I’m getting sick of hearing about news stories like the one out of Parkersburg today about the tragic death of Coach Ed Thomas.  It makes you wonder, ‘what is wrong with the people of this world?’  There are no answers to that question, though.  It seems horrible news is always right around the corner.  Selfish and senseless acts of cowardice and violence that rip communities and families apart happen everyday in all parts of the globe.  It never goes away or gets better, and when it hits this close it scares you to think that something this horrific can happen to us at any time.  As I write this, I do not know about the details.  I do not know of any circumstances that may have led to this.  I do not know of a backstory.  It doesn’t matter though.  I can’t possibly imagine what the Thomas family is going through, but I know they will need our help, support and prayers.  David has worked closely with Ed Thomas and the people in this program for a year now on an ICS  project that documents a turbulent time in the lives of the people in the A-P school district.  Their strength and courage were put to the test time and again, but they rose above disaster and loss to rebuild and rebound.  This inexplicable action may take more resolve to recover from.  More than anyone should ever have to summon, without a doubt.  I cannot find the correct words to describe the unbearable pain and anguish this will cause, but I suggest we all keep the good people of A-P in our thoughts and remember to cherish each moment we have together.  Don’t try and figure it out, though.  If there’s anything we can agree on in this world it’s that there is no explanation…  I have a big notebook that I keep all of my high school football stuff in.  It’s full of records, stats, teams, etc.  Everything that keeps me on top of what’s going on and what I need for our work here at ICS.  It is and has been my ‘Bible’ of sorts for years now every Fall.  In the front sleeve of this binder is a picture of Ed Thomas that the IHSAA put out a few years ago to commemorate the program and his accomplishments.  Something about that picture and the words that accompany it made me keep it prominately displayed.  The title is “We know the value of a coach”.  Anyone who ever met Ed Thomas truly understands that…  Maybe something will be brought up along these lines once the upcoming season is upon us, but I think it wouldn’t be overdoing it by having every high school football team in Iowa wear Falcon logos on their helmets this season.     

Perhaps the best coaching role model in the United States.   There are not words to describe the loss of coach Ed Thomas.  

For details you can go to the DM-Register’s website. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090624/NEWS/90624008

Here is your first update and reminder about our Sports Blanket Golf Outing…The 10th edition of this annual summer ritual will be held as usual at the Pleasantville Golf & Country Club, aptly located in Pleasantville on Old Highway 5 on the south side of town.  This is a casual, fun setting with no big fanfare, just good golfing and a relaxed atmosphere.  Please join us by locking up your spot today.  It is a 2-man best shot format with a 10:00am shotgun start on Friday, July 17th.  The entry fee is a paltry $50.00/team, and you need to indicate if you need a cart, which is extra, but not much.  You can sign up by calling 515-848-5716, or just stop by the Country Club and reserve a spot in person.  All of the previous nine outings have been a great time and a huge success, so please help us keep that streak alive.  There will be plenty of pin prizes and giveaways, along with cash prizes for the top two teams and the top two 2nd flight teams.  Do yourself a favor and get down to Trojan Town for ”The Blanket”!

Sorry about the lack of posts and the complete abandonment from baseball musings, but let’s not kid ourselves…We’re here for football.  We are planning, gearing up, searching and discussing what our plans are for the 2009 football season and how we can bring our passion for Iowa high school football to you in as many interesting and helpful ways as possible.  That, and the fact that I’m too busy at work to dedicate the proper amount of time to writing daily posts.  Based on the lack of comments, I doubt this is sad news.  However, we want you all to know that our football coverage will be wide-spread and multi-dimensional.  For now, though, the posting may be sparse, but the access to videos and information on purchasing product is always available here.  *SPORTS BLANKET REMINDER*–We are hosting the annual golf outing once again this summer, and we want you to show up.  The 10th annual Sports Blanket Golf Outing at the Pleasantville Golf & Country Club will be Friday, July 17th.  All the details will be posted here soon so you can call and get signed up.  If you’ve been there before, it is the same setup as always, but for newbies, we will give you the skinny once the final details are buttoned up with the Brass at the PG&CC…If you want to reserve a spot already, call 515-848-5716 to get on the list.  It is still a 2-man best shot, shotgun start with a $50/team entry fee.  Carts, if needed, are extra, so indicate that upon sign up.  we will have the full scoop shortly, so keep checking back here, read the Marion County News on Thursdays, or call.