Social Media

Social media plays a big part of our day to day life this day and age.  Just like anything it can be used in a positive or negative way.  I recently came across an article that did an excellent job of speaking to the issue and thought it was worth sharing.

The article, written by Jeff DiVeronica of Houston, TX 10 days ago, features input from high school coaches and athletes, as well as college coaches and how they have stopped recruiting student/athletes after looking at some of their social media posts.

One of the quotes in the article that stood out to me by a college basketball coach was "Never let a 140 character tweet cost you a $140,000 scholarship".  There are many good points in the article so I am posting a link for those that would like to read it.  I would especially encourage those that are hoping to play college sports to take the time to read it and read it to the end for some good "Do's And Don'ts.

One Bad Tweet Can Be Costly To A Student Athlete

#wildcatpride

Heroes Game Coming On Sept. 12, 2014

On Friday, Sept. 12th Norwalk and Carlisle will open District Football play.  It will be a fun and entertaining game between the two Warren County rivals.  The kickoff and excitement of the game will start shortly after 7:30.

We hope what we do for a few moments from 7:15-7:30 will be a special tribute to some very important people.  Our Heroes, the Heroes from Carlisle and Norwalk.  We will honor our Veterans, Police, Fire, and EMS personnel at 7:15 during a special ceremony.

Some might say that heroes are people who play professional sports, have a fantastic music or acting career, but, while there are certainly good people in those professions, I would argue that our heroes are people who have served our country or put themselves at risk every day to serve our communities and keep us all just a little bit safer.  Those Heroes are who we will honor before the game on Friday night.

If you know of any people from these groups that may not have heard about this, please let them know.  We would like to register everyone by 6:45 inside the gate of the baseball field just south of Hakes Stadium.  We will have them lined up and enter by around 7:05.

We look forward to honoring our Heroes; the people who have fought for our freedoms and protect and serve our communities each and every day.  We hope you'll join us this Friday, enjoy the evening festivities and a great night of Friday Night Football.  

T-shirts are on sale in the high school activities office.  They are $8 and feature the logo at the top of the page on a white t-shirt.  Adult Small-XXXL are available.  

The sign below was created by Todd Hugen Photography and we thank them for their fantastic work on this.  This 3' x 5' vinyl sign will be raffled off, and winner announced on Friday night.  Raffle tickets will be sold for $2 or 3 for $5; these will be available all week in the activities office and on Friday night at the main gate.  

#wildcatpride

2014-15 Here We Come!!

Welcome To The 2014-15 School Year Wildcats!!

What an exciting time of year.  Things start new.  New buildings for some.  Some teachers starting their careers for the first time, or changing schools.  Even if you're a senior and you've been here your entire career it's the start of something new.  No matter where you are in that spectrum, I hope your year is a great one. 

We're excited about some new programs and things going on in the Activities Department.  Here are a few highlights.  

The Wildcat Way

We're excited to launch a new program that will help us to emphasize character development in our programs, and in our school.  We believe in educational based activities and we've adopted the Wildcat Way to help us teach, and live, in a way that makes a difference.  Here it is: 

• We Respect All, Fear None
• Integrity Above All Else
• Live With A Commitment To Excellence
• Dream and Believe
• Control What We Can Control
• Aspire To Be Better Every Day
• TEAM First

We believe that if we can work to practice, live, and compete this way we will continue to grow our programs and our people at the same time.  I'll speak more to each of these as the year progresses, but for now I'd encourage each of us "Live The Wildcat Way". 

Carlisle Athletic Hall of Fame

The Carlisle High School Athletic Hall of Fame is being established to recognize and honor outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, teams, and others who have made significant contributions to the athletic program and have promoted the growth of the athletics at Carlisle High School, as well as, Hartford High School, which closed in 1962, and became a part of Carlisle High School.  

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held each year at a home basketball game.  This year's induction will be on January 30, 2015.  

For more information please visit carlisleactivities.org and click on the Carlisle Hall of Fame section on the home page.  

