Coach of the Year

I do my very best to do as little bragging on myself as possible, and if I come across as arrogant to anyone in a given situation, it is not by design. However, I'm going to take a step out of my normal anxieties and do a little pumping up of Chris Rushing for a few sentences.

Thursday night, I was awarded a plate at the Tupelo Sports Council's Circle of Champions awards ceremony. Engraved on this plate is "2008 Coach of the Year - Chris Rushing - TYBA"...Very few honors in my life can rival how proud that silver plate makes me.

When I told people I had been nominated for an award like this, everyone's first question was, "Do you have to give a speech?" Luckily, I didn't have to say anything up on stage - just go up, shake hands and try not to get blinded by the light from the podium. That being said, there are several people who made this award possible that cannot go without mention. So, I'll take some time and space out here on the interweb and give them their props.

First, all of my players and their parents. I can honestly say that there hasn't been but a couple of players that I didn't see eye-to-eye with and only a couple of "unruly" parents. This would not have been possible without the parents trusting that I was just wanting to make their kids better players and be the best role model I could be in the process.

Second, I'd like to thank the Tupelo Youth Baseball Association, namely Suzanne McCormick, for giving me the opportunities to coach the past two summers and for another one this upcoming season. Its easy to just pick a few of the dads, but they've given me a social life in a town where I haven't had too many friends outside of work.

Third, my employers for their understanding when I need to leave work early to get to the ball fields and for their sponsorship monies. Its because of BancorpSouth that the Bomber attitude was enstilled early on with my players last season as we raced towards an undefeated campaign. Plus, the bank bought our trophies at the end of the year.

Fourth, my own awesome parents. Whether its spotting me a little cash to buy the team Gatorades or just listening to me when I try to get through a couple of tough spots (especially last year with the all-star selection crisis), they have been above and beyond in supportive and encouraging love and behavior.

Fifth, I go on and on about the teams that I coach, and several people get to hear me bragging on their individual and whole accomplishments. However, there's been one friend in particular who was on the phone with me prior to every game and after every game - hearing all the details (good and bad). I don't want to name them in an effort of singling them out, but I'd like to think they know who they are. And for all that listening, I want to say "Thank you very much."

Finally, to all those who have been brave enough to coach with me...those are the ones who have truly made this possible. Leonard, Mark, David, Lee and Jerry - talk about those who go above and beyond. While it's easy for me to get carried away, none of them hesitated at the thoughts of practices, tournament locations or team parties. They also helped to give a dad's perspective to everything we worked towards - something I'm incapable of at this time.

I know I have undoubtedly left out people, but it was accidental. I hope this doesn't seem too arrogant, but I'm pretty excited about this.

One last thing, I'd like to thank Katy for going to the banquet with me and helping me to look good.

Until next time, War Eagle.