Thursday, September 22, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 22nd 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Boy was I proud

You got "Side Swiped"

Hang on



Hey Gang,

I hope everybody is having a great week.

The season is more than half over for everybody and still a lot of football and good times to follow.

Let’s jump right in and get going on our journey.

Boy was I proud
Most of you that know me, fully understand I am dedicated to making it happen.

I have poured a lot of energy into this website and the videos I produce.

A proud moment hit me as a Dad last Friday night as my son Tyler was under the lights at Blackman, in full control of the snapping duties shortly into the game.

You never know when the call will come and the coach screams “Your On”.
Most kids don’t even have time to consume what is taking place. The adrenaline that ran through his body was probably at an all time high.

I will tell you one thing as a camera operator, I was scared I was going to mess up and I have been doing it for 8 years unconsciously.

Those are dreams that only come along once in life and it was so special.
I know I have many more coming with him but the moment was cherished because it was not planned.

The best part is that he knew then the ride of playing high school football under the lights had just begun, and he was in the mix.

Congrats Tyler, that game will stay with me a long time.

You got Side Swiped
One thing that usually happens in a game on Friday Night is somebody gets "side swiped".

Now watching it take place is fun for some and horrible for others. The way it always takes place is that the victim or player is focused on something else and out of the blue they get clocked into next year.

If you are the one delivering the blow your teammates and your fans scream and yell with pleasure as you just flattened a player. The player usually falls to the ground trying to recover and figure out what just happened.

Now a lot of folks will say that is just football. Yes, in some ways it is.
Not only does it happen on the field it also happens in our everyday lives.

When things are going well and you are not paying attention, then something hits you so hard it "rocks your world".

Just remember, one day you might be the one the fans are saying “Nice Hit” or maybe you are the one on the ground wondering what just happened.

Pay attention on the field and in life, you never know what is going to happen, because in life the clock is always ticking.

Hang On...
The follow up is to the piece above.

If you are the one on the ground or the player having a bad day in class or on the field, try hanging on, and looking at the good in life.

Happiness that comes to you like it did to me last Friday Night, will come again.

We are all seeking wins and losses on the field of life and grid iron.

We learn from our defeats and celebrate in our victories.

If you are struggling with certain things, don’t hold them back, try and discuss them with somebody you trust who you know can encourage you to hang on.

I was told last night at church that the stress level upon America has increased to an all time high. Because of the recent Hurricanes and everything else that is going on in our world.

We are all feeling the effects and it is taking a toll on us.

Look to the good, be thankful for today and smile, it is what makes this big world turn.

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

Tomorrow Night we (Smyrna Bulldogs) will travel to Ravenwood (I like their helmets) to take on the Raptors.

This is a non conference game, but a big one as both teams are playing well and bring a lot of offense to the plate.

This will be my first visit to Raptor stadium but I am looking forward to meeting the people on top of the press box. (You always meet some interesting people at the game).

As always when you see me at the game be sure to stop and say "hey".

Until next week, take care and God Bless.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Thursday, September 15, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 15th 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

It comes and goes that fast

Staying focused

Watching them grow up



Hey Gang, I hope you week is going well, mine is going great.

With that being said. Let’s jump right in and get going on this weeks three topics.


It comes and goes that fast
Well tomorrow night we play our 5th game of the season and it will be half over at about 10:00 pm. 

You work all year in the off season for 10 regular season games and when it arrives it rocks on.  The real season of all sports goes by quick as you grow older. 

Coaches expect you to be much more alert and on target with your game.  Parents expect to see their child perform better also. 

S….l….o….w     D….o….w….n  and enjoy it a little. 

Be thankful that you are playing or just a part of the show. 

I have not enjoyed this season that much because it has been difficult for me to get excited about Friday Night.  But, I am going to really focus tomorrow all day on the kick off at 7:30.  Don’t get me wrong I love high school football it has just zipped by. 