Wildcat Athletic Council

The Wildcat Athletic Council is comprised of a group of students who will meet with Mr. Gordon once a month.  One junior and senior student athlete were selected by their coaches to serve on the council. However, any high school student athlete who is interested in being a part of the program is welcome to attend.  Our first meeting is Monday, August 25th at 7:00 A.M. in the HS auditorium. 

Meetings will consist of updates on the happenings going on within our different sports, discussion on leadership issues, sportsmanship, local and state rules, policies, and procedures, as well as, ways that these students can help to serve our entire athletic program.  The goal is to develop leaders that will help to serve our programs now, and our communities and society in the future.  

As you can see we have many new things happening this year in the Activities Department.  I'm excited every day to come work with our students, coaches, directors, and sponsors.  It's a fantastic group of people and together I believe that our potential really has no limit.  Sometimes the only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves.  

If you need information on schedules, forms, or happenings going on within the Activities Department be sure to make carlisleactivities.org a bookmark and frequent stop.  For updates and news as it happens follow us on Twitter @chswildcatpride.

Here's to a fantastic and exciting year Wildcats!  

#wildcatpride

Good Luck Class of 2014

As we approach The Day, Graduation Day, on Sunday, May 18th, just a few thoughts for the Class of 2014.

Good Luck as you move on to the next phase of your life and begin to chart the course for your future.  Your journey will be just that, Your journey.  It will contain many things, many emotions, and some twists and turns.  It is our hope that some of the things you've experienced by being a part of athletics and activities will help you navigate though some of the life decisions you will make in years to come.

Some of the qualities that we hope were developed, and taught, were personal responsibility for decisions and actions, the value of hard work, and the value of being a part of a team or group and doing your job, or role, the best that you can.  Values like that are what people, your future employers are looking for.  Yes, education and "book smarts" are very important, but the people skills and integrity with which you live your life are equally, if not more, important, in my opinion.

So, if I were to give you three pieces of advice here's what I'd offer:

1 - Find what you're passionate about and seek to make it your life work.  The goal is to not feel like you have to go to work a day in your life.  Think about what your strengths are and use them.  Chances are it points you to what you're passionate about.

2 - Don't rush.  Enjoy the process.  You can't have right away what your parents, or other adults, have worked a lifetime to get.  This may be in the form of a job, the place you live, and some of the things you are able to have and do.  Good things take time.  What you've been put here to do may take some time too.  Learn from every experience and don't waste the tough ones.  They're there to learn from as well.

3 - Treat others how you want to be treated.  You know, the Golden Rule.  The rule I talked about with Kindergarten classes when I taught elementary P.E. isn't a bad way to live.  Whatever you do, wherever  you go, put others ahead of yourself.  Your family, your friends, your coworkers, even the people that are difficult.

One part of the journey is being completed.  Another exciting one awaits.  You never arrive, just keep travelling on your journey and making a difference.

Good Luck Class of 2014.

#WildcatPride

Random Ramblings-2014 State Tournament

Each year the IGHSAU allows each school to select one adult fan to honor with a sportsmanship award.  After discussion with our coaches we were all in agreement that we would have Al Moreland receive this honor before our opening game.  Al is big supporter of our programs, travelling all over to watch our teams.  He is also a major player in many of our events as a volunteer, keeping clock at all levels of football and basketball games, in addition to, keeping the scoreboard at JV softball games.  Thanks Al!

What can you say about our crowd?  Unbelievable. The support that the Carlisle community has shown to this team has been beyond anything we could have imagined.  Our school community thanks the larger Carlisle community for your support.  You've made a difference in the tournament run and had an impact in the last two games for sure.  Thank You!!  

Our student section?  Let's be honest, we've gotten so much better.  We were struggling with sportsmanship a little bit for awhile.  We've worked on it, tried to be more in line with what we strive to be in high school athletics.  We've worked on cheering for our team, not so much against the other team.  I think one of the things I've seen in high school crowds in general, not just at CHS, are modeling major university crowds. They are two different animals. Anyway, enough of that for now.

