I'm a coach's wife, telling a story the best I know how. It's important and I want to get it right! Jump on the train quick for the Temple Wildcats are gathering steam! Their destination is unknown but their desire is for greatness. Prayerfully join us as God unfolds a new chapter. They've all been good but I won't be surprised if He's saved the best for last!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Meet the Collins family!









Recently Lamar Collins, a highly sought after educational speaker, walked into the TISD Athletic office as a parent and walked out as a coach . His daughter Alexis, an incoming freshman, had just made cheerleader and he was dropping by to pay for her uniform. Coach Spradlin, impressed by Collins bright disposition, introduced himself and struck up a conversation. Lamar, shared that he began his career in the U.S. Army and after completing his enlistment, he attended the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, earning a degree in education. Coach Collins, hired by KileenISD, taught math and coached for several years. It was during this time that his ability to connect with individuals of various ages, ethnicity's and education levels was recognized and he became an effective speaker for Worth the Wait, an abstinence education program. In 2008, he earned his MPA from Texas State University.








Coach Spradlin, quickly recognizing excellence, wasted no time asking Lamar Collins, if he would consider joining the THS faculty and Wildcat coaching staff.








I'd love to hear this story from Coach Collin's perspective. Maybe someday I will. According to Coach Spradlin, Lamar said he had missed coaching but would like to discuss it with his wife Rose. He left and said he'd be back. Turns out, Rose was waiting in the car! I can only imagine what she was thinking...








Ten minutes later, while Coach Spradlin was updating principal, Jason Bullock, Lamar Collins walked back in the door and accepted his offer.








Later that night, as Coach shared this story, we smiled. Our hearts celebrated in silent praise to a faithful God who never ceases to amaze!





Coach Collins, has a beautiful wife, Rose (She is special too!) and their adorable family! Have you ever seen a cutier family? I love this picture! What joy!


Their oldest daughter Alexis, a 9th at Temple High. She will be a cheerleader, participate in track, cross country, volleyball and band. Alyssa, an 8th grade at Lamar, will participate in basketball, track, cross country, volleyball and band. Aliyah, a 7th at Lamar Middle School, will play in the band and run track. Their son Lamar Jr. (aka TJ) will be entering the 2nd grade at Kennedy Powell. All of the Collins kids are on the A-B Honor. They are also very active in church. The girls have a singing group called Triple A and are talented preformers. They travel and sing all around the state and write their own songs.








Please welcome the Collins family! This well known Temple family will be a valuable addition to Temple High School and Wildcat Football!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Good News!




OUR HOUSE SOLD!!!

Thank you for praying. God has been so faithful. In the midst of life's uncertainties it brings me great comfort to know without a doubt, we can trust him always! Today, I packed all day long. Actually, I talked all day long. My friends did all the packing! We started in the kitchen. Be glad you weren't there. I like dishes.

Thirty boxes down and many more to go!


p.s. Please continue to pray for Coach Dunnam's and Coach Berna's house's to sell.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Meet the Galusha's!

Welcome Rob Galusha and wife Katie! The Galusha's will be moving to Temple on the last day of May...and Temple will be an even nicer place upon their arrival!




Rob and Katie grew up in Abilene Texas. He played football at Abilene and she played basketball at Abilene High. Though once high school rivals, these two have teamed up to make a great coaching couple! This summer the Galusha's will celebrate their third anniversary and begin a new chapter in their lives.





Rob is a 2003 graduate of CHS, involved in several sports, but of course football was #1. He was team captain, 1st team all-district linebacker, defensive player of the year, honorable mention all-state linebacker & big country super-team. He continued his education and football career at Hardin-Simmons University (#17).











Where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Galusha was voted team captain of the Hardin-Simmons football team. He was also awarded 1st team all-conference, 3rd team all-region and academic all-conference.










Coach Galusha began his coaching career ate Abilene Cooper High School where he was a defensive backs coach and contributed to the Cougars success. Not only an excellent coach, Rob was also a BCIS teacher. Known for his hard work ethic, Coach Galusha is passionate about coaching and using it them both to reach out to kids!





Katie graduated from Abilene High School in 2006.






She a recent graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, where she earned a BA in Biology. Katie plans to continue her education in Temple and work in health care. Katie has lived in Abilene all of her life, so Temple will be her first BIG move! She loves to cook and work in their home. Katie also enjoys exercising, traveling, shopping, blogging, football, friends and family! You can visit Katie's Blog at ---www.klgalusha.blogspot.com/ Please drop by and say 'hi'!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Meet the Berna's!

Hey all you Wildcat fan's, stand up and clap your hands!!!










J.D. and Vanessa, have offically joined the family! Last Monday night the Berna's were approved by the TISD scool board, along with coaches Mike Bloesch, Rob Galusha, Lamar Collins, Tommy Felts and Preston Meyer (introductions coming soon). This dynamic duo is a welcome addition to our district and will touch the lives of countless kids!



J.D., the Wildcat's new wide receivers/Head Strength and Conditioning coach will be a big asset to Temple High School. Coach Spradlin describes Coach Berna as one of the hardest working guys he's ever known....and someone who never shirks a task.


Spradlin and Berna worked together at the University of Houston where J.D. Berna, was Art Briles (currently @ Baylor University) Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.



Coach Berna, a graduate of Tarelton State University/Deans List 96-99, grew up in Hico Texas. Where he was awarded All State Football Wide Receiver in 1993; First Team All District in football, basketball and track - 3 years, honors. Plus 'Who's Who in American High School's'!



Parents, teachers, students, athletes and the entire community is going to appreciate J.D. Berna. No one can out work him. He is one of a kind!






Vanessa Berna, aka Miss Sunshine, brightens any room upon arrival! Cheerful in all situations, Mrs. Berna will be a wonderful addition to Scott Elementary teaching kindergarten, where she will bring enthusiam unmatched! Vanessa, a passionate teacher, has a long resume of awards and achievements. Including, Abilene ISD Teacher of the Year - 2009 Ortiz Elementary and Who's Who Among American Teachers. She earned a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Development, from the University of Houston.

The Berna's will be moving to Temple this summer. You can say 'hi!' to Vanessa at www.vanessa.berna@abileneisd.org You can catch Coach Berna on the football field or weight room.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Spring Ball 2011

Last week I caught a glimpse a few of the Wildcat Trainers! With Spring Ball only days away excitement was all over their faces! To say these ladies were impressive would be an understatement. In fact they were amazing! Alexis, Taylor, Brittany and Bella, meeting you was one of the nicest things that's happened to me since arriving here Temple. Your kindness, enthusiasm and sincerity took my by surprise and made me smile. I can hardly wait to see you again.










This afternoon, the practice field was unexpectedly wet and cold but not even the weather couldn't dampen the spirit's of these hard working men.




A special thanks to Coach Martin, who has a lot to smile about it! Congratulations to the Wildcat baseball team who will play Tyler Lee (Bi-District), this Thursday at 7:30 at home. Playoffs are such a big deal! I can hardly wait to see all you proud 'Wildcats' show up and cheer on this years talented team!






Boy-howdy was it cold!




Not the kind of weather you'd expect for the first of May.



Never the less, the practice field was covered with blue and white.


Kendra Bullock and two of her precious girls were there to kick things off!


Emma and Claire Bullock braved the rain and wind.



Honestly, I'm not sure how everything went today but I can tell you this.... my coach already loves these kids and is so excited about their future.





If you're excited too, stop by after school and watch these guys work! There's a lot to learn and an audience makes it more fun.





It's hard to believe that the 2011 football season is three short months away!


Invest now.