A sparse update

A short update on the past two weeks.

First, Lexi is getting to cheer for longer periods of time each week. Unfortunately, the team has lost it's last two game. Playoffs start this week.

Cami had her last rec league volleyball games, and her team split them. She finished getting all but one serve in and had some bumps and hits. She also had a good time. Club volleyball starts in January, I think. Her travel basketball team split their games today. Cami had a basket in each game. She also had a handful of rebounds and steals, and played nicely overall. Her next games are in two weeks.

Griffin's basketball gets started in a couple of weeks.

Until next week(-ish).

A Pretty Good Week of Sports

Lexi was able to cheer a bit at her J.V. game, which was an improvement. Her legs continue to heal, and we're hopeful she'll be fully cleared soon.

Cami had a volleyball match, and her team split the games 1-1. She got all but one of her serves in and had some other good hits. Next week, her volleyball season finishes up. She also had two travel basketball games, and this week she won both. The first game was a close one, with Cami scoring 4 points, grabbing some rebounds and playing pretty good defense. She also took two free throws, but missed them both. The second game was a more decisive win, and again Cami had 4 points. This time, though, she had multiple assists and a steal or two. I also think she blocked a shot. It was a good day for her on the court. The next set of games is in two weeks.

Griffin had two football games this weekend. The first game was the last regular season game. The team picked up its first win, which was cool. However, Griffin was a madman on defense (I would've named him defensive player of the game). He forced a fumble to stop a drive inside the 10, he intercepted a pass and returned it about 10 yards, he knocked down a pass in the endzone, and twice he held his ground at corner and made a tackle to stop a reverse from going big (including one awesome solo tackle for a loss). He also tackled the QB for a loss/sack. On offense, he blocked well, including one crack-type block where he would've planted the kid if Griffin weighed more. The second game was the first round of the playoffs and was against the other team from our school. We ended up losing 2-0 on a safety with under two minutes left. It was disappointing, but the team, and great, showed a lot of improvement over the season. Griffin finished up with 3 tackles, including one on a sweep that saved a touchdown as part of a goalline stand. He also did a fine job on offense. I'm really proud of him, particularly his heart and effort. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to coach him. Next up for Griffin is basketball tryouts in about a month.

The high school lost a tough one and will look to bounce back this week.

This Week Was A Little Less Busy

Due to parent/teacher conferences, Cami's volleyball games were canceled. She is also on the off week for travel basketball.

Lexi is getting closer to full health and was supporting her fellow cheerleaders at the JV game this week.

Griffin was our busy guy. His football team lost 14-7, but aside from giving up one big play, we played pretty well. Griffin didn't have any tackles this week, but he did force a fumble and nearly had another interception. On offense, we didn't really throw so he kept up his steady blocking. Next week is our last regular season game. In basketball, he had two games, both of which the team lost. However, Griffin did a nice job. He had several good shots which just didn't fall. He had a nice steal that he took coast to coast on the right side and attempted to shoot right handed (like he'd been taught). He then got his own rebound and shot again (a foul should have been called). He was all over the place on defense, playing with a lot of heart and hustle. The fall tournament is next week.

On a positive note, the varsity football team evened our record by picking up a big win.

All three kids have school basketball tryouts coming soon, so stay tuned.

This Sports Update Was Late; Sorry

So over the past two weeks, we've had a bunch of events.

Lexi continues to heal from her stress fractures, and she was able to cheer for a bit in a game last week. She keeps pressing on and hanging in their.

Cami had three volleyball games, but didn't win any. However, she is still improving on both serving with an overhead, open hand and getting good hits and bumps when the ball is put in play. She also had two basketball games in travel league. The team lost both games, but they were winnable. Cami scored a total of 9 points and had multiple steals and rebounds. She went coast to coast on one of the steals, but the ball rolled out on the shot. She also plays aggressive defense. She is growing into an all-around good player. This travel league is every other week, so she will have next week off.

