."..BEHOLD, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW..."
II Corinthians 5:17
Upon taking stock of the numerous changes in my life recently, this scripture came to mind. I realize that its intended message didn't concern the decisions that brought me to OKC and the Mount, but I thought that taken out of the passage, these words were appropriate. It seems that everything is NEW!
In December of 2010, when I decided to pursue a coaching position in Europe (Austria), I did not realize the changes that would be involved. The developments that led me to an amazing experience in Vienna with the Rangers provided a "splash" that would ripple outward, affecting many different people and events.
In an earlier blog, I explained how I arrived at the Mount, I consider it a blessing that I looked on the MSM website and saw that Chris Stiles was the head football coach. The events that were set in motion when I emailed him about the possibility of my assisting him started then. Sent in late 2011, I had nearly given up on hearing a response to my email. Then, after Coach Stiles replied with a possibility of my employment, things started to roll.
First, we would have to decide if our income would support a move. Then, Susan would have to hurriedly put in her paperwork for retirement. She would also have to say goodbye to an amazing school and group of friends and co-workers that she dearly loves. We would have to sell a house (still waiting for this to happen), and obtain a house (and it is a good one).
Then there was the move! Let me just summarize by saying that moving 20+ years of accumulated "stuff" is a daunting task. It can be noted here that moving four dogs in one Honda Element (also new; replaces the beloved Bronco) is a whole blog topic. A number of good friends and family pitched in to help this happen. It didn't improve matters that it was done is the hottest time of summer.
Initial tasks like paying deposits, starting service for utilities, garbage and cable were things not done in years. Figuring out where the furniture from the old should go in the new was an issue. Meeting new (and nice) neighbors, introducing our dogs to their new home and spending the first night in a new home were all memorable first-time experiences.
Then there was the whole new school experience.
Opening in 1903 as a boarding school for young women, Mount Saint Mary is the oldest high school in the state. The school is located in the same four story building that was obtained for the Sisters of Mercy under the direction of guidelines set forth by Katherine McCauley, their founder. In 1950, the Mount became co-ed, and not long after, the Rockets became their team "mascot". Additions and improvements to the original building have been ongoing but the ambience and character of the old building still transcends the century and more that has passed.
The school today exists as a private Catholic school with very high academic standards. ALL teachers must incorporate MercyValues and teachings (basically the way ALL humans should behave) into their lesson plans. Oh, did I mention that the school administration believes that we are professional and does not require teachers to turn their lesson plans into the office? ALL students are required to take the ACT. ALL students wear uniforms. ALL students are possible candidates for drug tests. And although at least 40% of the students do not profess the Catholic faith, ALL students attend Mass at least once a month.
So one of my first new experiences at the Mount, was a church service in which all students and teachers attended. If my public school experience hadn't been left behind by the religious icons on the walls and the halls of the school and the daily morning prayer, this was a reminder that I wasn't in "Kansas" anymore. An entire student body of nearly 400 reverently filed into, sat during, and participated in a service that lasted over 90 minutes. Let that sink in for a minute. Yep, things are just a wee bit different.
Before the school year began, new non-Catholic teachers attend a day-long workshop entitled, "Overview of Catholicism for Teachers of Other Faiths". My classroom responsibilities include teaching US History, government, and econ. Since classroom space is limited and I am the "new kid", I am a "floater". Meaning I have no classroom. During a teacher's planning period, I use theirs.
A-B block scheduling. 85 minute periods. Different classroom every period. Staff development every Monday at 7:15. Lunch duty. New email. New insurance. New paycheck. Four stories of stairs to circumnavigate. Restrooms to locate. Window A/C units. Computer networking issues. New teacher's work room. Adjusting to the differences in each of the classrooms. New bell system. Meeting and counseling daily with 15 students for 30 minutes set aside each day (Rocket Time). Just a few new "tricks" to learn for this "Old Dog" to learn.
The "perks" are free health insurance, no co-pay at St. Anthony's hospital, free lunches, a laptop computer for every teacher (a Chromebook!), free coffee, easy-going and laid-back support staff and administration. There is a "black box" in each room that contains every type of media for class presentations. Teachers that would bend over backwards to help. A small-town feel. Oh, and we have been in school for 2 weeks and the ISS classroom is still vacant. I haven't even seen any students with cell phones. The students pay fines for things like dress-code, cell phone violations, etc.
My classes are demanding. Although there are mainly motivated students, there remain those that don't "get the memo" yet. The students are courteous and friendly. Teachers are often referred to by nicknames given with respect. I have become "Coach Hep" to most. All of the parent contact that I have had is positive.
The football aspect is new in many ways, but at the end of the day, just as when I get in the classroom, turns out to be the most comfortable thing of all. The things that I have learned (and am still learning) that I can contribute to our young people. Although each situation is new, there is a sort of timeless carry-over that often applies to the current. I hope my experience(s) can help a whole new group of "clients". I am adjusting to (and enjoying) being an assistant again. To coaching with a whole group of great guys. To being the oldest coach on the staff. To a new locker-room, coaches office, field, weight room, managers, trainer, responsibilities,etc.
I absolutely loved my time in Altus. If there is a small part of me that does good, it is because it was learned, tested and crafted in Jackson County. I trust that "Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog" will apply to me. I am thankful to all it has given me. I will ALWAYS be partial to Navy Blue and White and will miss TAB when it strikes up the fight song. I miss the "Rock" and all those who have come into my life.
Altus will always be a part of me.
But a new chapter has begun.
All things have become new.
Fly Rockets!
GAMEDAY, BABY!!!
It gives me chills every time I walk into a locker room early on GameDay.
