Giving Thanks: Friends, Family, and Football

 As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is a great time for all of us to reflect on the things we are grateful for in our lives. I am certainly grateful for family and friends, and I am grateful for the many opportunities which have been given to me through the game of football. It is a tremendous privilege to work with athletes of all ages in developing their abilities, and it is very rewarding to be part of the development of youth football and promoting the sport in South Dakota. I am also fortunate to have a partner in Sanford that is committed to excellence in youth athletics and willing to provide opportunities and facilities that allow us to work towards common goals in our competitive sports.

We have an outstanding coaching staff at the Academy, and I asked them to share some of their thoughts about the holiday. These were their responses:

I am thankful for the ability to expect nothing less than great things from myself!! I am thankful for a blessed and adventurous life!!! I am thankful for my past and my future with my family!! --Korey Williams

I'm thankful for having parents that raised me correctly, I'm thankful for the opportunity to keep playing football for as long as I have, and I'm thankful for finally meeting my best friend and fiancé, Nikki! --Cory Johnsen

I'm thankful for what I have today: a beautiful family, friends, opportunities past and present, and I'm thankful for being able to "THINK FOOTBALL" each and every day! --Josh Siegfried

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have a positive influence and impact on our youth. I'm thankful for a family that supports one another in their endeavors. I'm also thankful for being a father and husband. --Rachman Crable

Tis the season for some turkey! That being said, it's also the season to take a look at all the things we are thankful for. While I am extremely thankful for my family, friends, and health, I feel that glorious bird we fill full of stuffing deserves a little credit too! Maybe I shouldn't have written this while I was hungry, but now my mind has been overly consumed with all the delicacies that go along with this fabulous fowl! The centerpiece of a meal that brings family and friends together--it's hard to imagine a thanksgiving without a turkey! So to you, oh great, juicy and noble turkey I would like to say thank you on my behalf and everybody at the Academy! --Dale Moss

I’m definitely thankful to still be involved in coaching and to be a part of such a great team that teaches how to play the game of football safely! --Joe Evenson 

Thanks to a tremendous Academy coaching staff for their commitment and hard work, and thanks to the many athletes who have trusted us to help them develop their skills.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Academy athletes and families!