NOW, I can't wait to talk about our student body. You've received high praise from all over the state for what you did by helping the North Scott crowd at their opening game when they were split up having to be in Des Moines and at a boys sub state game in Clinton.  We've received several e-mails complimenting you on what you did, and how you did it.

In our game you helped to create what some have called the "best atmosphere at a girls state tournament game since it came to Wells Fargo Arena".  And, you did it with class, organization, and enthusiasm.  Oh yeah, and you were LOUD!! I see a whole new level of camaraderie in our students, a great spirit, and most of all, I see you having fun, and not at the expense of others.  It's created a fantastic atmosphere.  

One security worker, who was down in front of our crowd, told me that Carlisle had the best student section he's ever seen at a high school tournament game.

A media person in front of our students said he has never seen anything like it before, and couldn't believe how well done it was, and how class it was.

A Carlisle fan told me that she was sitting close to you on Tuesday night and couldn't say enough of how proud she was of your spirit and the way you did it with class.

Catching a theme?

High Praise!  Well Deserved! Well Done CHS Student Body!  We're very proud of you.  Keep up the fantastic work.  You're making a difference by what you're doing, and having a lot of fun in the process.

And, oh yeah, there's this team.  A team that has been playing at a high level for several weeks now, and has allowed us to share in the memories they've been making.  Here they were on Tuesday night in a tough spot again. Down by 14 midway through the first quarter to a DC-G team that was clicking and had beaten us soundly in November.  

They were on the ropes, but fought through it, and slowly worked their way back into the game.  No panic.  Just consistent effort, defense, and execution until an Agatha Beier lay-up with 2:45 left in the game gave us our first lead.  From there, a lot of stops, a perfect in bounds play, and a few free throws, and for the first time since 1967, the Carlisle Wildcats are playing in the State Semi-Finals.  Actually, another first, because the last time would have been during the 6 on 6 era. 

And wasn't this one of the best moments of the night? 

Well Done ALL Wildcats!!  

So, we'll see you all Thursday night at Wells Fargo Arena as we face the Harlan Community Cyclones at 6:45.  Do you Believe? 

#WildcatPride

#splashsquad  

2014 State Tournament - Carlisle Girls Basketball

                              

You may have heard about it:  A team going from 1-22 to 19-6 and a spot in the Class 4A State Tournament.  A team going 0-16 in conference play a year ago, to winning a share of the conference championship on the last night of the regular season.  Did you happen to hear about that?  If not, you may have been under a rock, or out of the country.  OK, maybe that's a bit extreme, but chances are if you're reading this, you've heard about it, and possibly have been witness to it, in one way or another.

A lot has been written by media and a local TV station (WHO) will be running a lengthy segment on the team before they begin the state tournament run, but I want to briefly write about something that has stuck out to me in the last few weeks.

TEAM!  The Carlisle Girls Basketball Team bench. I have enjoyed watching how engaged they have been in the last four games.  As a guy who did his share of coaching for 27 years, I always believed that the team was going to be no more successful than the sum of all of its parts.  I believe that to be true of any successful team, organization, or business.  Sure, there are people that our out front, who get bigger chunks of praise or attention because of the talents they've been blessed with, but the entire team cannot achieve success, unless everyone does their job, and is engaged in the process.

In this instance, basketball, the 2013-14 Carlisle girls basketball team has achieved what they have done so far because the entire team has been doing their job.  This is a tribute to the players, coaches, and parents who are part of this year's team.  I believe this is one of the beauties of what we do in high school activities, and one of the great life skills that will serve our young people well in their future.

Case in point, a business that I know of has a philosophy of hiring the best people that they can, and then training them to do the job they need them to do.  Sure, there are some skills their employees need to have, but their goal is to hire people that are going to be good teammates in their organization with the belief that they will be good workers.  What's the result of that business philosophy?  Being named the "State Champions" in the State of Iowa as the best workplace for small companies in 2012.

