Now that football season has been over a few weeks, we have had time to reflect on the Lampasas Badgers’ successful season. All of us are proud of our varsity football team and our coaches for their winning record, and for making the playoffs.

However, in life, “actions often speak louder than words,” and most of the time “it’s the little things that count.” We should focus on several of the “little things” that we as a community noticed this season.

Change was apparent from the beginning. Every member of the varsity football team and every football coach wore a white shirt, a Badger tie and khaki pants to school on Fridays, a true sign of unity and pride. When we attended our first home game, the program reflected family values. It contained a picture of the players and their moms, and another of the players and their dads. The coaches’ pictures were family pictures, and their bios told of their whole family.

At the games, the players displayed that they had learned discipline, never giving up even when they were behind. This discipline will carry each of them far in life. The players also evidenced teamwork. Their efforts were group efforts, praising and encouraging each other. These players showed respect. Win or lose, they lined up when the opposing school’s song was played at the end of the game. It was interesting to note that some schools followed our example and did the same for us.

The Badgers got to celebrate their success after the Hutto game when they made the playoffs. They had learned the value of persistence -- keep working over time, and you will achieve your goal. In our family, we say we won the “District Championship of the Little Schools” -- Lampasas, Hutto, Marble Falls and Dripping Springs.

The team saw the citizens of Lampasas unite behind them. As the season progressed, attendance at the games, both home and away, increased. The playoff game in Georgetown was a sight to see. We were the away team, so we had the smaller bleachers. We didn’t have room for everyone! I was told our attendance outnumbered McCallum 7 to 1.

At the end of the game, the senior team members lined up on the field. The coaches and other players slowly filed past them, expressing appreciation. This was a visible sign of mutual respect. As the team moved off the field, as usual their families and friends were there to greet them. They also were greeted by several hundred Badger fans, who stayed to congratulate them. After several minutes, I looked up and everyone from McCallum was gone -- fans, team, coaches, etc. -- and we were still there.

I would like to express my appreciation to Coach Joey McQueen, his coaching staff, Vicki McQueen and the coaches’ families, and to the 2009 Lampasas Badger varsity football team. Like they say, once a Badger, always a Badger.
Debbie McCandless Smith
LHS Class of 1970