Fan and Parent Night!

Friday, August 7th!
The 2nd Annual Fan and Parent Night was AWESOME!

I am hoping some of you will start sending me some pictures because most of mine are of my boys- sorry for that:)

For me- Friday started out with NOT having to WORK! I took the day off to get things ready for Saturday's Lady Raider Camp, so I was at the school ALL day long.

After Julie Cooper, Kristi Harrison and Taylor Elrod and I finished decorating for our event,we headed to the stadium to watch the scrimmage, which was so cool.

First of all, I have NEVER seen so many people in the stands for a scrimmage. I have to say- it was really neat. The seats were full, we had a ton of student body and all the 16 cheerleaders! (yea!! We have 16 cheerleaders!!!!), the dance team and a lot of the girls athletes we there! I was so excited by this.
People were having fun and laughing, cheering and being loud. The main thing is that they were having FUN!

Don't you just love our MC? Ken Zarsky does a FANtastic job at being the voice of the Raiders! He has given me my very first nickname: Mrs. Coach Mann! He is the only one that calls me that and I love it! It makes me laugh everytime he says it!

Did you notice all the kids sitting on the field in red jersey's with Cougars on their shirts? Those kids were from LCP Pop Warner- they were teammates of Zach Pelt and Coach Mann invited them to come sit on the sidelines of the scrimmage. If any of you have little kids that would like to do this too- talk to me- I bet I can sweet talk the coach into being a part of the team for a night! (scrimmages or practices are the best time to do this- during games, is not a good time)
Anyhow, these boys were SO wonderful. They played with my boys and gave ME a MUCH needed break, so I was very greatful to them for this!
My boys tackled them and did running drills with them and I thought that was so cool. I feel certain that these boys had a blast hanging out on the sideline and I hope that they get to do it again very soon!
I didn't even have to take the boys to the concession stand or the bathroom- these boys did it all for me. They even tied Judson's shoes.

I know I am getting a little sidetracked with the LCP kids, but I want to say that 1) they were VERY well disciplined. I was VERY impressed and it was genuine
2) they were so thankful to be out there and it was so good for them (both players and the young guys). I wish every young kid had the opportunity to do something like that- to see what they have to look forward to in the future- even if they don't understand it right now.
The Big guys are huge role models for these young boys and now these little ones have them to look up to. I just think that is so neat!


At 10:45- in the middle of a play- the lights shut completely off. I mean it was pictch black- no one could see and thankfully some people went to their cars and turned their lights on- otherwise it might have been really bad. I could barely find my boys. I also heard that someone in the stands fell down. I hope that didn't happen, and I am sorry if it did.

I ran over to the team huddle because I figured that the boys went there- and sure enough that is exactly where they were! The LCP kids were right there with them in a knee- just like the players!
After they broke out with "Raiders", the players surrounded the LCP kids and gave them high fives and told them thanks for coming out and were asking them what positions that they played. It was really cool- they weren't shy (either of them) and it was just awesome to watch.
Last football season, I could barely get the guys to give my Raider Rousers a high five, much less talk to them and now- they are picking them up- patting their heads, talking to them and it is just awesome to see that how much they have grown in just a years time. So much more mature! Now they are even talking to me.. LOL!








Anyhow, the scrimmage went well according to Josh.
EVERY scrimmage, Josh comes home and asks me how I think that they did. (I think he is just being polite to me:)
Anyhow, and EVERY year, I tell him that I can NEVER tell in a scrimmage because I never know who to cheer for! Aren't we supposed to be happy for all the kids when they ALL do well- not choose sides?
I learned the answer to this on Saturday!

Josh was FURIOUS over the lights going out- and Jace wasn't much better. Josh had told him that he could go in on the last play and try to score a touchdown, but when the lights went out- that all changed. Jace was so upset, it hurt his feelings so bad! Josh promised him that he would take him to practice on Monday and he made good on that. Josh felt horrible about it because he HATES telling someone something and then not doing it- it really bothers him, so on top of already being mad that the lights were shut off- then having to break a promise to Jace- he was really ticked!

Josh came home around 1am and he ate a grilled cheese, talked to me for a minute and then fell straight to sleep for our big day on Saturday!

1st day of 2 a days!

Want to know something?
EVERY year since I have been a Coach's Wife, the week leading UP to 2 a days, the weather is so beautiful. It is typically in the 90's and is somewhat cloudy. THEN, the VERY first day of 2 a days- it is ALWAYS steamy hot with the sun blazing straight down on top of you with the temp being over 100 degrees!
(one year in Wichita Falls, it was 121 degrees- a record high and it was MISERABLE- so count your lucky stars that you are in the Hill Country and not in North Texas!)

Either way- it DOESN'T matter!!! FOOTBALL IS HERE!!!!!!!!
We have waited for this day since October 30, 2008!







I know it was a hot day- but I bet it felt so good to get out there and play! I know that Josh barely slept all night because he was so excited! And like clockwork- he was up and out the door at 5am! I don't know how he does it sometimes!







