Sunday, March 28, 2010

It's hard to say Goodbye.....




Friday finished my career as coach of the Moses Lake Molahiettes. It's very bittersweet! What an unbelievable journey it has been and what a season to end on. This year's season began the day we lost last season. I'm not really a poor sport and it isn't all about winning, but when you feel wronged and that something you deserved was taken away, all I could think about was how I could get it for my girls. It was also the last year for my seniors, a very special group of girls I have been coaching since most of them were 3 and 4. I knew this day was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier.

We took three numbers to state this year. Kick (which I promised I would never do again) but it just had to be done, Dance-the category that has been my goal since I took over as coach and Military (the category which the girls LOVE). We had been to three competitions already this year and Districts. Each time, each one of our numbers had taken first place. WE were undefeated. We talked alot about our strengths and weaknesses and what the judges wanted to see from us. I promised the girls if they would give EVERYTHING they had, they would not be disappointed. And I reminded them, there were no second chances.

Friday came and we headed to the Sundome on a charter bus. Floor time went well and the formations looked good. It was now about waiting. Four of our seniors sang the National Anthem. It was beautiful and a good beginning. Just before the competition started the DJ played, "Tonight's the Night", a song we had been using for the last several weeks to pump us up. I think it was a good omen.

Dance was first and we were 5th in the category of 17 numbers. We knew we had to really impress the judges to get that high score of the day. The girls performed well and I couldn't of asked for more. Danielle choreographed the number a couple of years ago for our elite dancers. I loved the number and so with a few changes we decided to do again for our first time in the dance category. It was completely different than any other number of the day.








Kick was second, but we had a long time to wait. I have loved this number all year long. It is a roller coaster ride. I started to panic and got the girls ready a little earlier than needed but it gave us time to sit and watch for awhile. We were the first kick number on the floor of 6. I thought kick was our best chance. No one has the flexibility of our girls and we had worked so hard on our stamina all year. It paid off and they hit kick beautifully. (Even the last poses....).






Military was our last number and happened to be the LAST number of the day. The anticipation..... It is a very difficult number and I knew we would have to hit all the stunts and tricks to score well. THEY DID!!!







The girls brought home Three State Championships. The first time in Moses Lake History. The first time in the history of the WIAA Dance/Drill State Championships. I was so excited for them and so relieved. I couldn't of asked for more. Thank you for the amazing ride this year. Thank you for the hard work from each member of the team. Thank you for the support of all the parents, and most importantly thanks for the understanding from my family.

18 comments:

Korbi said...

seriously so wonderful and what a great way to end a great career of coaching and mentoring to these talented girls! Are you sure you want to walk away ;) Who takes the great pictures? I love watch all the videos of the dances, it makes me body twitch and sway and bop to the beat, thinking back to the old days... ;)

Cassidy said...

That's awesome!!! Congrats!

the Horton Hurricane said...

I love you Aunt Lori, I would hand you a tissue right now if I could either for tears now or a few later. Way to go Moses Lake girls you were taught by the best

Peggy Dee said...

Hmmm... I wonder how the WIAA can explain how the coach of the triple crown team was not named Coach of the Year? I think they need to rethink their voting process!!

Anonymous said...

Molahiettes won't be the same without you!! Great job, Coach!!

Anonymous said...
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Tyler - Danielle - Emree said...

We love you! We love the team and I am so thankful i got to be a small part of your big journey! Congrats. You are one amazing coach.

Myca said...

I saw the vidoes and they did so awesome. What an amazing bunch of talented and beautiful girls! You have done so good with them lori...they were so lucky to have such an amazing coach! Congratulations!

SANDERSON / MCCONKIE FAMILY said...

You made a difference!!! A Huge difference...YOU DID GOOD!

Tiffany Fackrell said...

GREAT JOB GIRLS!!! I am so so glad I decided to go, I LOVED watching all of the dances. and it is true MOSES LAKE ROCKED! It also brought back so many memories being there!

p.s. what are you going to do with all of your spare time now?!

Elizabeth said...

What a wonderful accomplishment. You have done it with great style. You and the girls will have a life time of memories.
Congratulations

Unknown said...

How fantastic that they did so well! WONDERFUL!

I bet is bitter sweet for you to be done, but way to go out with a bang!

lysh said...

Congrats! I wish I could have been there to see it live but thankfully Peggy posted the videos. All the routines were awesome. As expected you have done amazing things with the team. I know it has taken a lot of time and sacrifice on your part. Those girls are beyond talented and I think they owe a lot of their sucess to you, Peggy, and Janet. What a blessing for those girls you have been. You guys have definitely enriched the community.

Stacey said...

Is it weird this post made me want to cry? I love when hard work pays off!! I'm sure you will be greatly missed by all of the girls and mothers alike. You've taught them great life lessons they will have forever. Way to go out with a BANG!!

grandma to 16 said...

Lori, what a journey you've been on with these cute girls!!! Teaching them as well as your own cute daughters~~~you'll love the free time, but you are right on about it being bitter-sweet!!! All of those early morning practices I'm sure you won't miss!! ( smile )

congratulations on all you've accomplished at Moses Lake!!

Kathy’s Korner said...

I am so proud of your girls! What an exciting ride...in my next life, I am going to able to dance!

Kathy’s Korner said...

I agree with Peggy!

Mindy said...

What a legacy you leave behind! I love watching them perform.