Less than twelve hours after punching our ticket to the Vermont Division I State Championship game, our players were back on campus — not for film study or another practice, but for something just as important. They reported for active recovery, a quick walk-through, and an opportunity to support a group that so often supports us and our entire community.
Our local Elks Lodge is always quick to lend a hand to our team and to countless others in town. So when they needed help setting up tables and chairs for their annual Super Bingo event, our players jumped at the opportunity. Sure, we took a moment to celebrate Saturday’s victory and the chance it earned us — but we never lose sight of the fact that we’re just one part of a larger community. Giving back is part of who we are.
The Elks are neighbors helping neighbors. Their mission is to strengthen communities through caring, sharing, and service. They support veterans, help local families, encourage young people, and celebrate the spirit of patriotism and friendship that binds people together. They live by the mantra Elks Care – Elks Share, and we’re grateful for all they do. We value every opportunity to support their work.
Now, on to the championship.
It would be easy to read the headlines, scroll through the praise, and start believing we’re everything those stories suggest. While we’re thankful for the recognition and encouragement, we know better than to dwell on it. From the first week of the season, our focus has been simple: go 1-0 this week. That mindset hasn’t changed — and it won’t.
Any success we’ve enjoyed has been built on effort, cohesion, interdependence, and belief — in each other and in what we can accomplish together. This week, we’ll continue to strengthen the foundations of our culture, appreciate the blessings of both victory and community, and once again set our sights on the same goal that’s guided us all season:
Go 1-0!
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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