Griffin had two football games this week due to a weather make-up. His team lost both, but he played pretty well. In the first game, he had multiple solo tackles out at corner, stopping the jet sweep and several other plays to his side. In the second game, he had a nice tackle on a screen pass, defending a deep post and had a pick off a tipped ball in the end zone. He really had to concentrate to make the catch and was able to run it out of the end zone a little bit. He also had four travel league basketball games. The team went 1-3 in the games, and Griffin was his usual pesky self. He did have several rebounds and jump balls, plus took a couple of nice shots that just didn't fall. The highlights for me were the drive to the basket/lay-up combination that resulted in his first basket, and the final minute of a game where Griffin was told to guard a kid who was a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier than him. Coach said he wanted to know what flavor of gum he was chewing (ala Hoosiers) and Griffin responded that he might not be able to see that high.

The high school varsity team lost both games, as we still are struggling with consistency and growing pains on both sides of the ball.

More action next week!

Winter Wrap Up

Last week we finally wrapped up our winter sports seasons. Cami had her last volleyball tournament. They finished 1-3 on the day, but played two of the losses very close. They all improved a lot, with the highlight being winning the Shamrock Showdown tournament. Cami had a blast and got a lot better, particularly with her reaction time and arm placement when hitting the ball. She's already looking forward to next year.

Lexi tried out, and made, the high school cheer team. She's attending a cheer clinic today to work on stunting, which is something she may be doing more of next year.

All three kids are still in the track pre-season. They are working hard and looking forward to the first meet in a couple of weeks.

Basketball Update

All the kids were scheduled to have games this week, and two of the three did. Unfortunately, Cami's game was canceled because the team they were to play kicked some girls off the team and no longer had enough to play. However, she has a game or two next week. Cami also has volleyball practice, and her first tournament next weekend.

Griffin had one school game, and what we are discovering is that his team is playing 6th grade "B" teams a lot. That just makes winning, which they did, sweeter. Griffin did a terrific job, playing awesome defense, getting a steal or two, grabbing some rebounds, and creating several jump balls. He also had a nice drive to the basket and got fouled, but one ref (who did a poor job throughout the game) called him on the floor rather than in the act of shooting. His team lost both of their travel league games. Griffin had several shots and took two free throws, but nothing fell for him. He played good "D", getting several rebounds, a steal or two, creating jump balls, and forcing some turnovers. He has two school league games and a travel league tournament next week.

Lexi had one game (she played with both 7th and 8th grade teams, which is how the rest of the season will go). Both teams won in huge blowouts. Lexi did a nice job, scoring 6 points altogether, including stealing the ball and driving the length of the court for a jump shot. She had 3-4 rebounds, made a really nice assist, and played with confidence. She also was able to cheer at a game, but missed another because she was playing. She has 2 more games next week.

Resume Play Now

With all three kids getting back to practicing last week, Griffin actually got us started with two games on Sunday. His team split a pair of games, winning big and losing a close one. He played well overall, scoring a basket, shooting two free throws, getting several rebounds, and making a nice steal and drive up court. Griffin did a nice job taking the ball to the basket when necessary. He has a school league game this week. Cami has her first game this week as well, plus she's started club volleyball. Lexi has both cheer and a basketball game.

Yep, Christmas break was quiet, but now we get to cheer on the kids.

A Championship + More Basketball

Cami finished her rec league season with two wins, including the championship game. In the first game, she went scoreless but contributed with good ball-handling, rebounds, and defense (she caused several jump balls). She saved her best for the championship game, though. She scored 6 points, including making 4 free throws with less than two minutes left to help ice the game away. She also had multiple steals, rebounds, and tough defense. This was her second year in a row winning the rec league championship. Her school team season starts with practice next week.

Griffin had two school games this week; the boys lost both, one on a shot with 2 seconds left. They played a 6th grade "B" team and a mixed 5th/6th team, so in spite of the age difference, they competed well. Griffin had a couple of shots (they didn't fall), but excelled with passing and defense. He gets after it on defense and is fun to watch on the press. He also had an awesome box-out rebound on a kid probably a foot taller than him. Both of his coaches were very complimentary (said at times he was the best 6th man). He had two travel games, as well, and they won both. He played a bunch, causing havoc on defense and playing solid on "O". He scored once, had a free throw attempt, multiple rebounds and forced jump balls, and a steal or two. In fact, he stole the ball on the press, then drove, stepped back when he came to a defender, and sank an 8 footer. It was a pretty cool series of events. He has a school game this week, and then a couple of weeks off for Christmas break.

