From a Dad's Perspective

[SupportTheSyc's]

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

 

[blueblazer]

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

#80 has been one of the few bright spots, I watched him in high school, was thrilled when became a Sycamore, and will be sad to see him leave. He is a player

 

[new sycamore fan]

Tanner playes with his heart and sets a great example each and every week. You have a lot to be proud of, and I hope we can finish this season on a more positive note for players like him and FN who have been good ambassadors for the program.

 

[BankShot]

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

Gotta be one of the BEST posts I've ever read here on Syc Pride...a true "classic."

 

[BudDawgII]

Gotta be one of the BEST posts I've ever read here on Syc Pride...a true "classic."[/QU
Agree with Bankshot on this post. It is pretty special! I have no doubt that that father and son have a strong bond that will continue well beyond ISU football.
Sounds that father and son have their priorities in order. Wish them both only the best!

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Just asking and you don't have to answer, but do you think the over abundance of JUCO kids we've taken is a contributing factor?

 

[bent20]

What are the issues? Are guys running late to practice and not being disciplined, or is it less than that? Don't need specific examples, but wondering generally what we're talking about here. Seems strange with experienced coaches like Sanford and Cabral that we wouldn't have more enforcement of rules.

 

[blueblazer]

Just asking and you don't have to answer, but do you think the over abundance of JUCO kids we've taken is a contributing factor?

Regardless, the monkeys can't run the zoo. Coach chose this route, he has to manage it. He has been around the game long enough to have the experience to manage his team. More than anything, he now publicly acknowledges their is a problem, after six games!! Homecoming was the first time I saw this team in person and I witnessed a multitude of problems before half, and he has film to view those problems and the two games since things have gotten worse. That said, winning will be difficult due to injuries and inexperience, but this team has to buckle down or be buckled down! I still support Coach and his staff but these problems must be addressed and turned around quickly, these seniors and letterman deserve more from their teammates than they getting.

 

[Fridae00]

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

From a mom's perspective: We were very fortunate to get to know the Riley family when our Tanner was just a freshman. We got to hear the stories about the times when there were very few people other than parents in the stands. We got to see things through their eyes, and we were able to appreciate what has been happening with Sycamore football throughout the transition to a successful program. Words can not express my family's gratitude to the Riley clan..
Of course, #80 has been fun to watch as a receiver, and he's been a rock as a holder on place kicks....

As far as the team goes, I see a lot of frustration, which in young adults can lead to apathy and acceptance... The players will have to put each play behind them as soon as its over, and keep moving forward. We need to be right there with them, not writing off the entire season when we still have five games to play...

 

[Sycamore Proud]

From a mom's perspective: We were very fortunate to get to know the Riley family when our Tanner was just a freshman. We got to hear the stories about the times when there were very few people other than parents in the stands. We got to see things through their eyes, and we were able to appreciate what has been happening with Sycamore football throughout the transition to a successful program. Words can not express my family's gratitude to the Riley clan..
Of course, #80 has been fun to watch as a receiver, and he's been a rock as a holder on place kicks....

As far as the team goes, I see a lot of frustration, which in young adults can lead to apathy and acceptance... The players will have to put each play behind them as soon as its over, and keep moving forward. We need to be right there with them, not writing off the entire season when we still have five games to play...

We know she's right. Are we going to be Sycamores fans or fair weather fans? Don't answer that here. That's a question to be answered on game day.

 

[mohoops247]

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

Great post and I agree 100% with all of your comments. I'll be there every game the rest of the year as well giving my support.

 

[AGAMESPORTS]

I feel your pain

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Regardless, the monkeys can't run the zoo. Coach chose this route, he has to manage it. He has been around the game long enough to have the experience to manage his team. More than anything, he now publicly acknowledges their is a problem, after six games!! Homecoming was the first time I saw this team in person and I witnessed a multitude of problems before half, and he has film to view those problems and the two games since things have gotten worse. That said, winning will be difficult due to injuries and inexperience, but this team has to buckle down or be buckled down! I still support Coach and his staff but these problems must be addressed and turned around quickly, these seniors and letterman deserve more from their teammates than they getting.

Without a doubt. I've just read countless stories of other programs that were thrown off the rails (mainly at the FBS level) by taking too many JUCO players and wondering if we were poisioning our own well so to speak.

 

[Bally #50]

As difficult as it is, I have to continue to find encouraging words for my son as he hates to end his football career like this. Football is the greatest sport in the world to watch and play…but it’s just a game we’re all blessed to be a part of. With all of the crazy things going on in the world, we all have to keep it in perspective.
This program has gone from one extreme to the other. From being led by fear and disrespect, to very few rules and little to no consequences. We need to find the middle, and quickly. Coaches need to set expectations on and off the field and establish real consequences, otherwise you’ll get lack of desire on Saturday afternoons. Yes it’s been tough for the new staff with all of the injuries and yes we have some very young and inexperienced coaches…but you have to set rules and expectations and send a message to kids who don’t understand and respect the foundation that has been set by a lot of young men over these past 5-6 years.
I have faith in RP and his leadership. I also have faith Coach Sanford will get it figured out, but the program needs to start seeing it now. As much as I feel bad for “most” of these seniors, and as much as I want the change for my son, this is really about the ISU football program. Kids need to fear their coaches to some degree and still know they (coaches) love and respect them…no different than parenting. They will never admit it, but kids want rules and consequences.
It’s a game, let’s all enjoy each other, love and encourage these kids and coaches, keep going to the games and have fun. There are still great plays and memories to be made this season…let’s look forward to them and celebrate when they happen. My days as a football dad are winding down and I plan on keeping my streak alive not missing a home or away game in five years…I’m in it till the end. I’m proud of this football program and especially proud of #80…I feel blessed and fortunate to be a part of it, win or lose. Never give up, never ever give up.
GO SYCAMORES!

So very well said STS. More than any other sport, football tends to "go south" quickly when a new coach (and a new system) enters the picture. I too have faith in Coach Sanford and RP but it looks like it will take a lot more to right the ship here. Obviously, there is more to the story than just a new system and that comes as no surprise to me either. Injuries don't help either but it only shows what a lack of depth the Sycamores have. Tell your son to hang in there.

 

[nwi stater]

Dad, what ever you do please don't be a "sideline coach". Your son is going through things you might not have experience. Please let the coaches coach and teach. We didn't have a football team as our school was small but we did do BB. When things went south my dad would chew me out and tell me all the things I did wrong or what the team was doing wrong. It got so bad I started to hate the game and the coaches. Be his Dad, his friend and supporter. Football lasts for such a short time. When it's done he will always be your son and you his dad. And who knows things could turn around with hope and support. And yes I was one of those dad's till I started to remember. And now we're best buds.