Staying focused
You probably think that this is all I think about and why do I keep giving you 10 angles on it?
   
I guess it’s because kids today have more on their shoulders than ever before.

You go back 10 years ago and kids did not have the same pressure as today.  Think about it, 10 years ago teenagers did not carry a cellular phone, now they all have them.  

Kids are pulled so many different directions today it is not even funny.  Kids can be in their own room communicating with people either over a computer or phone and never say a word.   

This is such a different world and society, and it is tough to stay focused on the difference between what is important and what isn’t.   

Parents and kids: have a talk sometime soon and list three topics that are real important values today and then check that list from time to time.  Make sure your values don’t keep changing or you will loose focus of your priorities. 

Does that make sense?

Watching them grow up
I must say this whole article swing is about speed of time.  

Tyler, my son, has grown up so fast.  He is only a sophomore but the season is almost half over.  Then you automatically become a junior which means you officially become a prospect. 

Pay close attention to your kids.  They show signs of growth each day; you just have to pay attention. 

Have you ever hear your grandparents say “He or She has grown so much and changed”? Why do they say that? The answer is because there are time gaps in between each visit. 

Be sure and take the time to let your kids know that you are proud of them when they do well, and that you want them to continue the same path.  Kids need that encouragement it helps them grow up to be adults and that will make you old fast. 

I did just say he is only a sophomore in 6 to 7 weeks he will be a junior in the world of “High School Football”.  Catch my drift?

Well that is enough

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

Yep, we play Blackman at their house tomorrow night, and I will say best hospitality in the game is at Blackman.   

I have been waited on hand and foot every visit.  They always have somebody bringing you food and drinks when you visit.  I am sure tomorrow night will be no exception.  

It’s pouring the rain outside now and I have a football game to call later tonight.  It will be a wet field, oh well. 

Thanks for reading this rag and I hope all of you have had a wonderful week. 
Be thankful for everything you have, because people south of us have nothing but the shirt on their back. Please say a special prayer for those trying to put their lives back together.  We won’t know the worth of water until the well goes dry.

If you see me at Blackman give a shout.

Until next week.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Monday, September 12, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 9th 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

My Trip

Down or Rebuilding

Being the New Kid On The Block



Hey Gang, I hope your holiday was all that and a Ham Sandwich.

I have been out and about myself.

Let’s jump right in and get going.


My Trip
Yeah, we got beat Friday Night by Wilson Central, a football club who basically lined up and ran right down our throats. We had a couple of chances to spin it around but just could not put it all together during the 4 quarters of play.

I rolled early Saturday and went to watch ole EKU (Eastern Kentucky University). The Colonels played a tough Appy State team and came up short. I tend to tell it like it is. Colonels need some W’s or things are not going to be good. The Maroon and White expect success and I sure hope Danny Hope spins it around.

Sunday I was at the KY vs. UL game and I got to tell you it was a great game. The tailgating atmosphere was awesome and the game was close also. Cats came up short, but they put on a show and I am sure if the come out with the same fire in the belly as they did against UL, they will win some games.

I look for Joker Phillips to be the next head coach in that program. I told him that two years ago and he thought I was nuts, now the fans are predicting it.

Let’s move in to some other topics

Down or Rebuilding
If you take a look at the crew I film on Friday night you might say “They are not as good as they have been in the past” others might say “They are young”.

Either way, it is tough to continue to reload year after year after year. How do other programs do it? Athletes that is how. It takes good players to make a successful program.

Very few programs can teach kids the Bobby Knight theory. The theory of Bobby Knight is "I am going to take the team I have and give you all the competition you want". His teams come at you 4 quarters and it does not matter what the score is he keeps it close and plays until the horn blows.

I think the single most important thing in a rebuilding or down year is to get better. Take what you got and make it better. If you improve your skill set and the kids grow up a little then you did your job.

Enough of that.