Lexi (along with the other middle school cheerleaders) hosted a youth cheer clinic, and all the girls performed at half time of the varsity boys game. She also (finally) gets the game portion of the basketball season underway with two games this coming week. She is pretty excited about that.

Games, Games, Games

Griffin had his first official "school" game this week. They lost (they played a 6th grade B team), but Griffin did a nice job. He hustled on defense, made some good passes, took a shot, and made the most of his playing time. He has another school game this week. In the travel league, the team won both games. He didn't play a bunch, but did make an impact. His defense was good in the first game, but excellent in the second; he played at the top of the press and forced a 10 second violation. He made a nice drive in the first game and was fouled; he made one free throw but landed over the line so it didn't count. In the second game, he made a great drive from the left wing (off a nice pass) and made a layup. Two more travel games next week.

Cami's rec team lost a close one. She didn't score, but did draw a foul and two free throws on a nice fast break (the first shot rolled off). She had 4 or 5 rebounds, several steals, at least one deflection, and a deflected shot on a girl much taller than her, all while having a sprained thumb. Next week is her tournament and the end of rec season, with the school team starting soon after. Cami is also getting ready to start club volleyball in a few weeks, after participating in an evaluation last week.

Lexi continues to juggle basketball and cheer. She had one cheer game this past week (two this upcoming week), and multiple basketball practices. She was also chosen (along with a few other girls) to participate in a controlled practice/scrimmage with another school. She did a nice job. Her first games are in a little more than a week, and we're all looking forward to seeing how she does.

It Resumes

Cami's rec team won their game this week. She had 6 points, several rebounds, some good passes, and at least one steal. It took a little for her to get going, but once she did, she turned up the intensity. She has another game next Saturday.

Griffin's team played a couple of travel games. They lost both, but one was by one point, with several chances to win right at the end. Griffin had a decent day. He played some good defense, forcing a couple of turnovers. He also had at least one rebound. My favorite play, though, was his basket. He caught the ball on the left wing, made a strong dribble move and drive to the basket, then shot the ball off the glass for a perfectly executed layup. He has his first school league game Monday, and two more travel games next Sunday.

Lexi had two cheer games, and continues basketball practice. She is encouraged by how practice is going for her. The first game is in a couple of weeks.

The Fall Ends; The Winter Begins

Here's a summary of our last couple of weeks: Lexi's cheer squad won the state championship in the Time Out Division. It was super cool and very exciting. They even had a police/fire truck escort when they go back to town and drove in a sort-of parade through several of the small towns in our school district. Lexi also made the 8th grade basketball team, and is very excited about that. She is practicing now, with games to come in the next month or two.

Griffin's football team lost in the semi-finals, but he had a successful season. He nearly had an interception in our last game. Griffin also made the school basketball team. He starts practice in a week, and then games start soon after.

Cami finished her fall travel basketball season by winning her last two games. She made a basket and two free throws, had multiple rebounds, and stole the ball and drove to the basket on a fast break, just missing the shot. She really improved during this season, and we're looking forward to seeing further development over the winter. She has her first rec league game next Saturday, and will have tryouts for the school team (she should make it) at the end of November. She also wrapped up volleyball with a win, and had a good time doing it.

We are now getting ready to eat, sleep, and breathe basketball for the next four months.

Our fall sports seasons near they're end

Lexi cheered again while the football team won again. There is one more game this season. She also continues to participate in open gyms, preparing for basketball season. This weekend, Lexi and the cheer squad participated in their second cheer competition. They won again and this time they had no deductions on their routine.

Cami's volleyball team split their games again this past week. They've shown a lot of improvement and will finish their season with a tournament this week. Cami has shown a consistent overhand serve and is doing a nice job with hitting the ball when it's coming to her. Cami's basketball team won one and lost one, again. She had 3 points in the first game and had 2 rebounds. She has next weekend off, then plays a couple more games, I believe.

