The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
LaVerde reflects on memorable season
I am truly amazed at what these young men in Kirtland have accomplished these last three seasons — three state championships, 41 straight victories.
First of all, we were very blessed to have had the opportunity to compete this fall at all. The memories of playing will certainly be cherished forever by the athletes and their families.
I, however, will remember so many fun things about this group of boys. I will remember watching these kids play youth football together and coaching them in middle school basketball and middle school track. They love each other and care about each other so much, it is easy to see why they made such an amazing team. The work ethic, perseverance, and unselfishness of this group is why my coaches and I respect them so much.
I have received more than 1,000 emails and texts from alumni that are so proud of these kids. They are proud of how they win with class, character, dedication, and togetherness. These boys are so humble and are always very quick to defer credit to their teammates.
We have been very fortunate over the years to have
our best players at Kirtland always be kind, humble, and hard-working leaders. The younger kids always
see that formula for success and grow up to do the same.
This year’s group had to work through many addi
tional challenges without the guarantee of being able to play. They had to be motivated to workout on their
own during quarantine and to encourage one another through videos. They had to approach every practice and each game with enthusiasm and intent, as each one could have been the last played.
Seniors, I want to thank you for loving each other and working so hard to accomplish your goal.
I am also so thankful to all the coaches in our program (Kirtland youth football, Kirtland Middle School, Kirtland High School), the parents, and the alumni for being a huge part of building the Kirtland football program so that it is a place for young men to be positively connected to our group.
It is so important at this time in their lives for them to have a sense of belonging, to be a part of something greater than themselves, to work unselfishly, to learn teamwork and perseverance in the face of so many challenges.
Former players have left such a legacy of work ethic, family, and community, one that these students want to be a part of. Our alumni consistently show up at practices and games, they buy the team food, and offer so much encouragement.
I am so grateful that my two boys have had hundreds of wonderful and impactful “older brothers.” My wife Mary and I feel very blessed to be a part of this program and community.