You see, what this team has done is set the bar, and been an example, of what a TEAM should look like.  Many of our other sports and activities have experienced it over the years, but our goal is to make this a consistent quality in all of our programs.  It takes coaches able to define players roles on the team, players willing to accept and fulfill those roles with pride and enthusiasm, and parents who accept the role their child has been given, and supports them and the team.  When those three things come together, excellence is possible, and winning can happen.

Good Luck to the Carlisle Girls Basketball Team at the State Tournament.  It's been a great season. Thanks for letting us all enjoy it with you.

Enjoy some of the photos that I think define this group.  Thanks to Jamie Fitzgerald for taking and sharing them with us.  

#splashsquad

#WildcatPride

A Game And More Than A Game

Photo courtesy of Jamie Fitzgerald

Friday, February 14th, 2014  

Where were you?  If you weren't in the Carlisle High School gym, you missed one of those moments in time that you will remember for the rest of your life.  Our Carlisle girls basketball team completed a fantastic regular season by winning a share of the Raccoon River Conference Championship with a 47-42 victory over #3 Ballard , in front of a near capacity crowd.  The win finished a season that saw the team go from 1-22 a year ago, to 15-6 in 2013-14, and a conference championship.  Pretty remarkable and inspiring.  Hats off to the coaches and players for showing us that if you work hard, believe, and do it together, great, and some might say, improbable things, can happen.  A season of memories has already been created, with the post season yet to come.  

What's awesome is that even though we could go on and on about our girls basketball team, it's what happened at the end of the boys game, in a 20 point game, that will be etched in our minds for years to come.  It was the last shot of the game, and what led up to it, that makes athletics at the high school level special, as it continues to teach us about values like cooperation, self sacrifice, and sportsmanship.  It's about taking advantage of the moments given to us to make others around us better.

(From Andrew's first basket at JV game in December)

Photos courtesy of Tracy Rector

Edited print by Vicki Born

Andrew Sharp, a young man with some special learning needs, decided he wanted to go out for basketball his senior year, when he's never been out before.  To be honest, I didn't know if he'd show up the first day, or if he did, if he'd last the entire season.  But, and lucky for us, he did.  Andrew got into several JV games. Each game day he would be dressed up, usually in a tie, and ready to discuss the day's upcoming game at lunch.

As this year's Senior Night approached Andrew wasn't sure that he wanted to be a part of it.  As Coach Nelson talked to Andrew for a second time, Andrew confided in him that he didn't want to play in a varsity game.  Coach assured him that he wouldn't have to play, but we just wanted to introduce him with the rest of the seniors before the game.

For this all to happen, another important thing needed to happen.  Someone had to give up a uniform for Andrew.  Into the story stepped junior Noah Smith.  In a classy display of sacrifice, Noah volunteered to give up his uniform for Andrew.  Noah set an outstanding example of self sacrifice and servant leadership for all of us.  Elements of character that will serve Noah well for the rest of his life.

As the game worked its way toward a 20 point margin, I started to watch Andrew with about 4:00 to go. You could tell he was now thinking he might want to get into the game.  Our student body was starting to chant his name, and the gym was starting to get a bit of a buzz.  As Andrew entered the game, the CHS gym erupted.  He got up a couple of three point shots thanks to all of the players on the floor, but as time was winding down, it looked like he probably wouldn't score.  Enter the Ballard team into the story.  I can't be sure if their Coach told them what to do, but it seems like he probably told them to do all they could to get Andrew a basket.

With Ballard inbounding the ball on the baseline under the Carlisle basket, a Ballard player, along with a Carlisle player, gently pushed Andrew up toward the ball so he would be guarding the ball.  Andrew got to the inbounder, and while guarding the ball, forced a bad pass (that's how I remember it), grabbed the ball, and made the short shot as time ran out.

The moment was one of the best I've witnessed in 29 years of being involved in high school athletics.

THANKS to the Ballard coaches and players for playing a part in creating a memory; to Noah Smith for giving up his jersey so Andrew could have his moment; to the Carlisle coaches and players, who worked with Andrew throughout the season, and probably were blessed more than he was; to the Carlisle student body for fantastic support of Andrew and to the Ballard crowd, who joined in chanting "Andrew" at the end of the game.  It was a magic moment.

