GREAT ADVICE FROM THE CRAZY WORLD OF A COLLEGE FOOTBALL MOM
GAME DAY READY EDITION
"The Real Life of a College Football Mom"
The Behind the Scenes
I know all too well of the "Behind the Scenes" preparation that goes into creating an unforgettable performance. It is the unseen back stories never told that help inspire the artist and athletes to become the people you see today. I remember like it was yesterday reciting lines with CJ at the tender age of 6 fresh out of kindergarten preparing him and praying that he would give his best performance of his life portraying the Legend Ray Charles in the movie "Ray". There were blind school visits, piano lessons taken, traveling for rehearsals, long hours in the heat in Louisiana in the summer, putting in huge contacts daily (yes I had to cut my nails!) all while trying to keep a 6 year old boy that is full of energy focused. Yeah exactly! CRAZY! We know the strength of a mother, that we will do what ever it takes to make it happen and by all means necessary when we believe and when we want the best for our children. So yes when the movie comes out and they kill it, or on Game Day and they show out after all those drives to little league practices and games, and washing those stinky jock straps and uniforms!!! Us mothers can very well say and mean after a Career Changing Performance or an ESPN Memorable Play "WE DID THAT!"
This Scene below he did over and over and over again to the point that he ran away into the bushes and just starting peeing! I guess my baby needed a MENTAL BREAK! lol I was shocked because he is always so cool and calm but it was a hard scene and it took a lot of emotions for a kid at such a young age. We actually had to call Jamie Foxx who CJ considers his uncle and mentor today to talk to him because he was OVER IT! After that talk, he said, "I'm ready Mr. Director!" Not sure what was said but it worked!
The Blind Scene in Ray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xKSDFsGYyI
Stacie's Advice - A NO DOES NOT and WILL NEVER define you, it just means not right now but when your yes comes or your number is called YOU ARE READY because you know who you are and the work you have put in behind the scenes. In everything never doubt the talent that God has given you and never let someone strip you of the love of your gift because of their opinion. God gave it to you so no man can take it away. Always believe and trust God and know that in due time there will be CHANGE within the CHALLENGE.
TOUGH TIMES DON'T LAST TOUGH PEOPLE DO
The life of a College football mom can be mentally draining and honestly most days you feel like you get beat up even more than the athlete. This again is the behind the scenes that most people don't see and really aren't suppose to see. This is what we call the "Making of the Champion." The stuff you have to GO THROUGH to get to where you are suppose to GROW TO. Our group has been such a blessing for us as CFM to be able to pray for one another and keep each other inspired, lifted up and encouraged during these "Growing Pains." I suggest you find other like- minded people to help you too in your own challenges that come with your territory. This will help you stay the course and give you that rejuvenation you will need during the "Draining Periods" I asked a few moms to share a few of their challenges they faced along the way to hopefully encourage you that "Tough times don't last tough people do!" I hope this encourages you and hopefully you will find a story that resonates with you and reminds you that everything is going to be alright!
THIS IS OUR STORY
Demetria Pam/ Khris Pam
Making The Necessary Adjustments
Khris Pam started at Presbyterian College where he thought he would play initially but that didn't happen because they red shirted him around the 5th game of the season. He was fine with that. He asked the defensive coach what he was doing wrong and what he could do better but was told he was not "coachable". Instead of giving up he called around to schools that were interested in him and what he could bring to the table. Coach Williams and Georgia Military College welcomed him with open arms. Khris is playing, enjoying his college experience and will get his Associates Degree in December while waiting to see who will make the next offer. Nothing like making the tough decision to feel wanted and feeling the love.
Demetria's Advice- Don't take it personal, support and encourage your child and no matter what happens tell him you love him. Football is great but their education should be their top priority. Looking back, I would have stayed on Khris more in the 9th and 10th grade and got a better understanding of the NCAA Clearing House, but that was the ride God had for us and to God be the Glory.
Loretta Dortch/ Greg Dortch
It's Your Heart Not Your Height on Game Day
Greg Dortch's size played a major role of power house schools looking over him since he stands at 5'9. Greg had offers from Texas, Delaware, Hampton, Iowa, JMU, Maryland, Norfolk, and Wake Forest. Even Wake Forest was concerned about his height. He really wanted Virginia Tech bad and was hurt that they looked over him so now of course he feels he has to prove himself. Greg has received ACC Rookie of the Week, and is one of the top ACC WR's after the first 5 weeks. He has been making history every week this year at Wake Forest so Greg has for sure proven it's your heart not your height when it comes to performing on Game Day. Hence why they say #YougotDortched.
Greg Dortch Highlight
https://youtu.be/PbUvtsoQBh4
Loretta's Advice- Realize that every school is different in the recruiting process. Greg came in early and red shirted so he gets 5 years and can come out with his masters if he stays. Be involved in the recruiting process and ask a lot of questions. I was fortunate his dad was there and he knew what to ask.