I have been keeping Coach Cooper's kids the last few weeks and on Tuesday- the 2nd day of 2 a days, we called Josh (because Jace's tooth came out and he wanted to tell Josh)- Anyhow, I called knowing that he was in the middle of practice- but I thought I would leave him a message, well I guess Coach Mann heard the ring because he turned his phone off- but it was in his pocket, so he accidently answered instead- but he didn't know it. So, I turned on our speaker phone and Jace, Judson, The Cooper boys and I listened to about 30 minutes of their practice! It was fun! It was especially cool because Josh must have been working with offense and because of that we were able to hear Coach Cooper yelling and telling them how to run their feet and whistles blowing, some cheers and some "you can do it better than that", "thats ok- but try it this way".
The kids thought that was pretty cool!

1st Annual Rouse Raider Football Team Picnic!

Sunday, August 2, 2009
What a fun event!

The Sports Reps put together an amazing first Team and Family football picnic! It was a lot of fun and it was so nice to see so many of you there!
The Coach's and their families started out at 5pm, with Chad Taylor taking all of our family pictures and we also did some group ones. I will post those at a later date!
Then we headed over to talk to all of the parents and mingle and horse around with all the kids. People kept coming and kept coming, and there was a ton of pizza
and a lot of yummy snacks and deserts. I think I tried a little bit of everything!
I went over and watched the players play football in the park! It was really fun to go and watch them cutting up and just having fun. That is the fun parts of football that you rarely see.

Thank you so much to Bertha Gadison, Lisa Pelt and Liza Gonzales for putting this on and doing such an amazing job getting it together.
Putting together these type of events is hard,and stressful: so the next time you see one of these ladies, please give them a huge hug and tell them how much you appreciate them because I am sure that they do not hear it often enough:)

Some Raider Funnies for the Day!

Hope you have a sense of humor today, because today is
Raider Fun Day!


Is it me- or do we have a Celebrity among the Raider Parents? I am pretty sure that I am seeing double here:





This is a HUGE compliment to Joe. (and lucky Bertha:) Haha!!!
















One year ago this summer:
July 25, 2008- Kristy Harrison leaves town for 1 week and look what Josh does to poor Luke Harrison:































Ok- here's the deal: Josh gave the boys a haircut and Luke saw Josh doing it and asked Josh to TRIM his hair for him using the 2" guard on the clippers. Josh was doing a dang good job until ooops.. the guard just fell off! It happened so fast that Josh didn't move the clippers in time and he made a line right down the middle of his hair. Josh was forced to have to shave Lukes entire head.
Some of you may by suprised to know that when I first met Luke (he was still in college) he had a HUGE head of beautiful curls. Really big- afro like hairdo. I would give anything to have a picture of him then and now.


Josh and I hosted a Rouse New Coach get together! It was a lot of fun and it was only 1 of several get togethers to come.










We also helped Coach Cooper and Julie move into their new house:







And we are so lucky to have everyone here! Last year was so much fun and I can only imagine what we have in store for us this 2009 season.
Steve and Melissa Walker moved into their new house today! We are so happy to have them here!
Last night I had an incredible night out with girls! Bertha Gadison, Lisa Pelt, Liza Gonzales and I went to eat dinner at Chili's and discuss the Raider jamboree! Or at least that was the plan! I think we spent more time talking about non Raider stuff than we did Raider stuff. Either way- I had a great time and I was blessed to go and enjoy some time away from my guys and hang with GIRLS! I NEVER hang with girls only and I have to say- I missed it! It was fun getting to hear stuff about their boys and it really made me realize that although I am sad that my boys are getting bigger- I have SO much to look forward to as a mom with boys!

We have an incredible group of parents and I am so glad to know ALL of you!!!!

Tomorrow is the 2009 First Annual Raider Football Family picnic! It is going to be a lot of fun and we hope that you all can make it!!

Updates!

Its been awhile, but things in the Raider world have been busy!
We have several events coming up very soon!
August 2- 6pm, Raider Football Family Team Picnic! All football players, their families and the coach's and their families are invited to attend! It is going to be a lot of fun and I can't wait! If you haven't received your invitation in the mail- please email Lisa Pelt or Bertha Gadison for info!

August 8- 9am- Lady Raider Football Camp!!
Tons of fun for all you Raider Ladies and definitely an event you will NOT want to miss! Any female that wants to understand football is invited and encouraged to attend. We have en entire day dedicated to Lady football planned. It is being hosted by the Raider Football Coaching Staff along with their wives! It is also a CHARITY event supporting Breast Cancer. ALL proceeds to benefit the Susan G.Komen Breast Cancer Foundation!
Please email me for information! jlbmann4@sbcglobal.net

Raider Rouser shirts are IN! If your child- ages K-5th grade is interested in being a part of this 2nd annual group- you may email me for the form! jlbmann4@sbcglobal.net
It is $10 to join- they get a Tshirt and are admitted into the games for free with their shirt. They are also able to make victory lines for the football players and receive High Fives!
If you have a child- this is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Rouse Raider Football program!!