And finally, thanks to Andrew for teaching us a few things by what you did.

You showed us courage by being brave enough to do something you had never done before.

You taught us to be excited about every opportunity by being excited about every game.

You faced the fear of senior night, and then embraced the moment when it was presented to you.

You've taught us that there's always time for a high five, and plenty of them.    

We could all be a little better at what we do by following Andrew's lead in four areas of our lives.

1. Don't be afraid to try
2. Be excited about every opportunity
3. Embrace the moment
4. Don't forget to celebrate the good things in life. 

#WildcatPride

Integrity, No Matter What Level

     Jason Kidd (shown above) is in his first year as coach of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.  Last week, while playing my favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers, he told a player to "Hit Me" while walking toward the bench, and knocked a glass of cola out of his hand.  It was a close game, and the Nets were out of time outs.  So, in an effort to try and draw up a play for his team to execute on their last possession Kidd pulled this stunt to gain some time while the mess was cleaned up.

Here's my thought.  Does it really matter if it's the NBA?  Sure, we live in the high school world around here, where we go out to win, but we also work to develop character with our athletes.  Yes, those guys in the NBA make more on a night of work than many of us make in a year of work, but does that mean integrity is not important?  I don't think so.  Is honesty, and doing the right thing, excused because you work in the highest level of basketball in the world?  I don't think so.  In fact, I don't think we're ever excused from being doing the right thing no matter what line of work we're in, or what we're doing.  

The really sad part?  Kidd denied the fact that he did it after the game.  Only after the NBA fined him $50,000 for the stunt did he come back and admit to it.  His reasoning?  He was "trying to win".  

When asked where he came up with the idea, he said, he had listened to other coaches and owners talk about stuff like that.  Here's the other issue.  We're all responsible for our own actions.  If someone has done something that lacked integrity, and maybe even gotten away with it, does that mean that it's right?  Absolutely not.  We're responsible for what we do.  Take responsibility Mr. Kidd.  You owned that stupid stunt.  

What's the point?  I caution everyone, coaches, players, parents, fans......we don't need to pattern what we do after people that don't want to play by the rules, or make up things to give them advantage.  Play, and live, with integrity and do the right thing.  You'll be setting a much better example than a coach in the NBA.

#wildcatpride

Winter Seasons Are Here

As we enter into the winter seasons we'd just like to say "Good Luck" to all of the students/coaches/directors participating in the next few months.  When we return from Thanksgiving break everything will get cranked up in a hurry.

A new feature we are working to add this season is using a video site called High School Cube to stream the games live over the internet.  We will have the capability to add broadcasters, but for now we are working to just add the feed and have the camera following the action with sound from the gym.  So, if you can't make it to a game, or an event, tune into our station and you can feel like you are there.  Make sure to share this with friends and family worldwide so they can watch the Wildcats as well.

Here's the link for our station:  Carlisle HS Cube  We will be doing a test on this during the 9/JV game here on Monday night.

As always, follow the Wildcats, and receive updates from games and activities, on Twitter by following @chswildcatpride

Use our activities website for schedules, updates, and the latest news.  Carlisle Activities

Finally, we'll get busy when we return from the break, but from all of us at CHS, we wish you a great Thanksgiving break, good times with family and friends, and safety as you travel....and possibly go Black Friday shopping.

Athletes Who Care: Positive Stories

The Six Pillars of Character is a program that emphasizes six core ethical values that guide our choices.  From time to time, I will share some thoughts and examples, of how areas of those character traits can be, and have been, shared in every day life, and in competition.  Victory without integrity is hollow and really means nothing.

I would encourage you to look for ways to show at least one area of the Six Pillars of Character every day as compete in practice against teammates, in competition with other schools, or going about your daily routine.  No matter what, Every Day, Character Counts.

Here's some examples of Pillar #5, Caring, in action:

Matt Hoffman
Hoffman, a football player at Rowan University, gave up the end of his junior season of football to donate his bone stem cells to a complete stranger suffering from cancer.  "It's a football game.  They come and go," Hoffman told CBS.  "You have a man's life.  It was very easy for me to choose."

