Alex is trying a new sport this fall, flag football. After being exposed to football his whole life because of his dad coaching, I think he's excited that he now gets a turn to play. What he was most excited about is that his dad is his coach. Steve usually has the "I don't want to be my own kid's coach" philosophy, but flag football is all about teaching the kids fundamentals since it's their first exposure to playing the game, and who better to teach kids than the guy who has been coaching for the past 17 years or so. (He didn't really want to do it, but I asked him to because I knew the kids would benefit, plus he's very patient.)
Alex is one of the youngest, so he's not super aggressive, but he's having a lot of fun. One day, before they had their first practice, I overheard him having an imaginary conversation as if he were talking with his teammates. He said, "Hi guys, my name is Alexander Nile Lilly. This is my dad, Steve Lilly, and he's the coach." And later I again heard him imaging a conversation where he said, "The coach might pick me first, because he's my dad". Apparently he's thinking that being the coach's son will bring a few perks.
 |
| Interesting pose.... |
|
|
|
 |
| Alex's turn at kick-off. |
|
 |
| Poor Steve, it is so hectic trying to get 8 kids lined up properly between each play, trying to make sure each one gets an equal chance to hike, kick or be quarterback. I try to help him out from the sidelines by being in charge of subbing kids in and out and making sure everyone takes a turn sitting out for a few. That alone stresses me out just a little! |
 |
| Alex was excited that he got to "verse" (as in versus) his buddy Kane who lives down the street. |
|
 |
| Future star in the making. |
