Annual Catfish Montgomery High School Football Update
Pictured left to right: R.L. Turner's Michael Ramirez, Creekview's Jay Cline, Ranchview's Terry Smith, Newman Smith's Paul Ressa and CFB Rotary Club 2013-2014 President Sid Fuller.
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's beloved tradition of hosting the CFB-ISD head football coaches for their annual update took place at the August 22nd lunch meeting. CFB Superintendent Dr. Bobby C. Burns began the event by recognizing former Club member Catfish Montgomery, whom the annual event is held in honor of. Dr. Burns then introduced Athletic Director Renee Putter, who in turn introduced the head coaches. Each gave the members in attendance an update of their respective squads.
As the freshly-minted skipper of the R.L. Tunrer Lions, head coach Michael Ramirez took the first turn at the microphone, communicating his team's vision for a successful championship program through the development of character in the student athletes. Ramirez has encouraged his student athletes to have a competitive nature in everything that they do. Admittedly, the Lions have a challenging year ahead, but Ramirez and his squad have happily accepted this -- through hard work, committment and performance on Friday nights, Ramirez believes his team will taste success not only on the gridiron, but in life in general.
Ranchview's Terry Smith spoke next, and expressed how blessed he feels to be at the helm of the Ranchview Wolves' program and to be associated with such great people. The opportunity to speak today gave Smith the chance to take a step back and reflect on the team's progress over the last year, and take note of areas that still need improving. Smith emphasizes with his student athletes that they truly need to be 100% "all-in" in order to be successful -- not just in football, but in anything they do. Through hard work and dedication - and their "machine-like mentality" - the Ranchview Wolves know they've done something they can be really proud of.
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Jay Cline, head coach for the Creekview Mustangs, detailed his excitement for the chance to learn from the other coaches at the luncheon, each of whom he considers great teachers who're building not only great football programs but solid families. Cline drove home their mission to build and teach compassion -- amongst their teams, but also amongst themselves. Referring to the tragic losses at Newman Smith High School last year, Coach Cline explained how important it is to be a part of something bigger than just football. Coach Cline's team motto is to "go from good to great". The Mustangs believe in their hearts that if each team member gives just one more degree of effort, they'll be a championship team before long.
Finally, seventh-year head football coach Paul Ressa talked about the late Jaquis Jones, the standout Newman Smith defensive tackle with Division I college prospects, who drowned at the end of last school year, and likened him to the team's Guardian Angel. Ressa also explained the current status of safety Kalen Berry, who over the summer was diagnosed with a rare form of testicular cancer. Berry, who now stands along the sideline, mentoring younger players while his teammates play on, goes by the moniker "Coach Berry", and will be starting 26 weeks of chemotherapy very soon. Obviously, in light of this summer's transgressions, the sense of invincibility amongst the young Newman Smith athletes is now gone, and Ressa has been focusing on teaching the team life lessons, moreso than football lessons. Nevertheless, the Trojans have been practicing with a passion and a purpose which is expected to translate well on the playing field under the Friday night lights.