Students of the Dallas Independent School District and Jared Williams
In 2009, 14 year old Jared Williams was paralyzed during a high school football game.  Shortly after the accident, Williams' teammates and other students at Dallas ISD began a fundraising campaign called Project 24.  They calculated that, if everyone in the district donated 24 cents, they could make Williams' home handicap accessible.  Instead, they raised enough money to pay for an entirely new home.  Despite his daily struggle to regain movement in his body, Williams also gives back. When another Dallas area football player was paralyzed this season, "Williams and his mother were the first to visit him in the hospital the next morning."

Lionel Messi
One of the world's greatest soccer players, Barcelona FC's Lionel Messi took time to meet Jordyn Farrell, 16, who has had cancer twice.  Through the Craig Willinger Fund, which raises money to send soccer fans with cancer to games and tournaments all over the world, Jordyn and her father went to Barcelona and watched Messi score two goals against Villareal.  After the game, Jordyn met several Barcelona players, and then, at 2 a.m., she got to meet Messi.  He signed her jersey and took a picture with her.  Nick Farrell, Jordyn's father, said, "Messi was amazing...He was really genuine about it when he came over.  [Jordyn] told me she's never going to wash that jersey again."

Sometimes, most of the time, it just takes a little time and effort to make a positive impact.  Look for ways to put forth that effort.  You'll make a difference.

#wildcatpride

Examples from josephsoninstitute.org

Social Media Guidelines For Student-Athletes

I just read an article promoting the need for school's to have a social media policy for their student-athletes.  May be something we consider, but it also had some guidelines for students that I share in today's blog.  This is from the High School Today magazine, published by the National Federation of High Schools, written by John P. Williams. 

Social Media Guidelines for Student-Athletes

1.  Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information you post on social networking sites.  It's unwise to make available information such as full date of birth, social security number, address, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about daily routine.  All of these can facilitate identify theft or stalking.  Remember, once posted the information becomes the property of the web site.

2.  Be aware that potential current and future employers and college admissions offices often access information you place on online social networking sites.  Realize that any information you post will provide an image of you to prospective employers and/or schools.  The posting is considered public information.  Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image you can be proud of years from now.

3.  Be careful in responding  to unsolicited e-mails asking for passwords or PIN numbers.  Reputable businesses do not ask for this information online.

4.  Do not have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech.  Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited.  Social networking sites are NOT a place where you can say and do whatever you want without repercussions.

5.  Remember that photos once put on the social network site's server become the property of the site.  You may delete the photo from your profile, but it still stays in their server.  Internet search engines like Google and Yahoo may still find that image long after you have deleted it from your profile.  Think long and hard about what type of photo you want to represent you.

One of the biggest lessons social networking users can learn is that anything they post online enters the public record.  High school students should carefully consider their profiles and ask themselves how they would look to a future college admissions officer or potential employer.

Choose Wisely Wildcats.  What you post now could eventually have an impact in the future.  

#Wildcatpride

What We've Learned From Jackie

Just a few quick thoughts about Jackie's Fight Night we held on Oct. 11 at our Centerville football game.

First off, I'd like to thank everyone for their support of the activities, and most importantly, the support for Jackie and her family.  It was great to have Jackie's family here, and I noticed the family had a great deal of support here from family, friends, and coworkers.  Special thanks to Chief Doll and Dr. Aylsworth for their efforts in helping to spearhead the event as well.

It was a fantastic celebration due to the fact that she had received her heart, and was on the road to recovery.  Part of why I'd like to share this again is to just make sure that we don't forget about Jackie and her family.  Too many times we do something for a cause, or remember someone because it's brought to our attention, but then our busy lives begin happening again and we stop thinking about it.  I want to encourage you to continue to remember Jackie and her family in your thoughts and prayers, and continue to look for ways to offer support.

