Your approval might be needed.

I think all of us have a person (or two) that we NEED approval from. Be it a parent, boss, spouse, friend, coworker, family member, child, etc. For me, I have a huge support group of friends and family that love me and are there for me with a hug or an encouraging word when needed. However, sometimes we work hard or accomplish something and there is a specific person that we desperately need to know noticed and approved. When this goes on for a while with no feedback or acknowledgment we can become overly discouraged and if we do happen to say something to that person, it is often passed off with comments like “of course I’m proud of you, you should know that”, or “you don’t need my approval.”
The point is, if you are proud of someone or notice they did something good please tell them. You never know when you are THAT person for them. It this weird PC world of ours don’t be afraid to give compliments and hugs. It’s human nature to crave those things. You never know when your words will help heal.

Trade Schools For the WIN!

In the 90s we saw a trend of forcing students to take an academic route post-high school and a shifting attitude towards trade schools. we were told that they were not good enough. Over the years we have eliminated the trades classes from our schools causing a shortage of specialists. Now we are suffering because we have no one to teach these classes that will create mechanics, electricians, plumbers, woodworkers etc. There is a shortage of these people in the work-force, driving up the prices to hire someone to fix/repair our homes and cars. So now we offer these things through STEM academies with more strict requirements to get in. The kids that would benefit the MOST from these trade classes are no longer able to take them. Why have we forgotten about the common man, those people who don't want or need higher education? We have educated our society right out of work and then demand that we raise the minimum wage. We punish those who run a small business and the families who just want to live a comfortable life. The rich get richer and the middle-class shrinks and shrinks. Quit shoving higher education down people's throats and bring back the trade schools. Less administration, more options for shop, art, music, home ec, personal finance, critics, and horticulture classes. Let the kids get dirty and learn to work with their hands!

14 Years

14 Years - That’s how long I have been a Railroader.
Fourteen years ago, Charlie Walsh took a chance on me and gave me the head coaching job at Sparks High School. In those 14 years that have come and gone, I have served four principals, two athletic directors and hundreds of cheerleaders. I was given an opportunity to build a program and make it my own. Over the years my teams earned countless trophies at camps and competitions, we earned a few Nevada state titles and even regional title in California, I was chosen as coach of the year, and we had kids cheer in college and at the national level. We participated in rent parties, parades, festivals, marriage proposals, and countless community events. I have seen kids go on to college, military, get married, have babies, and travel the world. The memories are immeasurable and currently leaking out my eyes…

On a personal level, I survived a marriage and divorce, a second marriage, a beautiful daughter, and will earn a degree. I have learned patience and the art of working with parents. I learned the importance of low power mode on my phone when taking bus trips and the value of a blanket and soft-sided med kit (pillow). I came to love the quirkiness of Sparks High School and its facilities. The history of the Brickhouse and why we affectionately refer to it as the brick-oven during basketball games. Most importantly I have joined a family. The people of Sparks High school have become some of my dearest friends. They have supported me in good years and bad and have seen me grow up from that pain in the butt 20-something to the pain in the butt 30-something I am today. The support and friendship that I have are priceless.

Walking away from a program that took over a decade to build is the hardest thing I have ever done. It was time for me to go, but there are so many things I am going to miss being a coach. I love my kids, all 700-ish of them. They have made me a better person, and through the blood sweat and tears, we have all made the Sparks Cheer Program incredible.

As I transition from Head Coach to Athletic Secretary and Spectator, I know the program is in good hands, and I desperately hope that the traditions we have created will carry on and the memories of my athletes are as meaningful to them as they are to me.

“Once a Railroader, Always a Railroader.”