More Than Wins and Losses: Recognizing Our Coaches
As we reach the end of October, our fall athletic seasons are drawing to a close. Over the past several months, McKenzie student-athletes have spent countless hours practicing, competing, traveling, and representing our school throughout the region. This week, our high school cross-country team competes at its district championship meet, and our football team takes the field for its final game of the season.
As the season comes to a close, we have an opportunity to reflect on wins, losses and individual accomplishments. But it’s important to remember that the value of school athletics extends well beyond the scoreboard.
Athletics and extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities to develop skills that will serve them long after they leave school. They learn to work toward shared goals, manage their time, overcome setbacks, communicate with others and accept responsibility for their contributions to a team.
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons come from the moments that don’t go as planned. A difficult loss, an unexpected challenge, or a disappointing performance can teach students just as much as a championship or personal best. Learning to respond to adversity, support others and continue working toward improvement are important parts of growing up.
These experiences connect directly to our Graduate Portrait and our commitment to developing students who Think Critically, Communicate Effectively, and Act Responsibly.
With National Coaches Day having recently passed, I want to take a moment to recognize the individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to coaching our fall sports teams this year.
Our cross-country program has been led by head coach Corey Culp and assistant coach Peter Drake. High school volleyball has been guided by head coach Rachele Mark and assistant coach Tonya Willoughby, while head coach Matt Bennett has led our middle school volleyball program.
On the football field, head coach Willy Kumle has led our high school team alongside assistant coaches Angelo Santiago and Allen Acevedo. Head coach Shadee Willis and assistant coaches Kyle Jones and Leah Stiebing-Sanders have guided our middle school football program.
Coaching involves much more than showing up for practices and games. These individuals spend countless hours planning, traveling, communicating with families, supporting student-athletes through challenges and helping young people develop confidence, responsibility and teamwork. Many balance these commitments with full-time jobs and their own family responsibilities.
In a small school like McKenzie, these opportunities are especially valuable. Students often have the chance to participate in multiple sports and activities, explore different interests, and develop relationships with adults who know them well. None of that happens without people willing to invest their time and energy in our students.
I also want to recognize the families and community volunteers who make these programs possible. From transporting students and supporting fundraisers to volunteering at events and cheering from the stands, your contributions matter.
As one season ends, another is already beginning. Our middle school boys basketball team starts practice this week, and we look forward to another opportunity for students to participate, grow and represent McKenzie.
To our fall student-athletes, congratulations on your efforts this season. Whether your team finished with a winning record or faced challenges along the way, I hope you take pride in your commitment and the growth you’ve experienced.
And to our coaches, thank you for the time, patience, encouragement, and care you invest in our students. Your influence reaches far beyond the playing field.
Around McKenzie This Week
Monday marks the beginning of winter sports as middle school boys basketball begins practice after school. Tuesday is C.A.T.C.H. Day at the elementary school, and on Wednesday, our kindergarten students will travel to Northern Lights Farm for a field trip.
Thursday is the final day of the first grading quarter, and our high school cross-country team travels to Cheadle Park in Lebanon for the Special District 2 championship meet. Friday is a teacher grading day, with staff preparing first-quarter report cards. Our high school football team travels to Elkton for its final game of the season at 3 p.m.
Saturday is Halloween, and we wish everyone a fun and safe evening. Don’t forget that daylight saving time ends Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clocks back one hour!
As we close out the first quarter and transition from fall to winter activities, I hope we’ll continue to recognize the important role these experiences play in our students’ education.
The wins and losses may be what we remember from a season, but the relationships, lessons, and personal growth are what make participation worthwhile.
Thank you to everyone who helps make those opportunities possible at McKenzie.