And fitting.
A lot of snow and ice, really cold temperatures (my California-bred mind still can't quite wrap itself around -31 degree wind chills!), shovels, salt, and careful driving have marked our recent days here in NW Indiana. The third day of this winter already feels like a few winters wrapped together, but I am optimistic that winter will go out as early as it came in.
The good news is that we will have a white Christmas and as the thermometer edges its way up to some more reasonable readings, I think my son Alex will get his wish for some serious sledding time.
For the boys on the team, the holiday break is a much needed respite from the rigors of classes and training, and a nice time to get home to reconnect with family and friends.
We aren't allowed to meet as a team, per the NCAA rules, during the week leading up to finals and throughout the examination period, so the last days of the semester were tough on this old coach. I don't like it when I can not see the guys regularly. The fun of coaching lies in the time spent together with all of the inside jokes, ribbing, and yes, the work to get better. That process is the good stuff, but we also recognize the importance of recharging our collective battery, so a change of pace has been nice in its own way.
For the Avery family, we have spent a lot of time together in and around the house. While that may sound pretty unremarkable, for a family with two division one head coaches, it is a luxury, and we appreciate these down times.
Alex is now five, and Christmas is absolutely magical to him - which brings back the magic for Carin and me. We were supposed to drive up into Wisconsin for a few days of indoor water park fun, but Mother Nature had other ideas. We opted instead for a downsized version of a water park closer to home, and had a great time. On Christmas Eve we'll head into the South Bend area to be with our family on my wife's side for Christmas presents, family parties, and a lot of attention by a doting Grandma.
We've assured Alex that Santa has been informed of our whereabouts.
My side of the family are based in California, and though we'll miss them this holiday, we plan to make the pilgrimage West later in the spring.
Since the season ended in November we have been working very hard to continue our upward trend in the college soccer world. We have been busy trying to bolster the roster with a recruiting class that can fill the gaps left by a very talented senior class. In February we can release the names of the young men that have agreed to join this soccer family, and I am sure when you read of their experiences and accomplishments you will agree that my staff has put together a tremendous group. We are a program on the rise and with a lot of very positive momentum, and that has translated to a massive amount of interest in joining our ranks. We are doing less selling and more selecting now in the recruiting process, and the impact on our talent pool will be significant.
The boys got straight back to work following a week off, and are seriously courting the title of "hardest working team in the country". We met to train in the morning hours, and then they made their way back to the ARC every afternoon for the extra voluntary work that separates good and great players. I am so impressed with their resolve, and I am proud of their efforts. The attitude of this team is the best of any team I have been around, and I have been blessed to have spent time around some great teams in my life. This trait will serve them well in the coming seasons, and the habits they are forming will serve them well in their futures outside of soccer.
We were also able to receive over $30,000 of the pledged $35,000 from the Extra Mile campaign, and donations are still coming in. Given the turbulent times presented by the economy, this is a magnificent percentage.
Again, thank you to all involved!
Your support and generosity not only humbles me, but it inspires me as well.
Personally, I have been padding myself - weather protection is the justification, but holiday treats the real culprit - and finding any pounds lost over the course of the 1000 miles. It may take 2000 miles to get back into form!
As we look forward to 2009, there is a quiet confidence about our group that we are well on the way to accomplishing the lofty goals we have set. We have come a long way in a relatively short time, and on a lot of different fronts related to the program. We know our destination is inevitable because of our inertia moving us forward. Sure there will be some speed bumps along the way, and maybe a few twists and turns to navigate, but these only make the journey more interesting.
Our hope for 2009 is that we can really just enjoy the ride, enjoy the company, and ultimately enjoy the view from the top.
As always, we are glad you are with us.
Have a safe, happy and magical Christmas, and may 2009 be THE year...
Mike