You may have given something on the Jackie's Fight Night.  A little bit of money, a t shirt bought, or a kind word of encouragement on the big card.  Even the smallest act can be a source of encouragement and help to someone.  I believe that the more we give of ourselves, the easier it becomes to continue to do it.  Look for ways to serve and help others.  You don't have to look very far to be able to do that.  If you're part of an athletic team, or a group, you can do something for a teammate, a coach, an official, or even an opponent, that will show servant leadership.  You don't have to be told what that is.  If you're looking for it, you'll see it. I'd encourage you to act on it.

Jackie is fighting a great fight.  She's inspired us,showed us how to fight, and maybe through that fight she's taught us how to give more to each other too.  Let's not let it be a one time thing that we did on Oct. 11. Let's show our Wildcat pride in the character, integrity, and service we show each and every day.

Thanks Jackie.  We may have helped you a little, but I think you've helped us a lot.

Keep Fighting!!

#wildcatpride

Why Athletes Are In Demand

An article I recently read from Forbes magazine highlighted why companies like to hire people who have, or continue to be, athletes.  I think you could make a case for being involved in fine arts activities as well, but this article focused on the athletic side.  Many of the traits people develop cross over from involvement in the fine arts as well.

Part of why we (coaches/teachers/this AD) do what we do is because we believe in the value of Educational Athletics, and the important role that they play in developing, and preparing, our young people for success in their future.

The article linked below reinforces the value of participation in activities.  Students, stay active year around, Parents and fans, continue to support your students, our students, and I would encourage us all to keep an eye on the big picture.  Preparation for Success.

Why You Should Fill Your Company With 'Athletes'

#wildcatpride

Jackie's Fight-Oct. 11

This Friday, Oct. 11th, our school and community will come together to watch a football game against Centerville.  The game, however, will serve as a rallying point for a more important cause.  A chance to come together, and show support, for a 2013 graduate of Carlisle High School, Jackie Montour.

Dubbed "Jackie's Fight" by the organizers of the event, Carlisle Police Chief Jason Doll and High School Principal Dr. Tony Aylsworth, the challenge to all those attending is to wear Red to show our love and support to Jackie and her family.

Jackie's Fight Press Release

The Carlisle Police, Fire, EMS staff and Carlisle High School are once again partnering to raise funds in an effort to help Jackie Montour, 18, Carlisle, with a heart transplant. In an effort to raise organ donor awareness and provide funding for the transplant for Jackie, individuals from each Carlisle public Safety Department and the Carlisle High School will be selling custom t-shirts. 100% of the proceeds will go to help Jackie with her heart transplant.

Last month Carlisle Rescue and Carlisle Police responded to help Ms. Montour who has since been hospitalized in Iowa City still awaiting a heart transplant. Ms. Montour recently graduated from Carlisle High School in 2013 and is a resident of Carlisle.

The Montour family, the Carlisle Public Safety Departments and the Carlisle Community School District want to raise awareness about organ donations. Over 112,000 Americans currently wait for a life-saving organ transplant and over 640 of those people are Iowans. Up to 100 people in need can benefit from one person’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor. 19 people on the national waiting list die every day, about 6,000 people every year or 1 person every 85 minutes because there are not enough donated organs. Every day, 105 new names are added to the national organ waiting list. That is 1 person added every 14 minutes, every day.

Jackie's Fight T-shirts have been sold, but even if you didn't get one of those, get your Red on and show your support for Jackie.

Just last weekend, in the best news we've heard in quite sometime, Jackie received a heart and underwent the heart transplant procedure on Friday night.  There's still a long road to recovery, but what a blessing for Jackie to receive this gift.

If you're not already following Jackie's Fight page on Facebook, please do so to see updates and be encouraged by the strength of the family.  Please continue to keep Jackie, her family, and all of the doctors and nurses working with Jackie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Look forward to seeing everyone in a Sea of Red on Friday night.  The varsity game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.  Wear Red and show support for Jackie.

#wildcatpride

What Would Your Response Be?

