day of AVP volleyball, but that fell through when the AVP fell apart earlier this summer. I was able to go down to the University of Illinois with them to watch some BYU volleyball. Sunday we also got over to my grandma's house (she passed away last year) and it was nice to be back there one more time, recalling childhood memories. I also spent some time walking around downtown Chicago, taking an architectural boat tour on the river and lake (free too thanks to some nice people!), and going to a Cubs game at Wrigley... the most perfect place for a sporting event.
Sadly though most of my photos I took were deleted yesterday when my phone got a 'sweet' new update... which caused a factory reset. I did upload a few to facebook before that happened.

I'm Coaching Again?

Wasn't sure if I would be coaching again this year, but one more year was calling out to me. And it was probably good that I did. With the head coach stepping down 3 weeks before the season began, and the new coach being able to attend practices a few days before the first game, I was able to run the program during the transition. I got to put all my ideas into practice and push the girls to prepare. They are a great group of girls. Good luck to the Varsity this year and I get to take over my JV team again to work hard and have fun!


PS. Had a good start to the season with our first game. It's nice to get a win after all the hard work.
PSS. This is also my sister's senior season of volleyball. The only time we would get to see her team in a game would be at the state tournament. But hopefully I'll get to catch a few of her games.

July in Oklahoma

Been living in Norman for the most part of July while I've been working and coaching. I have been able to take a few side trips on the weekends, exploring and experiencing some of Oklahoma I've never seen.

- Noodling festival in Paul's Valley

- Chickasaw National Rec Area
- OKC Redhawks games in Bricktown (plus reggae fest)

- University of Arkansas team camp for the volleyball girls