As our Collinsville Cardinals took the field last Friday, I saw an old friend sitting in the stands for the second time this season. He came to support the Collinsville Cardinals and enjoy the game of football. However, I noticed he chose a secluded area in the stadium. In fact, he could have chosen a much better seat, with a much better view of the game. After all, Catoosa’s stadium has a large capacity (and plenty of room) by high school standards. In any case, he watched as the Cardinals endured disappointment. They fell to the Catoosa Indians in a hard fought battle.

Later that weekend, I spoke with my friend and ask why he had chosen a seat in such a remote part of the stadium. His reply was alarming. He felt too much negativity coming from the adult fans in the Collinsville section. I quickly reminded him that as coaches, we accept full responsibility for our team’s performance. Dealing with criticism is part of our job. Again, his reply was alarming. He said the negativity was directed at some of the players. I would like to offer a gentle reminder to all of our fans. Our players are not paid professionals. They are not deserving of negativity or criticism from fans. They offer their time, energy, and body to the game of football and expect nothing in return. Yes, they are football players, but, please don’t forget, they are also kids. Please support our kids with the positivity and sportsmanship they deserve.

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. - Plato

Go Cards,
Kevin Jones

The Collinsville Cardinals 7th, 8th, and 9th grade football teams traveled to Tahlequah Thursday night for a Metro Lakes Conference showdown. The Tigers certainly passed the eye test before each contest with their large lineman and big backs. With all the favorable odds for the Tigers, the Collinsville Cardinals flew in on a mission to give the “Eye of the Tiger” a black eye.

7th grade Cardinals win big 21-6. No injuries were reported.
8th grade Cardinals dominate 36-6. No injuries were reported.
9th grade Cardinals soar 23-0. No injuries were reported.

We would want to thank our Quarterback Club for the meal they provided each player. It sure made the trip a lot more comfortable. Speaking of comfort, our players traveled to Tahlequah on air conditioned buses. What a treat! Thanks to our great transportation department.

Our next game will be on Tuesday of next week. We will play the newest addition of the Metro Lakes Conference, the Glenpool Warriors. We play at Sallee Field and games begin at 5:00. Please come out and show your support and display positive sportsmanship.

Well, No Pass No Play, has kicked in to effect. The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association introduced the ruling back in the late 80’s. The rule reads:
A student must be passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in during a semester. If a student is not passing all subjects enrolled in on the day of the grade check, he/she will be placed on probation for the next one-week period. If a student is still failing one or more classes during the next week on the grade check day, he/she will be ineligible to participate during the next one-week period. The ineligibility periods will begin on Monday and end on Sunday.

Coach’m up
Tom Redding