The players flickered across the snowy screen, and only someone familiar with what was happening could have made heads or tails of the old film. Luckily, the quarterback was there, giving a play by play that could only have come from a remarkable memory or many hours reviewing the films of the Missouri state football championship in 1971. As he provided commentary, he was standing next to the coach of that team, a man who won a bunch of football games at our small school, so many that the stadium is named after him, and rightly so.
I was proud to be a part of the tradition oh THS. I barely understood the game of football in 1971 after my parents drove out to the entrance to town to weocome the team home, I knew I wanted to be a part of that.
We never made it to the championship but from '73 - '76 we only lost 4 games and tied one. Two 275 conference championships, one tri championship and 2 1st round playoff games. Coach P gave me a chance my jr. Year after barely "surviving" the strict practice regime he required. MY JR. year he handed me the ball and shoulder pads in the offseason during p.e. class. He taught me long snapping. I had a chance. A new wrestling program had improved my athleticism. Fall came and I was first team center. I had big shoes to fill Les Hogue and Tommy Lade. I wore 00 with pride that year. We went to state 2 years in a row but lost out. But every day I would see that picture of that special team. CONGRATS to all of you. Your legacy inspired a lot of us! I still look back at those THS football days with pride. Thanks Blake for your story. Tarkio football will always be in my heart!!
Thanks, Blake. Beautifully written. Filled out and bent by age was actually a kind comment towards some of us. I don't even have a clue how many football games I have watched at Tarkio or surrounding area schools, but with football, wrestling, volleyball and track it is a large number. Sports teach a lot of life lessons, with teamwork and sportsmanship being lessons that can be used throughout life. It was great to be back and relive old memories and see old friends. Will be watching from afar as EA chases a championship. Thanks again.
I was proud to be a part of the tradition oh THS. I barely understood the game of football in 1971 after my parents drove out to the entrance to town to weocome the team home, I knew I wanted to be a part of that.
We never made it to the championship but from '73 - '76 we only lost 4 games and tied one. Two 275 conference championships, one tri championship and 2 1st round playoff games. Coach P gave me a chance my jr. Year after barely "surviving" the strict practice regime he required. MY JR. year he handed me the ball and shoulder pads in the offseason during p.e. class. He taught me long snapping. I had a chance. A new wrestling program had improved my athleticism. Fall came and I was first team center. I had big shoes to fill Les Hogue and Tommy Lade. I wore 00 with pride that year. We went to state 2 years in a row but lost out. But every day I would see that picture of that special team. CONGRATS to all of you. Your legacy inspired a lot of us! I still look back at those THS football days with pride. Thanks Blake for your story. Tarkio football will always be in my heart!!
Loved your recap of the weekend reminiscing that unforgettable moment in THS football history and all the best to your grandson and team this season!
Thanks, Blake. Beautifully written. Filled out and bent by age was actually a kind comment towards some of us. I don't even have a clue how many football games I have watched at Tarkio or surrounding area schools, but with football, wrestling, volleyball and track it is a large number. Sports teach a lot of life lessons, with teamwork and sportsmanship being lessons that can be used throughout life. It was great to be back and relive old memories and see old friends. Will be watching from afar as EA chases a championship. Thanks again.
Now filled out and bent by age, that is a very articulate and kind turn of phrase.