Griffin's football team played their last regular season game this week. The team lost a hard fought game, 14-8. Griffin did a nice job, blocking from his wide receiver position. He also a fine game at DB. They completed a pass on him, but he had good coverage and helped make the tackle. He also knocked a pass down the next time they threw on him, so he learned from previous experience. In the first playoff game, the team won 34-0 and played our most complete game so far. Griffin played good "D" and was in a pile for a tackle. He also carried the ball twice. The first time, I think he lost a yard. The second run was spectacular, though. He started off left, made it harder by running outside the hole and to the sideline, where he dodged a guy and stiff-armed another, then reversed field and outran everyone (with some helpful blocks from his teammates) for a touchdown. It was the most fantastic 179 yard 20 yard touchdown run and nearly made me cry. Our next game is Tuesday in the semi-finals, and if we win, the championship is on Wednesday on the new varsity turf field at the host school.

The Latest Update

This week, Lexi continued cheering. The 8th grade team won again, and Lexi was her usual cheer-y self. Two more weeks before they begin transitioning to basketball cheer. She also has another cheer competition coming up next Saturday.

Cami's volleyball team split games with their opponent for the second time this season. She served well, winning earning several points. She has a couple more weeks of the volleyball season remaining. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 this week. She handled the ball as point guard several times, shot, and played hard. Two more games to come next week.

Griffin's football team won again, 18-0, to go to 7-0 on the season. He had a pretty good game, getting a tackle and providing some blocks. He also got to cover a receiver, as this team passed a little bit. Next Saturday is the last regular season game, with the playoffs starting next Sunday. Giffin's basketball team lost both their games this week. He had a few shots that just missed (they are sooo close to going in). He also had a couple of rebounds, played tenacious defense, and caused multiple turnovers, along with tying the ball up for jump balls. His fall season comes to an end next weekend with a tournament.

We are close to finishing the fall sports season and then will have a short break before the winter season begins.

So Many Sports!

Lexi did her usual, cheering for the middle school football game (they lost). However, this week her cheer squad participated in their first ever competition. The did a great job and received a trophy (they were the only squad in their division, but did a terrific job regardless).

Cami's volleyball team won their first set of the season. Cami did a wonderful job, serving for several points. She also made some nice hits when the ball was served to her. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 again this week. She did a nice job in the first game, but turned it on in the second. She had a rebound and 4 points to go along with several jump balls caused in both games. She had a huge smile on her face after scoring. More to come next week.

Griffin's football team won their sixth game of the year, bringing them to 6-0. They beat an outmanned team 22-0, and it could have been a lot worse but we played multiple kids in multiple positions. Griffin played good defense and nearly had another tackle. On offense, he blocked as a wide receiver, but the real fun came when I put him at running back. On his first play, he recovered a fumble by the quarterback. On his second, he ran right, made a little juke move, and picked up around 6 yards. Unfortunately, there was a penalty, but it was a really cool run with a nice move. He also said it didn't really hurt to get tackled, so that was nice. Two more regular season games to go. Griffin's basketball team lost both of their games. Griffin was able to take a couple of shots and get some rebounds. More next week.

One other really cool thing happened this week. The US Secretary of Education visited our school as part of a tour she was on, and attended our Hog Roast fundraiser and varsity football game. Cami and Griffin had a chance to meet Sec. DeVos and shake her hand. Griffin (and a smidge of Cami) even made it in a picture in the local newspaper (Griffin was front and center).

A lot happening this week

To begin, Lexi continues to cheer for the middle school football games. The team was victorious again this week. She also is still attending basketball open gym. Additionally, the middle school student council (of which she is a member), voted her President, a position she ran for (and gave a speech) against two other 8th graders. I guess I have to refer to her as Madam President now.

Cami had another volleyball match. She didn't win, but she served well again and hit the ball several other times. She also had her first two travel basketball games. They won one and lost one. She had 2 points, a steal, and caused multiple jump balls. Lots of hustle.

