Parents and players,
                                 I usually send out an email right after the season ends but work has been very busy and I wanted to take the time to think about what I wanted to say to all the players and the parents. I was still thinking about what I wanted to say at our team party so I held off speaking there.
                              Usually, after the season is over, win or lose, I usually tell myself or anyone who will listen that I cannot do this anymore. Cant do the grind anymore, camp is in the middle of the summer, it's too time consuming, the parents are nuts,etc. etc. Those feelings usually last for 5 or 6 months. When talking to other coaches in our program we all pretty much feel the same way. These thoughts go through our minds whether we win a championship or not. Then June tryouts come and you cant believe you are doing this again. I have been coaching in this program now for 16 years, 5 of those seasons including this one, I have coached two teams.
                             This past season, the Tuesday after the Uniondale playoff game, I woke and thought to myself, I cant wait to get started again. It was honestly the first time as a coach, it hit me like that, so soon after the season ended. My next thought was why? I realized there was two answers why.                            
                            The first answer was the experience I had as a coach with your sons. I have always had great experiences as a coach with the kids, but this year was special. To see the progress they made from August 1st to the end of the season was amazing. I look back to the thrashing Uniondale gave us mid season at home which  to me was the low point of the season. 25-0 and the game was not that close. I remember the practice that Tuesday after, and how angry I was that I let that happen, that I did not have them prepared, it was not my coaches, not the players, I did not have them prepared. It was not the score that I was mad about, it was that we did not compete. Fast forward to halftime of the playoff game vs Uniondale. Down 12-0 and I told them I could not have been any prouder of them. Told them anything could happen in the second half, and they believed it. Its not the score, its competing and never quitting. We got through to them. We, the coaches, you the parents, we got through to them. It made all the time and dedication worth it. TJ was the one who came up with the reverse on the kickoff to open the second half. We never practiced it. He explained it "on the fly"As you know, Mike Mais took it to the house with great blocks along the way. To see their faces when they ran off the field after that touchdown is a vision I will always remember. To hear the parents in the stands, that's what it is all about! They believed, they had confidence in themselves. What happened after that is irrelevant. They competed and fought to the end! They took a big step up the ladder of success. Now they know what it feels like. I know if these boys stick together they are due for success over the next few years as Mustangs.
                            The second reason why I cant wait to get to next season was you, the parents. We have had great groups of parents (and some nightmare parents) over the years, but as a group, you gave the coaches support and trust. Any phone calls or emails were proactive and positive. Your children are ALL respectful, well mannered boys. They are a direct reflection of you and you should all be proud of them. As you all know, in our program we do not move up with the boys so they get to experience different coaches. I know I will miss coaching them but will watch them proudly from the stands.
                             Thank you all for a wonderful experience!!!!
 
                                                                                                          Coach Mike