Busy competition Day NXR and Quarterfinal win

After a disappointing end to the XC season I suggested Addie run in the Nike Cross Country Regional Race. She thought on that for a few days and decided that sounded good. She was very busy caring for cows and being FFA president but we powered on and showed up at the Eagle Island course on a blustery Saturday morning. There were so many kids there competing that day.  I think 3000 kids ran in a variety of heats that day. This is an up and down around sand and hills course. But a beatuiful location and fun to watch. Most importantly she ran strong. She didn't struggle with nerves or cramps just ran because she enjoys running in groups!! 

She was happy with her experience and time. 20.50. That's fine it's important to compete because we enjoy it too. We then gathered up her teammate and headed for home. Because the football game was in swing and I wanted to see that too. Mark had hurt his shoulder last week taking a hard unchecked fall to the ground. We had ortho biononmmy, red light treatment. Then x-rays, then physical therapy which loosened it up and restored his range of motion. More red light and heat. Another ortho bionomy treatment and handfulls of supplements to help his facia heal and restore freedom of movement. I was blessed to discover a taping picture on BYU the cut wehre a lineman was standing with his shirt off taped-up with KT tape. This was an answer to prayers of what to do. I screen shotted the picture and sent to Mark and the coach. They said no problem we can do that. Mark resumed practice on Wednesday and tried tape on Thursday it was much much better with tape. The tendons have been stretched and the tape helps lift the arm up a bit and hold the shoulder in place. This will heal but the tape takes the strain off. He played well in the game mostly offense because he did take a fall on the shoulder and felt pain but came up shook it off and was ok. But no need to really get hurt so other guys played defense for him. 

This line is just so strong. 

Double team all the time. His job is to make holes for the running back to come through. They do this so effectively. 

I appreciate the fact the ref's who visit with the players. Telling them what they need to fix. This one was asking Mark what his plans were for after high school what he did etc. They are real people and I appreciate their interest in the student athletes. 

After the game with a number 1 fan Bob Musgrove. This man knows more about this team than anyone else. He remembers games from decades ago. He is a qualified expert on high school football and Mark appreciates his instruction and insights. The community support is unparalleled. That is a heavy stress and great honor to represent the school now and to join the tradition of excellence.

 We are very blessed to be part of the community. Mark is feeling good and is healing well. We are off to Bend this weekend for another match-up hopefully playing in the championship the next week. Life is good.