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How many of you have heard of the little town of Lenox, Iowa? I know as I introduce myself to people and tell them where I am from and most say, "never heard of it". Well, Lenox is my hometown and located in Southwest Iowa near the Missouri border. We have a very small community made up of 1,400 people. Though our community is small, we have great success in sports. I started both ways playing defensive end, tight end, and also doing the kicking and field goals. I would like to know tell you about my journey to a State Championship in Football.
As most people could agree success comes from many factors: dedication, communication, leadership, hard work, determination, and the will to win! Our 2008 football team had all those traits and more. We practiced hard every day, watched film 3-4 times a week, and did everything possible to get better. When I think of my football team, I think of my family, because I spent more time with them that football season than with my own family. We are loved to play the game of football and we were good! We blew through the regular season with only one loss, which I believe that loss made us a better team overall.
Now it was do or die time, the post season was here and it was time to make history. We made our way into the State Championship game without a problem. We started the State Championship game with authority; we took off and scored 3 consecutive touchdowns. Halftime came and we had a healthy lead. However, the second half the opposing team Armstrong-Ringstead didn't give up they fought back and took the lead going into the fourth quarter. Then, we scored taking the lead, but once again they scored. Once again, we scored and retook the lead showing that we would not back down. The hole game we fought and left it all on the field showing how real champions play. The game came down to a 45 yard field goal for the with under a minute left in the game. The score was 34-32 with us winning, but the field goal would but them ahead. They snapped the ball and my teammate tore through the line and blocked the kick!
I do not know where to begin to explain how it felt to win a State Championship. Its a day I will never forget and will cherish all my life. We came back to Lenox that night only to get met by 300-plus of our fans screaming and congratulating us. I felt like a true champion; the best I could possibly feel!
Connor, I have heard of Lenox! Surprised? I hope not, I'm from AHST. I am pretty sure I've played your softball team a few times... Anyway, that's awesome! Our football team came so close to making it to state! They went 3 undefeated season in a row & lost the game right before state all three years to Madrid. You might not know who they are, but they are really stinkin' good! I bet it felt awesome to be a state champ, I know any of the guys at our school would have gave up anything to have that feeling. You are very lucky to have experienced that.
ReplyDeleteConnor, I enjoyed reading about your experience. I know what it's like to come from a small town and win a state championship. The feeling of making a name for yourself, as well as your community is a very satisfying feeling.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed reading about this! I know what it's like to cheer on a winning team in the State Championship game! I would have given anything to experience State in a sport. I guess as we look back on it all, we really realize how blessed we are. I'm glad you are going into a field that involves sports directly because it seems like that's where you belong and fit in the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience Connor! It sounds like it was amazing! It really shows you are a dedicated person not only on the field, but in your relationships with others (your teammates) as well. It's an important part of your character that can help you to go far in all things in life. Don't ever forget it and continue to utilize it and grow from it. Keep up the great work! :)
ReplyDeleteConnor, not many people make it as state champions in football or any other sport you should be proud.
ReplyDeleteYea I have heard of Lenox, that could be because we played each other in basketball though. I think I remember watching part of that game on tv that year. Would've watched the whole thing but had to go back to class.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Lenox before you enlightened me! Your blog was very intense, couldn't look away! But I am curious who you played for the state championship? Great story! Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI have heard of Lenox also. I remember watching you guys play in the state championship game two years in a row, both against Armstrong-Ringsted. Very fun games to watch. It would have been awesome to play in the championship game, but my junior year we got beat in the semi's. Good job to you guys for making it two years in a row! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI actually have heard of Lenox. That's pretty awesome playing in a state football game. Very exciting post!
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of Lenox prior to this post, however I am happy to hear of such a great time. It is great to remember stories like these because they make us think of such good times. Feeling like a true champion though, what all does that imply? What can you do again to reach that status or is it something that cannot be meet again?
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