Things are rolling! We have a lot of things happening and getting events ready to START TRADITIONS that Others will Follow!!!
You are all encouraged to attend the Boooster Club meetings to find out more about what is happening in the Raider World!!!

Not sure if I should get your Raider hopes up- but I am going to post this anyway

I am doing this impulsively, but at this point, I don't care- I am excited:)

Yesterday, I received an email from Josh with this attachment. We have priced this with every thing you could possibly need to go with it at $6490.





So, I have to tell a cute storey- eventhough I know this is supposed to be about Raider Ball, not the coaches kids.

When I got the email, I called Jace up to look at it. His eyes got big and he said "wait- is this a tunnel"?? Except it was more like "wait... is this the tunNEL"
I said yes. Jace very excited "Cedar Park doesn't have a helemt on their tunnel.."

His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and he said "JUDSON!! WE are going to look SO cool coming out of this one!!" I have never seen him so excited over a computer picture.

Now- we have to get it or the coaches kids will be very dissapointed!

LOL After that- they got motivated and ready for football. These are pictures just to show you how pathetic we are and that our lives are only about football. And yes- that is an ambulance next to the feild- that is for their injured players. Notice the lego tunnel and the lego bleachers.

.




I even have a video of them with ear muffs on (not posting it). 2 years ago, we were at Target and Jace saw some earmuffs- he begged for them. Knowing good and well that he wouldn't wear them, I told him no and he begged. So, not wanting to argue- I said ok. When we got home- he pulled out his players and then put on his earmuffs and started coaching his team. Come to find out- he wanted them so that he could have a "headset" like Josh's. How clever is that?

Raider Events and Raider Funnies

I do not have a whole lot to report- Summer camp is going great and Josh is getting more and more anxious to get things rolling. All of the coaches officially report back to work this Monday. Whoohoo!!

Now we are getting closer and closer to August 3!!!

The next Booster Club meeting is July 21, 2009 at 6:30 in the study hall!! We would like to invite ALL Raider parents!!

We have several events coming up:

August 2- Raider Team and Coach Picnic! $5 per family for pizza and fun! 6-8pm- TBA

August 3- First day of 2 a days!!!!

August 7- Fan and Parent Night. First night for the players to practice in pads. We will practice under the lights starting at 7pm with the Freshman

August 8- Lady Raider Football Camp 9am-2pm. This is an event that you ladies will not want to miss out on! Lots of goodies and information as well as doorprises!

August 15- Raider Jamboree- starts at 7am with a Pancake Breakfast, scrimmage and a jamboree for the kiddo's!!

August 20- Scrimmage against Jarrell

August 26- Meet the Raider Night!

August 27- Our first game!!!!

We made the Paper!!

http://www.hillcountrynews.com/articles/2009/07/09/sports/sports16.txt

An Inside look at Strength and Conditioning Camp

Instructions:
1- Turn off the music on my blog page (Directly to your right, a little lower down on the page- hit the middle button)
2- Turn your speakers up loudly so you can hear everything that they are saying

Ready?? Now Read!

"RAIDERS"
"WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION???"



Ok- so there is a story behind why this video turned out so bad- but the very important thing is that you were able to hear their chant. Just leave it at that:)

This week the boys have been in Amarillo, so I took off for 3 days to have some time to do what I wanted to do!

How did I spend it? Working on Rouse Raider Football stuff!

Monday, the Football Committee met and got some ideas together for football season. Tuesday, I spent the entire morning calling Football parents and asking them to come to our Booster Club meeting that night. I have to say, I was nervous about basically cold calling these parents, but EVERYONE was SO incredibly nice and were so excited to get in the football mode! We had a WONDERFUL turnout at the meeting and I was SO honored to have so many parents show up! And I am really looking forward to getting to know the parents this year!

Wednesday, I headed to strength and conditioning camp and it was SO fun and motivating to see these guys in action.

Coach Elrod getting their attention to go to higher Level listening

Coach Thompson had a wonderful motivating speach that I was able to catch on video.




After the camp, I worked on The Lady Raider Football Camp/ Clinic.

What is this?
We are inviting ALL ladies of any age (mom's, grandma's, teachers, administration, students) to come to our Lady Raider Football Camp. You will learn the basics of football, you will go through boot camp and learn the basics of a typical Saturday for our Coach's as well as what the football player goes through each week.
Then you will eat an amazing lunch catered by Chili's and have a Question and Answer session with the Coach's Wives.
I am hoping to get 2 guest speakers as well You will receive a camp Tshirt, and a book and a goody bag with tons of awesome stuff donated by area businesses.

All of this for $25 and ALL proceeds go directly to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 9am
More on this very soon.
I am working on a website for this.
I have the link- but I am under construction at the moment:)

www.ladyraiderfootballcamp.blogspot.com



Here is Coach Mann (Josh- I don't really know what to call him on here:) doing his higher level listening.


The boys at the end. "Finish Hard" (it echoed in the weight room- so that was hard to hear:)