Thank You's and Clarification's

Parents and Players,

I wanted to start out by thanking you for the successful start of our Troy Sports Camp week. We had excellent numbers at all levels, and each of these young men worked extremely hard. Once again, I am fully aware of the tough financial times that members of our football family are going through. The fact that people were able to make certain financial sacrifices to register their son’s for camp means a lot as well. I am also fully aware that I ask a lot of our parents and players to get this program to the level it needs be in order to function at a championship level. As financial times cease to quickly improve, I will continue to set a fundraising schedule for the year that does not exhaust our efforts to raise money, but rather sets the standard of what is expected from all parties involved. My number one goal is to supply all of the equipment and apparel your son will need for each football season. With that being said, $9,000.00 dollars of our fundraising money has already been accounted for to purchase new uniforms this year. This money could have easily been used to purchase other items, but new uniforms have been the number one goal of the program for the last two seasons. Now that we have purchased the uniforms, with a well planned, yearly fundraising schedule, we will be able to help defray the cost of many related football purchases in the future.

Understand that the tone of this email is not meant to be a negative one. Nor is this email being sent out of frustration. I am just simply stating – and trying to clarify - that if our players and parents choose to be a part of Troy Athens Football, then all of us are going to have to fundraise and/or do the extra work required to ensure our players get the best out of this program. Remember, this is not my program, this is our program. All of us are going to have to work hard in some fashion to help build the traditions of success our players deserve. My number one goal is to take care of these young men. This will be a program built on extremely hard work, great character, and a never give up/never give in mentality. Understand that the best interest and the success of every team member in this program is the highest of priorities. In order to do this, I - along with my staff - am going to need help from the people that bless us with these young men on a daily basis. Money aside, each day we get closer to putting Troy Athens Football on the map of consistent success – for all members involved - is time well spent.

Thank you for your time and understanding,

Coach Heppner
Go Red Hawks!!!

It's Great to Be a Red Hawk / Skill and Drill Change for 7-20-11 to 7-21-11

Parents and Players,

I can't tell you how great it felt to be representing my Red Hawks back in my home town of Marshall, MI these last two days. As you know, Shawn and Kathleen Loughrige lost their son Issac two years ago to H1N1 complications. Because Issac was such a giving person, they started the "I've Got Your Backs" foundation in honor of their son. For those of you who haven't been able to take a look at the foundation yet, can check them out at www.ivegotyourbacks.org. I was blessed to have joined them the last two days and help run their 2nd Annual I've Got Your Backs Football Camp. Our first camp was held on Monday in Marshall, and the second camp was held on Tuesday in Battle Creek. I have to tell you, both camps ran like a finely tuned machine and the campers truly enjoyed themselves. What was more exciting was to now be sharing the same field with some of the best coaches and mentors I had growing up over the years, as a coach myself. The traditions and memories I had walking onto that field, are the inspiring memories I wish to give to your sons as they journey through their high school career. We had over 230 participants both days at each location. There is nothing better than seeing young men from 3rd to 9th grade thoroughly enjoying themselves on a football field. We had several campers that signed up for the Tuesday camp in Battle Creek, simply because they had such a great time in Marshall on Monday and were hungry for more. I think the most important aspect is the fact that I had multiple parents and campers coming up to me after each camp saying, "Troy Athens huh?" "Man I can't wait to see what you boys do over there on the east side this year."

Neither can I!!!!!!! Neither . . . Can . . . I!!!!! I'm so jacked out of my mind right now I can't even think straight. With total buy-in to this program, year three should be the year that we - this Troy Athens Football Family - start seeing some serious results!!!

The Varsity 7-on-7 that was scheduled for Thursday, July 21st at Dakota High School has been cancelled. To ensure that all of my staff is able to attend the Skill and Drill session for this week, I am moving tomorrow nights session to Thursday. The freshman will still report at 6:00 pm, while the rest of the team reports at 6:45. Thank you for making this adjustment.

Also, just to clarify; we will still have the players attend all lifting sessions the mornings before the Troy Sports Camp. It is not too late to register for the camp if you haven't already done so. The Varsity participants who are attending the 1 Day 7-on-7/Big Man Camp in Cincinnati will still need to register for the Troy Sports Camp as well. Next week - during the Troy Sports Camp - is our last big push before we test, register, and get this thing rolling in high gear. Therefore, it is vital that we take advantage of all training sessions before we start 2-A-Days.

I'm excited to get back and see my boys on Wednesday. This summer is shaping up to be a very promising season. Thanks for your support.

Coach Heppner

7-9-11 Can Drive Reminder

Message from Beth Ingram:

Please save your cans and bottles for our annual can and bottle drive on July 9th! Such and easy and inexpensive way to help our team! Please help us by picking up the cans on the 9th or earlier and we will be collecting them at the school on the 9th at 1:30. We need parents and players to help us turn in that day so if you can, please help.

Thank you!
248) 854-6400
beth.ingramschocs@sbcglobal.net