Griffin's football team is still undefeated, at 5-0. The defense has only given up 20 points this season, I believe, and the offense has scored 112. We have three more regular season games. Griffin had an assist and nearly had two more tackles. He also recovered a fumble for the first time in his career. Last week, his travel basketball team played two games (they lost both). Griffin played pretty good defense. He was able to get a few shots off, but is still a little rusty. He also shot two free throws, but they just missed. This week they had two more games, winning one and losing one. Griffin took some shots again, got a rebound, a deflection, tied up several loose balls, and played good defense. Next week he has two more games.

Lots of fun cheering on the kids.

A lull in our season(s)

This week, Griffin did not have a game. He had a good practice, catching a touchdown. We'll be back at it next Saturday.

Cami had a volleyball match this week. She hit the ball a few times. Unfortunately, her team lost. She has another match this week.

Lexi had a cheer game. However, the 8th grade team she cheers for came up just short in a shootout, one of those "whoever has the ball last wins" type of games. She also continues to go to open gym for basketball. She'll cheer again next week.

Weekly update (again)

So Cami had her first volleyball matches of the season. Her team lost both matches, but Cami had some nice overhand serves (even serving for a couple of points), and hit several other balls. She had a good time. She also started practicing for a sort-of travel basketball team at school.

Lexi cheered again (the team lost). She actually was cheering against some of her church friends, which was a neat opportunity (rivals but friends). She is also going to open gym workouts for basketball.

Griffin's team raised their record to 4-0 with a hard fought 20-8 win. After going down 8-0 in the first quarter and not looking very good, the team fought back and played an outstanding final 3 quarters. Griffin was in on a gang tackle. He also had really good pass coverage that helped cause an interception that was returned for a touchdown. We have next weekend off due to Labor Day, and resume games the following weekend. Additionally, Griffin has begun a short fall travel basketball season. His team's first games are this weekend, but he chose to opt out of playing in order to hang out with our new missionary friends and their boys. So, next Sunday will be his first basketball games of the season.

Things have started well, and Trisha and I are looking forward to rooting on our kids as we head into the fall.

The Success Continues

For the third week in row, Griffin's team was victorious, this time 26-12 (it wasn't that close). The offense put together two good drives, with Griffin taking the plays in at reciever. The defense was outstanding. We recovered 4 turnovers, with an interception and a fumble being returned for touchdowns. Griffin continues to get better at cornerback. He was in on a tackle, but his best play came when he squared the runner up and tackled him head-on. It was a good play by him, particularly because Griffin was more aggressive. There is a tough challenge ahead next Saturday as the team looks to continue to improve.

Lexi continues to cheer for a powerhouse team. They won 49-0 this week. She'll cheer again this week. Lexi is also attending the basketball open gym sessions in order to improve and to show the coaches her commitment to basketball.

Cami continues volleyball practice (I was wrong about her having a game this past week). Her first match is in a couple of weeks. Cami has set a goal for herself to serve the ball overhand and get it over the net. She's working really hard to accomplish that.

More of the same for the Knights this upcoming week.

Another Successful Week

Griffin's team won 24-0 for the second consecutive week. This week we played a school that was new to us, but were still able to pull it out. After a slow start, the boys turned it on; plus, for most of the game we played with only one sub (due to sickness, injury, and absence). I was really proud of all the kids. Griffin did a nice job, playing a ton. He played every play on defense at cornerback, getting close to several tackles and nearly recovering a fumble. He also played a bunch at wide receiver on offense. He did a good job blocking and had a couple of touchdowns run to his side. The next challenge comes next Saturday.

Lexi had her first cheer game of the season, and had a good time. The team won 49-0, and I think the cheerleaders were getting tired arms, as they did push-ups after each score. The next game is Thursday.

Finally, we got the info on Cami's volleyball. She starts practice Monday, and will have games on Wednesdays. She is excited and looking forward to the season.

And just like that, we are superfans again.

Here we go! Fall sports season is underway.

This week we are back at it. Griffin's youth football season gets underway this week with multiple practices. I'm excited because the number of players on the team is smaller this year than it has been the last two years, which mean more playing time for all of the kids. His jamboree to start the season is July 29 and the first official game is August 5.

Lexi starts her cheerleading practices this week, going from some optional practices to official ones. In addition to their regular cheering at games, the squad will also be competing several times during the fall.

Cami is looking forward to volleyball, which will get underway when school starts in August.