As I looked into the stands in Georgetown last Friday night, I could not keep from feeling the pride running through the visiting stands as the Badgers played in the football playoff game.

The Lampasas Badger fans outnumbered the Austin McCallum fans by at least 7 to 1. Our football team told me before the game, “Coach, did you see how many fans are here on our side?” I had told them before the game that our fans “bleed blue.”

In my years in making the playoffs, which is 14, I have never had such a memorable year as 2009.

These young men, along with our school, parents, and community came together as one to form a bond that contained spirit and pride for our community. Sometimes you might wonder how a football team can bring out the best in all of us and can form a sense of pride among everyone in the town.

I want to personally thank our administration, parents, band, flames, cheerleaders and faculty for being so supportive during the season.

This season could not have happened without the dedication of this senior class. There are 23 young men who sacrificed many things to help lay the foundation for the future Badgers. They were a group who cared about each other and would do whatever we coaches asked them to do.

The spirit and pride are back, so let us keep it going throughout the year in all sports and continue the spirit as we kick off in 2010.

Thanks to everyone for a great year.

Austin McCallum Game

Awards:

MVPs Offense: Vann Millican &

Astin Murray MVP Defense: Rush Seaver MVP Special Teams:

Aaron Reyna Headhunter: Rush Seaver Hawg: Cory Carpenter Prime Porker: Ronnie Branch

Big Hit: Jeffrey Arevalo

Joey McQueen is the Lampasas High School athletic director and the Badgers’ head football coach.