The conclusion of the season was pretty sad...SNU lost a few very close games. But looking back at the entirety of the season we must be encouraged because they doubled their winning percentage and they even beat a team (Harding) that went deep into the Div. II playoffs!
On November 4th SNU took on SWOK State in Weatherford. We attended the game as the Storm lost a very close contest. The final was 17-20. While the game didn't go so well, I love these series of pictures I snapped of Evy looking into Daddy's huddle!
She is a true Daddy's girl!
The final game of the season also happened to be SNU's homecoming. It was a cold, windy day! We took on Oklahoma Baptist. The Storm did not play well, but they stayed in the game. The final score was 28-34. The big news of the day was some of Kyle's best friends drove from NE and KS to surprise him (and me)! It was such a special surprise for Kyle!
During most football games the big kids play in the bounce house or run around with friends while I try to corral this little one. She loves a snack ;)
On October 7th SNU took on Southern Arkansas at home. Southern Arkansas took the early lead and never looked back though SNU did stay within striking distance. They just couldn't pull ahead. The final score was 15-27 with SNU losing.
We had a rare Thursday night game where SNU took on Ouachita Baptist at home. The Crimson Storm took the early lead and went into the locker room at half time with the lead. However, the Storm did not fare well in the 2nd half and they lost the game 14-21.
Most games Sawyer stays busy at the bounce house, but this particular game he was enthralled with the video guy. Thankfully, the video guy was very patient and even allowed Sawyer to "help."
On October 21st SNU travelled to Arkansas to take on the University of Arkansas-Monticello. It was a night game that turned into a late night game when there was a 2 hour rain delay in the 2nd quarter. Prior to the rain delay it was a back and forth contest as the teams traded scoring drives. However, after the lengthy rain delay and offensive line injuries sustained at the beginning of the game the Crimson Storm began to falter. They lost 23-35.
Perks of being a coaches kid...wearing the headset after the game.
The final game of October pitted SNU against Northwest Oklahoma St. at home. SNU took the early lead and held on throughout the game. There were a few scary moments at the end of the game (i.e. an interception and a special teams fumble) and they tied the game. Then on the ensuing kick-off the Crimson Storm ran the ball all the way down the field for a 93 yard touchdown! After a defensive stop and a few offensive first downs they ran the clock out for a 44-37 victory! Papa and Mema were also in town for the game. It was the first home win of the season and the first SNU game Randy had attended!
This season I'm going to do monthly football updates. Here's a look into the beginning of the season. Spoiler alert...it's been pleasant surprise!
Before the first game we had to get outfitted in our SNU Storm gear.
My little lighting bolts ready for the game...Mommy tries to get in the picture and silliness ensues.
The first game the Storm took on Southeastern Oklahoma State. It was an ugly, terrible, no good game. The final score was 0-58. While the game was not good the weather was wonderful and the kids had fun playing with their friends. Evy got to experience her first game "on the grass."
Game #2 was in Ada, OK where the Storm took on East Central University. After a busy week I was on the fence about attending this away game, but I knew Kyle would appreciate the support. So, I loaded the kids in the car and headed to Ada. Again, it was a beautiful evening game. Evy experienced her first "bleacher game."
It was a back and forth game. With just over 4 minutes left in the game East Central took a 4 point lead. But the offense marched down the field and scored a touchdown with just 19 seconds remaining and the Storm won 33-30! Marking the first time SNU has been .500 (1-1) since joining NCAA Div. II and the first time they have beat East Central!
This is a clip of the teams reaction!
Our first family selfie of the season after the 1st win!
Game #3 was against Harding University in Arkansas. Needless to say we watched this night game in the comfort of our bed and pj's. The kids watched with me for about 15 minutes ;)
SNU was behind the whole game, but they kept it pretty close. Most, including myself, had given up on the game. With just under 2 minutes to play the Storm were down by 13. The offense drove down the field and scored a touchdown, recovered an onside kick, and scored another touchdown to win! It was the most nerve-wracking, exciting, unbelievable final minutes I've ever seen! The Storm won again and demonstrated their fighting, never quitting attitude!
Game #4 was at home, but I was out of town and unable to watch the game. It was probably a good one to miss as SNU was defeated at home by Arkansas Tech 0-52.
Game #5 was on the final day of September and the Storm took on Henderson State in another long away game (i.e. Arkansas). We didn't travel, but we did watch! The Storm took the early lead and led most of the game! It was the first win of the season that didn't almost give me a heart attack. Given the game statistics it wasn't a surprise to win, but based on history it was a shocking win. In years past Henderson would defeat SNU by 70 or more points, so to beat them handedly was a welcome surprise and you have to imagine their team was SHOCKED!
After the 1st month of football the SNU Storm are 3-2 and we couldn't be more excited about their progress and hard work! We can't wait to see what the next month brings!
At the beginning of March Kyle organized a Christian coaching clinic and we decided to tag along to see some of our favorite people!
This is how we roll in the Holiday Inn
Nora had been sick all week, but she was on the mend. We needed a break so we took a chance and went...we would have all been heartbroken to miss it!
We didn't even leave the hotel! We just talked, ate, swam and played with our friends! Unfortunately, Nora was still struggling with sickness as evidenced by her falling asleep at the dinner table and voluntarily going to bed (multiple times) instead of swimming with friends. By the 2nd day Sawyer was sick and I had also fallen to the flu. Even though I was in a fog, lost my voice and had terrible coughing fits ;) I couldn't miss out on the quality time with friends. Plus someone had to watch the kids as the dads were occupied with football meetings.
Evy charming Liz and Emily
These football families have been with us since day 1 (literally, we all lived/worked together when we got married) and their love, support and encouragement is sooooo valuable! We have endured joyous times and tough situations. Our kids have been best friends and they picked up right where they left off (Lego obsessed). So thankful for these friends who are truly family!
Can you tell we kind of took over the Holiday Inn? The kids watching cartoons at the bar after breakfast.
Even though we were struggling with sickness this was a very refreshing weekend! After a year of making new friends it was so nice to return to long held friendships with people who understand the lifestyle. So thankful for these families!
The football season wrapped up in mid-November. We've moved into the recruiting phase, but I figured I'd better wrap up the season ;)
11/5 SNU v. Henderson 7-40
11/12 SNU @ Oklahoma Baptist 20-10 Winner, Winner
snoozing through a game
my favorite part of the game…the kids running to give daddy a big hug after the game…they don't care about the score, they just want to love on their daddy!
sweet friends
Kyle in action
The final game was a close away game so we made the short trek and I got to sit in the stands for the 1st time this season. It was a beautiful fall day and the kids spent most of the time in the bounce house so I actually enjoyed watching the game. And to top it off SNU won! What a great way to end the season!!!
10/8 SNU v. Arkansas-Monticello 31-17 Winner, Winner
10/15 SNU v. Southwestern Oklahoma State 14-35
10/22 SNU @ Northwester Oklahoma State 9-42
10/27 SNU @ Ouachita 14-41
Evy cheering for Daddy's team #daddysgirl
There were several away games this month, so Evy and I tried to watch them while the kids ran wild around the house ;)
One of my favorite parts of the game…Daddy and the kids greeting each other when the game is over…pure love
This month brought SNU's first win of the season. After some tough games the team persevered and pulled out a win. It was very exciting and so fun to watch!!!
