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!!!