Brandee Guyton/ Jalen Guyton
Detour to Fulfilling a Dream
Jalen was a well sought after recruit breaking records at his highly publicized Allen high school in Alen, TX. Jalen signed with Notre Dame University red shirting his freshman year with hopes of playing the following year at wide receiver but was let go near the end of the season for a private University matter. He then went home the next semester and transferred to Trinity Valley Community College in hopes of playing again at the major level. While there he earned the top 4 national spot out of all Juco's at WR. After the season Jalen signed with North Texas and is currently sitting in the top 10 nationally for D1 Schools with his stats so far. Being happy and shining no matter where you are is an understatement. I say Jalen is right where he is suppose to be.
Jalen's touchdown
Brandee's Advice- It was a tough lesson but we all grew from the pain. I feel like it brought him to the exact place he needed to be and closer to home. Jalen taught me during this time to move forward and to be strong even when you are hurting. It was a true test of my faith in God and what He can do. If we just have trust Him and believe He will deliver us.
Loretta Runyan/ Jon Runyan Jr.
No Challenge Is To Big Too Tackle
Jon Runyan is following in his dad's footsteps and playing for the University of Michigan. It hasn't been an easy process to say the least. Jon Daniel was diagnosed in the 3rd grade with dyslexia and has an auditory processing issue. Which means when people talk the processing of the info comes in differently. He has to listen and take words from a conversation that makes sense to him. With his hard work ethic, and putting in many hours studying with tutors he has managed his learning disability well.
Loretta's Advice- He left for Michigan in the Summer at was 17. He red shirted his freshman year. Injured his shoulder and this season he has worked his way into game rotation at right guard. I would say the three words that resonate with me are "Trust the process". When setbacks happen I found that prayer and communication between he and I are beneficial. I let him know that I'm his #1 fan and to keep grinding because hard work pays off.
STAY CAMERA READY
Ready or not College Football Moms can find themselves in
the spotlight at any time. Whether on Signing Day, in the bleachers, Heisman Ceremonies, or NFL Draft Day she is usually right behind or beside her son cheering
him on.
While Mom is usually content supporting her favorite player from
the sideline his number one fan deserves to look her best when it’s her time to
shine.
Here’s how you can get Game
Day Ready with our College Football Moms
Beauty Play Book.
Kick Off those dead
skin cells with a gentle cleanser and exfoliate for an instantly smoother, brighter,
and more even skin tone.
Pass your skin’s
first line of Defense with a fast-absorbing
moisturizer for good hydration and keep that healthy and fresh look on the Run.
Block game day
UVA and UVB rays with a sunscreen that will last from tailgate to post game. For
Extra Points consider a light
reflecting foundation with SPF to maintain an all day flawless look in the sun,
or nighttime under stadium lights.
Last but not least, make your own Highlights by applying an eye opening, cheek popping creamy highlight
to the high points of your face i.e. nose, temples, cheekbones and brow bones to
Catch that Winning glow.
Our Favorites:
*Chanel Mousse Douceur
Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser
*LaPrairie Cellular
Mineral Face Exfoliator
*Fresh Vitamin Nectar
Moisture Glow Face Cream
*Cle’ De Peau Beaute’
50+ UV Protective Cream
*Giorgio Armani
Luminous Silk and Power Fabric Foundation
*Bobbi Brown Cream
Glow Highlighter (Pink Opal)
CFM
Nina Shay
Beauty Advisor
What's Game Day without a good ole "Go To" recipe? Right... BORING! Here is an easy dish to take to your next tailgate party that is always a winner. Leila Schmeisser an avid "Tailgate Specialist" and mother of Hunter Schmeisser #72 of Austin Peay gives us "The Dish Playbook".
The Man Dip....
1lb Hot Sausage
1lb Mild Sausage
2 Cans Rotel Tomatoes
4 Bricks of Cream Cheese
Garlic Powder (To Taste)
Cook and drain sausage, drain Rotel Tomatoes and add to the pan of sausage. Add cream cheese next and cook on low until all the cheese is creamy. Sprinkle with garlic powder, transfer to a dish and serve with chips.
Thank you for reading another Game Day Ready Edition! I hope it has inspired you in the same way you inspire us and our athletes to give their best week after week. Until next week, don't forget to check out our website www.collegefootballmoms.com, for all the new Game Day Ready Live web series, the Game Day Ready Live line-up, and blog releases. Also, please like our Game Day Ready Live page on Face Book. This will keep you connected to know when to join our different CFM that will be coming to you LIVE every Saturday to give you the "REAL Game Day Ready Experience" of a College Football Mom. Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you may have for me or any of our CFM.
Peace and Blessings,
Stacie McCall Harris
#3 Mom of CJ Sanders (Notre Dame)
2016 Founder CFM
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