The Grind of being the "New Kid On The Block"
I have spoken with several Moms’ and Dad’s about some of the athletes that are currently freshman at their new colleges. The all seem to be busy with trying to get used to the grind of class, practice and living in a real small space.

The all seem too happy, but are struggling a little with the time management aspect of being a freshman and playing college football.

It is tough and it will make them understand how to handle money, time, and people. I was always told never trust anybody and don’t loan money to anybody.

It takes a while to develop trust in your new friends, I urge parents and kids in college to take this one serious, if you can count on people you really trust on one hand you are rich.

Kids hang in there it will work out.

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

Tonight ought to be pretty good we are at home facing Tremayne Coger from Columbia Central. He as already committed to play at Alabama. We will see how it goes.

Until next week, I will catch you later.

Thanks again for reading this rag.

If you see me at the game give a shout

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Thursday, September 08, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 1st 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Attitude Again
Kids to Parents & Parents to Kids
College Football Kickoff



Hey Gang are you ready for Labor Day??? Me I can’t wait.


I want to take a moment an apologize for the long delay. I have been busy trying to set things up in my new house.

I just completed a move and you know things are tough to get straight.
I am a pack rat, so I have that are to some people a lot of junk. But they are special memories to me.

Let’s jump right in and get going.

Attitude Again
It’s all about me!!

Last Friday night during the Brentwood @ Smyrna game, I witnessed something that should not be tolerated by any coach period.

We were in the mix of a heated battle and getting beat. We made a fantastic defensive play on 3rd down. Only to be followed up by a series of finger pointing and strutting like a rooster.
It would have been fourth for them, they were set to punt when the yellow flag flew. We got un-sportsman like conduct. It cost us 15 yards and a first down for the other team. We had them and were fixing to get the ball back and blew it.

You need to control yourself on the field, it is so important, even in life.

We all get sideways at times, but the cost can be devastating when you are called out in public.

What if that had been a job decision or money? Now the debit is really steep.

I urge all of you, including myself, to try to control your emotions. Quit thinking about yourself and think of others.

When you put the "team first" and I last, things seem to work out better.

Kids to Parents & Parents to Kids (Grades)
The first week of school is over. The new tennis shoes are beginning to get some marks and so are some of the progress reports when it comes to the grades.


It is a constant battle to keep kids motivated toward the books and parents continue to struggle with the correct approach on how to sell kids on keeping your school work in the right perspective. The words never come out right to a child when a parent finds out we have not done well on a paper or quiz.

Kids, your parents are only concerned with your future. You must understand your school work is so important. You can have your house, your car, your clothes etc…. swept away just like Katrina did to those in New Orleans. When all is said and done you would still have your mind. I urge you to invest in your mind it is a bank account that always gathers interest when you feed it.

Parents, keep pushing you have nothing to loose. Kids will get frustrated with your constant begging of them to perform, years from now they will understand when they are stuck with the same problem you are having today

College Football Kickoff
I love high school football and I dearly love college football.

Those of you who know me well, fully understand I was almost an employee of EKU I spent 6.5 years in Richmond and would not trade one semester for the other. I loved the fall when football kicked off.

No it was nothing like running through the T at Tennessee, but it was so much fun. We would plan and talk all week about the game and the activities before, during and after the contest. The action of the game and atmosphere is only created by friends and family, it is a time of gathering for one purpose.

I hope everybody has a great fall and I hope all of you get to witness at least one fall Saturday at some college it is a blast.

That's A Wrap
I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend. Please take a moment to think about those who lost lives and personal belongings in Katrina. We are not close to the disaster cannot imagine the loss and devastation.
I am heading up to EKU for the opener and then on to Lexington, KY for the UK vs. UL game. That one is on national TV @ 3:30. So look for me I may be on goal posts if the cats win :-)
Friday look for me @ Smyrna as we take on Wilson Central kick off 7:30.

Until Next Week.
From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”


Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com