Thankful: THS Football Coach Mike Spradlin

Mike Spradlin, Temple High School head football coach and athletic director, has lived in Central Texas for only nine months, having moved from Abilene after Temple hired him in February to lead its athletic program.


During his first year in charge, longtime coach Spradlin often has talked about how much he and his wife have enjoyed living in Temple and becoming a part of the community and school district.


“I’m thankful I’m here and I’m thankful for these kids we get to coach and the place we get to work in,” said Spradlin, who guided the Wildcats to a 6-5 record — highlighted by a five-game winning streak to close the regular season — and their first playoff berth since 2008. “I’m blessed to get to be a part of a great community and a great school district. It’s pretty special.


“The biggest thing is our kids here. It’s unique. I’ve had an opportunity to be around (Texas) a little bit, and these kids are by far the best.”


Telegram Staff

Playoff Proud!

Wildcat kids. Little…………………………………………………and big!

Cassandra, Kim, Aisley, Brennan Ransleben…….Gaylan Sanders………………………………………………….

Gina Prentiss and Chloe……………………………………Tim Briggs…………………….Coach Gilbert

Melanie Johnson…………………………………………………..Leslee McGehee, Cassie Dunnam and Katie Galusha.

Beth Spradlin Saxton and Carter... Coach Dunnam…………………… Carter, Parker, Brooke and Lyssa.

PaPa ( Bill Barnett) and MiMi (Joyce Spradlin Barnett).

A Successful Season Comes to An End

First of all, let me start by saying how incredibly proud I am of the 2011 Temple Wildcats football team. Nine months ago you bought in, seniors and all, and decided to embark on this new journey. You put rubber bands on their wrists, started lifting weights and learning new ways. Hard work became your constant companion. Comraderie among coaches and teammates grew, friendships turned into a family. What a great group of guys you are! Your commitment and determination has made you a standout team. You did everything that was aked of you and Coach Spradlin said you may be his all time favorite.

Longview Lobos 24 - Temple Wildcats 3.......read all about it!

STATE PLAYOFFS!

What does lobos mean?

I looked it up.

lobosplural of lo·bo

Noun: (in the southwestern US and Mexico) A timber wolf.

Oh! So, a lobo is a wolf. Whew! I was worried there for a minute. I was afraid that a lobo was something vague and mysterious like a mojo, and I don’t like mojo, but I do like wolves. I mean, I get them. They’re apart of God’s creation… basically a wild dog. A lot like wildcats are wild-cats. So, tomorrow will pretty much be a ‘cat and dog fight’! Right?

Hey! Did you happen to notice the full moon last night? I did! Cassi Dunnam, did too! She pointed it out on the way to Star Hall. We helped Gina Prentiss, Windee Scrabanek, and all their children, plus Julie Haag and Claudia Henandez decorate for the Team Dinner tonight. It was fun! …but back to the full moon.

Anyway, it couldn’t have worked out better for us because everyone knows that wolves act crazy when there is a full moon. Yep! It’s a proven fact. See for yourself.

Yikes! A little scary but it could be a whole lot of fun tomorrow when the hungry, fearless WILDCATS

lineup against the loco Lobos!

Game time is 2:00 in Corsicana. Bring your TEMPLE WILDCAT PRIDE and let the team know you care. MAKE SOME LOUD NOISE!

See You There!

Kick-off to the 2011 WILDCATS' Playoff Run is Friday, November 11 (11-11-11!) at WILDCAT Stadium. Temple Education Foundation is hosting a FREE Tailgate at the East end of the stadium, from 4:45-5:30. At 5:30, rock out with the WILDCAT Marching & Jazz Bands, Kittens, Cheerleaders and...of course...YOUR TEMPLE WILDCATS! Be there!

Last week, while I was having a wonderful time in the Bahamas, the Wildcats were whipping up on the Bryan Vikings. It wasn't an easy decision to miss my first home game ever, but with the playoffs secured and Coach's blessing, I took off to join dear family and best friends for a special wedding on Paradise Island. Throughout the wedding reception, our son Clint kept us updated. Everyone around us was celebrating from afar! Thrilled. What an awesome way to finish up the regular season and now we're preparing to play the Longview Lobos in the State Playoffs. Hope you'll be able to make the trip to Corsicana, next Saturday at 2:00. Go Wildcats! Win the day and wow Texas!

It 's Official! Playoff bound!

Heads up, Wildcat fans! On Saturday, November 12th, @ 2:00, we'll be playing the Longview Lobos in Corsicana! How awesome is that! More about that next week but for now let's go beat Bryan!

Sanders, defense step up as Wildcats escape winless Ellison

Wow! Like I said the Wildcats Thursday night football games at Leo Buckley Stadium, have been very unusual.

Last night the Ellison Eagles, with nothing to lose, put on the field a lot of odd stuff. That on top of very chilly 40 degree temperatures as well as 20 mph winds made for an unusual ballgame. We struggled over have the game but finally but some points on the scoreboard in the third quarter. In the end the Temple Wildcats won. And I for one am glad we won't be heading back to Killeen for any Thursday night games for a nice long time!


CLICK HERE to read the whole story!

Twilight Zone

Is it just me or have the Thursday night games in Leo Buckley Stadium felt a little strange? Last week when the team walked out of the dressing room to take the field, Coach Spradlin said it was so quiet he thought the spectators were having a ‘moment of silence’. They weren’t!

This week when the Wildcat Warriors line up against the Ellison Eagles, please excuse me if I’m screaming my head off! Our fierce cats have been sharpening their claws since February. They have worked harder than most know to overcome many obstacles and now for the first time in awhile, playoff opportunities are within reach. Will you join me in exercising your legs and your lungs to applaud their tremendous accomplishments. They will love it!

Coaches Kids....I've never met a bad one!

The above, is something Coach Spradlin says every now and then, and I believe without a doubt, he’s right!

I know Aisley and Brennan Ransleben, daughters of Coach Wayne and Kim Ransleben certainly are a couple of amazing young ladies. These lovely sisters are two of the most helpful teenagers I know! They film and photograph football practices and games for the Wildcats, entertain the younger kids at after game parties, and babysit whenever needed. Their thoughtful kindness, generosity and helpful hearts have wowed me and many others. Last Sunday, after arriving at our house for Caramel Apple Day, they stepped right up to the plate, I mean burner and single handedly made several batches of caramel from scratch. They were so helpful, they were happy, who am I kidding, they were life savers! Then they ran outside and played with the younger kids! Thank you Aisely and Brennan for the many things you do. For inspiring those around you and for making a difference in your corner of the world. Your warmth and willingness is greatly appreciated and I look forward to watching your grace continue to grow….and being your friend.

Caramel Apples

October is a difficult month for a coach’s family, for the season has begun to grow long and lonely. Reality

has settled in. So over the years, Caramel Apple Sunday has become a tradition we all look forward to.

We washed apples, poked in the sticks, and turned on the stove. You won’t believe how easy it is to make

your own caramel. A cup of cream, a cup of sugar, 1/4 cup dark Karo and 2T. of unsalted butter. Try it!

Everyone brought their own toppings. Nuts, toasted coconut, crushed peppermint and toffee, mini

sprinkles, chocolate chips, Reese's pieces and M & M’s made an appearance this year. There were lot’s

of smiles! There’s nothing quite like women getting together for an afternoon of fun. I’m so thankful for each of you special ladies and your precious children. You have enriched my life greatly! October has never felt better! Thanks for the sacrifices you and your children make, that your husband can have a lasting effect on the lives of young men. The future looks bright in Temple, Texas. Go Wildcats, Go!!!