olcaptain
Senior Member
I began my teaching/coaching career in the fall of 1974 at Turner Middle School in Lithia Springs, Ga. I turned 22 years old that December and most of my players were probably 13-14 years of age at the time. This team was an extraordinary group of young men who, for the most part, were destined to make a big difference in this crazy old world. Fortunately for me, I have been able to stay in contact with several of these guys through the years and rather than simply being limited to a coach-player relationship, we have become friends.
We bill our Monday breakfast as the “Whosoever Will Men’s Breakfast” intending to try and invite any and all men to feel welcome to join us. But when Zach Spencer tapped on my shoulder at the breakfast table this morning I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy! Zach was on that first team (#25) and we have tried our best to stay connected as best we could over these last 43 years. Because of his Dad’s (Benny) passing and Chad’s passing being so close together this was this first time we have been able to get together and chat and we were able to share a couple of our favorite memories.
I was so proud to be able to introduce Zach to many of my new friends and to show him around a bit. Not only did he get the breakfast tour, but he also got reunited with Max, visited the Captain’s Café, and make a quick memorable run up and down Crooked Creek!
At 57 years old Zach is no longer an 8th grader. At 65 I am no longer a long haired, polyester wearing, middle school basketball coach. But this one thing is for sure. The bond that brought Zach Spencer all the way from Villa Rica, Georgia this morning is thicker than anybody’s pancake syrup! I love you Zach!
We bill our Monday breakfast as the “Whosoever Will Men’s Breakfast” intending to try and invite any and all men to feel welcome to join us. But when Zach Spencer tapped on my shoulder at the breakfast table this morning I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy! Zach was on that first team (#25) and we have tried our best to stay connected as best we could over these last 43 years. Because of his Dad’s (Benny) passing and Chad’s passing being so close together this was this first time we have been able to get together and chat and we were able to share a couple of our favorite memories.
I was so proud to be able to introduce Zach to many of my new friends and to show him around a bit. Not only did he get the breakfast tour, but he also got reunited with Max, visited the Captain’s Café, and make a quick memorable run up and down Crooked Creek!
At 57 years old Zach is no longer an 8th grader. At 65 I am no longer a long haired, polyester wearing, middle school basketball coach. But this one thing is for sure. The bond that brought Zach Spencer all the way from Villa Rica, Georgia this morning is thicker than anybody’s pancake syrup! I love you Zach!
