In the grand scheme of things it was just five years, but Mike Spradlin left a mark on the Cooper football program that will last for a long time.Five seasons ago, Spradlin inherited a team that was... well to be honest not very good, and turned it into something all the Southsiders could be very proud of.
Here's just a quick list of what Spradlin was able to accomplish: four straight playoff appearances, three straight regional appearances, back to back district titles and a 38-23 overall record.
Accomplishing all of this while most of the region and state paid their attention to Abilene High. But anybody who was actually paying attention knew the Cougars were a force to be reckoned with once the Friday night lights turned on and Spradlin was roaming the sidelines.
With all that being said, I'm going to really miss the guy. He was a media guy like I's dream interview. Always available to be interviewed and a sincere guy that truly enjoyed having a conversation with a nerdy and dorky 20-something year old guy (at least I think he did).
But most of all, Spradlin will and should be known for how much he truly cared about his players. Calling them "his kids," I witnessed time and time again his genuine emotion when talking about his players. I really respect him as a coach, but honestly I respect him just as much as a person.
He will be missed no doubt, but Spradlin left the Cooper program in good shape, much better than when he got there. And whoever takes over will be handed the keys to a Cadillac, and they better keep it cruising in the left hand lane going 75 mph.
75 mph? Is that all? Full steam a head mate! I will definitely miss Coach Spradlins coaching efforts with these young men. My son has been a part of the football program for 2 years already and I can definitely see major improvements with his game. He is a one of a kind, that is for sure, but my son said "I am going to march into school Monday and tell him he cannot leave us! We need him!" I am thankful to have had the chance to see Spradlin's coaching efforts go to work. I just hope Cooper and Temple never have to cross paths =)
ReplyDeleteWell Becca I didn't want to condone 'speeding' but hopefully it still sends the same message. :-)
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