Friday night, the lights will blaze over Fairbanks Field as we kick off another Vermont high school football season. But this isn’t just game one—it’s the moment that can define everything that follows.
Our players and coaches understand what’s at stake. That opening win does more than put a mark in the victory column. It ignites something deeper: a spark that can illuminate an entire school year.
Picture it: the student section erupting as the final whistle blows, that energy spilling into Monday morning hallways, teachers walking a little taller, parents stopping to chat longer after pickup. A winning start creates momentum that reaches far beyond the fifty-yard lines.
When we win that first game, we don’t just energize our team—we energize our entire community. Students feel more connected to their school, are prouder to wear our colors, and are more eager to attend. That pride translates into packed stands for future games, louder pep rallies, and deeper involvement in everything from theater productions to academic competitions.
This is what we mean by “pride in belonging.” It’s not just about football. It’s about creating a culture where every student, teacher, and community member feels they’re part of something special. Where showing up matters. Where excellence becomes contagious.
High morale in the stands becomes high morale in the classrooms. Students attend more consistently, engage more actively, and perform better academically when they feel genuinely connected to their school community. The Friday night lights cast a glow that can last all year long.
So yes, we want that opening win. But more than that, we want to launch a year filled with possibilities—where memories are made, milestones are achieved, and every member of our community discovers what it means to truly belong to something bigger than themselves.
The season starts Friday. The possibilities begin now.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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