11/07/2025
Coach Ray wanted me to share this letter to the 8th graders!
CMS Football
Fellas,
It was a pleasure to be a part of your journey!!! The bond we've built through sports is forever! Never forget it!
Elijah Jillson I met you when you were in 3rd grade. You, Tatum Lunderville and Ben Parkinson won us a chip against a very stacked team in basketball. Since then, you have grown and matured tremendously. I see your passion, your hard work and dedication to your craft. Keep it up buddy your are truly a special athlete. I will be on the sidelines for bball this season. Ball out my friend.
Tatum Lunderville Same story different athlete. It was 3rd grade for you as well. I remember going home and telling my family, we got this lefty with the clip off safety lol. Noone knew what I meant until they saw for themselves lol. Been rooting for you since day 1 in bball. It was just this year that I was introduced to your talent as a football player. You did not miss a beat my friend!!! Your play is explosive and Like Jillson I appreciate your dedication to your craft. You will be great! Keep it up! See you on the courts.
Benjamin Whitney my nephew, my guy! I'm here for anything you need brodie. I met you in 3rd grade as well, but on the gridiron!!! You were running the ball for as long as I could remember. It was just in the recent years that your love for bball became more and more of a thing. Now we know u as the tenacious defender in both sports. Most importantly, A workhorse of a running back. We defintely missed you for 2 or 3 games Offense ad Defense! Trust me! Take care of your body! I will see you in bball.
Lincoln Anderson!!! A boy trapped in a man's body, with the mentality of a king. You always make sure your tribe is good. You protect and hold us down in every aspect of the game.Your strength, your pride, your everything is truly special. You are a leader! A leader amongst men. Please understand and embark on your goals In life. God alone will reward you for being the special caring person you are. There aren't many like you!!!!
Trevor Keenan, first of all I'm sorry. I botched your name on your special night. I hurt and wish I can rewind the time to correct my mistake. I met you in 4th grade. I knew who you were in 3rd because you were making big noise as a little Man on the field. In 4th grade we interacted more and I learned you were also a boy with a man's mentality. You are also a protector of your tribe and it was amazing to see you mature. I look forward to watching you grow even more buddy. It's so easy to talk ball and coach you, you will be great for sure just keep it up!!!!
Wyatt Freaking Bruno! My bday twin! We've grown so much Wyatt!! Mostly because of you my friend. Funny thing is, I just recently found out we were bday twins and I've known you for years. You are a ride or die for your family and friends. It shows, and I love it!!!. We met in bball, you popped out on me in football mid way thru your six grade year. You have matured so much since! You are so passionate we love it. Keep the same fire you distribute with control. Can't is not a word and you can do anything if your try!!! I am hoping to see you in middle school basketball this year!!!!
Jordyn Theetge my guy, my old neighbor, the little big giant!!! I was always harder on you because of your size. It's never personal and more encouraging then being negligent towards you. We had a great bond in both football and basketball. I was trying to get you to understand that with hardwork a lot of things can seem effortless for you. But you have to put in the work! Remember, Don't cheat yourself, always treat yourself. Don't shy away from adversity. You have the ability and the strength to surpass anything. I would love to see you back on the bball courts for your final year of middle school. Regardless of the unspoken issues I need you to know our relationship thru sports is forever and I am always available to help you in anyway shape or form!!!
William Hoytt!!! You were another one who was pretty much a baby when I met ya. I knew your dad before you were born I'm pretty sure lol. Eric J Lyon introduced us Woody Hoyt . Anyway. For you it's was baseball and football. You have talent, But hardwork beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. We've had discussions you and I about being linebacker d end etc. I know you are capable of those positions that you are interested in. But like I told Jordyn it starts with the work you put it. You have the potential to do whatever. Invite adversity and kick ass I'll see you during baseball season!!!
Noah seder, Colin Spiker And Carter Beauchaine! Although we just met this year. You boys have made a mark on me forever.
I will start with Noah! Other than Lincoln it's been while since I've met a kid with your attention to kindness buddy! You like Lincoln are truly a special person to the people around you. I want more fire tho!!!You have great potential that I don't think you even realize you can untap yet. Keep pushing yourself, Keep helping others but only when you have satisfyingly completed your own goals.You remind Me of Peyton manning. look into that lol.
Colin Spiker!!!! First day of practice I caught you meditating!!! Those skills to have as an 8th grader are insanely amazing lil guy. To help enhance them I would like you to focus on time and place. You are the hardest hitter along side Lincoln. Fiery to say the least but with maturity and positive guidance you will see there is a time and place for everything. Even emotions that are warranted but still not ok to express publicly. I love your passion for your team, I also know without you they struggle. So I was put In your life to teach you how to save you from yourself. Happy to have met you and its not even close to the end. Do great, be great And stay great!!
Beauchaine!! Aka Boom Box. You were one of the ones that told me you would miss me. Where am I going lol? Send me your schedule my friend this bond is forever. You are a leader my friend. Always making sure your pack is doing what they are suppose to do. You have a great mentality and for the record miss me when I'm dead until then I'm one call away.
All of you 8th grade boys going into highschool I'm one call away. For any everything!!! Your parents and I are connected some how some way and if you need a laugh a pick me up in terms of reminding you who you are! don't hesitate to call coach Ray!
Peace and love boys! Appreciate you allowing me to experience your journey turning into men!!
love Coach Ray!!!
CMS what time is it??????