By now, many have read, or heard about, the HS football coach in Utah who suspended his entire team last week.  This week's blog asks a simple question.  How would YOU respond?  As a player?  As a coach?  as a parent?  As a fan?  I think that's a question that needs to be answered by all of us.  Like it or not, the decision by Coach Labrum took courage.  That is to be applauded.

Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation.

Alan Autry

Here are a couple of links on the story.

Article with Video

Full Text of Union High School Football Letter

One Month In

We're a little over a month into the fall seasons and I thought I'd just take a moment to recap some of the exciting things that have taken place.  (In no particular order)

1 - Our Cross Country teams both captured championships at the Des Moines Hoover Invitational on Sept. 10th.  

2 - Our Football team got a fantastic, and convincing, Homecoming win over Winterset on Sept. 20th.  The 43-12 win put us right back into the thick of the playoff race.  

3 - The Wildcat Volleyball team sits at .500 at this writing with two home conference matches against Carroll and ADM this week.  Would be a good time to come out and support the team.  

4 - The Marching Band is working hard on their performance show and begin some competitions this coming

weekend.  Good Luck as they get going in this part of their season. 

5 - The Dance team has been working hard, and had four girls selected to participate in the All Iowa Drill Team that will perform at the Girls State Basketball Tournament on Championship weekend. 

6 -  The Cheerleaders routine is looking very good and they'll be competing in a couple of competitions in October.  

7 - Probably some of the most exciting news in the past week was the school board voting unanimously to proceed with the field turf project in the football stadium.  This project will allow our students some much

needed access to the field.  Here are just a few of the groups that will benefit when this project is completed.  

Football - Practice space and games. 

Soccer - Practice space and matches. 

Track - Practice...last year over 200 MS and HS students around the area when all practicing the same day. 

Marching Band - With our band numbers approaching 100 participants, this allows our band a place to rehearse their show every day. 

Softball/Baseball - When their fields are too wet to take some infield the turf field will help to provide a place for some field practice.  

PE Classes - This will be used a great deal by our PE classes for outdoor activities in the fall and 

spring.  

         These are just a few of the school groups that we know will benefit from this project.  Thank You to the school board for their vision, and recognizing the need for this new field.  

Students - Keep working, improving, learning, leading, and competing. 

Coaches - Keep working, improving, teaching, leading and competing. 

Fans and Parents - Keep encouraging our young people and supporting their efforts.  Our students are very appreciative of the support, and I can guarantee you a kind word of encouragement goes a long way.  

Wildcats - Give the best effort every day and support each other.  We can all do that.  

We have a lot going on. I'd encourage you to take advantage of the nice fall weather, and support Carlisle Activities.  

#wildcatpride 

Guest Blog - HS Principal Dr. Tony Aylsworth

As I  gear up for the start of the year I find myself thinking a lot about leadership & what it means to lead.  Like other organizations, schools are full of formal and informal leaders.  Consequently, I put together a "Top Ten" list of thoughts on leadership based on my experiences and things I've learned over the years.  

1)  Leaders must know themselves, their beliefs, and remember them when times get tough.  Be aware of 

      who you are, and what you stand for. 

2)  Leaders know they don't always know all the answers and seek out those who can help by listening and 

      solving the problem. 

3)  Leadership includes surrounding yourself with others who will challenge your thinking and help the 

      organization improve.  Leaders have an eye for new talent and constantly develop those already 

      within the organization. 

4)  Leadership is often as simple as listening, inspiring, and relationships. 

5)  Leaders find balance between pushing the organization to improve and supporting those within 

      the organization. 

6)  Leaders commit to continuous learning and constantly expand their personal learning networks (PLNs).  

      A mentor once told me "you can't lead it if you don't take time to read".  She was right!

7)  Leadership is situational and contextual.  It does not look the same in every organization. 

8)  Leaders must have some level of selfishness & humbleness.  Leaders don't ask others to do things 

      they wouldn't do themselves.  

9)  Leaders continually expand their circle of trust AND their circle of influence.  

10) Leaders must know when and how to recharge their batteries.  (can't take full credit for this thought, 

        it's something I heard many times from a mentor).