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 Articles and Testimonials |
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Saved by a best seller........
 |  | | Coach Mo's testimonial: Hebrews 12:1-4 | |
Sitting at my observation point at the Boy's & Girls club (my then summer job & where we began our now very popular indoor football league), I grabbed my daily copy of USA Today, and my life was changed forever by the following article.
Saved by a best seller Enraptured with end times, 2 novelists spread the Word
Captain Rayford Steele is flying a 747 across the Atlantic when dozens of passengers suddenly vanish, leaving everything behind -- clothes, billfolds, glasses.At that same moment, planes drop out of the sky, cars careen off the road and trains crash as millions of other people disappear around the world.
Steele is convinced he has just witnessed the Rapture -- a time when some believe Jesus Christ will appear in the sky and take the faithful to heaven instantly. Everyone else is left behind to face seven horror-filled years of mayhem, earthquakes, famines, poisoned water, war and death.
These dramatic events launch the opening chapters of Left Behind, the first book in the wildly popular -- and highly controversial -- series of apocalyptic thrillers by Jerry B. Jenkins and the Rev. Tim LaHaye.
Didn't have to be told twice. This article changed me and the rest of my world. This article led me to seek The Lord and eventually led me a sprit led reletionship with my mentor and close best friend Aeneas Williams.
Click on the link bar above for more on the USA Today article, published in 1999.
Saving Grace
|  | | Aeneas Williams, Coach Mo's spiritual Mentor | |
How did I get to where I am today. It began with a spiritual mentor at moon valley high school, then a USA Today article on the "Left Behind" series, and finally....getting up at 4:30 a.m. in the morning to train & keep up with Aeneas Williams. Join us.............
by David Fleming
ESPN The Magazine
As the Super Bowl looms on the horizon, The Magazine delves into NFL Nation -- the world's only sports superpower. Here's a look at the Minister of Defense.
You stand there in utter disbelief as Aeneas Williams approaches and all the people around you immediately fall to their knees. Congregated in the north end zone of the Dome in St. Louis on Dec.30, just after the Rams have defeated the Colts to clinch the NFC West title, the faithful wait for Williams above the players tunnel. Williams pops up off the field, massages his NFC West Champions hat onto his head and bounces -- to the tune of We Are the Champions -- toward his sea of supporters. And when they see him coming, all of them -- kids and grown-ups, black and white, male and female -- drop to their knees and stretch their arms over the guard rail, hoping to touch him. Some catch a hand. Some brush his pads with the tips of their fingers. And as Williams disappears into the tunnel, shaking his head in a mixture of joy and disbelief at the scene, you hear a voice that may still be circling through those cement corridors today: Thank you, Aeneas! Thank you for saving us!
A few minutes later in the locker room, Rams linebacker London Fletcher says, Im telling you, the guy has a special aura to him. He has a special kind of glow. Hes one of those rare people you meet who you know right away is gonna have an impact on your life.
The skeptic in you is piqued. You dig through Williams background and read how opponents refer to him as Clergy ... how in 1996 he passed up an offer from Jacksonville in order to stay loyal to the Arizona Cardinals ... how he has started 173 games in a row ... how hes fourth among active players with 50 picks ... and how hes a licensed minister who uses the Pacific Ocean to baptize players at the Pro Bowl. (Maybe this year well use the Jacuzzi, he laughs while opening the Pro Bowl packet thats just arrived from the league office.) Then, of course, there are the 21 points Williams accounted for -- 14 on two picks he returned for touchdowns, seven more after he forced and recovered an Antonio Freeman fumble -- in the Rams playoff win over Green Bay, and you understand where Fletcher may be coming from.
Its 9 a.m. on his day off. Williams, 33, has already finished a workout and is sitting in the back row of the teams darkened auditorium. He patiently answers questions, then turns the tables and begins to ask a few of his own -- about your college, your family, your job. Then, after a calm debate about religion, Williams hands over the phone number of his older brother, Achilles -- and leaves you wondering who in the family was a Trojan War buff.
Achilles Williams runs the nine car dealerships that Aeneas owns in their home state of Louisiana. Older brothers are always good for some serious dirt, right? Not Achilles. A pointed question is asked, and the phone goes dead silent for several seconds. No, he finally replies, there are no flaws with Aeneas that I can think of.
Really? Is it possible that one player -- even a seven-time Pro Bowl corner who gets up at 4:30 a.m. every day to pray -- can be credited with the miraculous turnaround of the Rams defense? Is it possible that someone could be that good? Both on and off the field? Two words, you think to yourself: Eugene Robinson.
Even Rams head coach Mike Martz had his doubts. You hear so many good things about Aeneas, its a little hard to believe, says Martz, who lobbied Rams GM Charley Armey hard for the predraft trade that sent a second- and a fourth-round pick to Arizona for Williams. His attitude, his leadership, his preparation, his play -- it all seemed a little too good to be true. Then he shows up and is actually better than that. Hes become to our defense what Marshall Faulk is to our offense -- the standard we all hold ourselves to.
Setting standards is practically a way of life for Williams. Raised in New Orleans, he passed up an academic scholarship to Dartmouth to follow Achilles to nearby Southern U., where he made the deans list and became active in student government. Football? Not until his junior year, when -- just five days before the start of the season -- Williams decided to walk on. A month later, he was starting. A year after that, he led the nation with 11 picks and graduated with a degree in accounting. After the Cards took him in the third round of the 1991 draft, he tied for the NFC lead with six interceptions on his way to selection as the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 1994, he was selected for his first Pro Bowl.
Then, after wandering in the desert for a decade with the notoriously cheap Cardinals, Williams finally reached his breaking point: 10 seasons, 10 losses a year (on average), one playoff win. Williams was prepared to retire rather than play another down for the Cards. That was when St. Louis came calling.
The difference in the two teams is like night and day for Aeneas, says Achilles, who speaks daily with his brother. Its like a car dealer whos happy to make the bills each month as opposed to one who maximizes every opportunity that comes along to be the best in the business.
That second car dealer? That would be the Rams. Last off-season, St. Louis dumped eight starters and revamped a defense that gave up a league-worst 471 points in the 2000 season. Three moves proved especially critical in this process. First, Martz hired former Tampa assistant Lovie Smith to bring the Bucs ferocious, attacking-style D to St. Louis. Second, they dumped disruptive defensive end Kevin Carter on the Titans for an extra first-round pick, which mitigated the loss of the picks sent to the Cardinals for Williams. And finally, they landed their leader.
One person can change a whole team, Martz says. Kevin Carter had the effect on this team in a negative way. Aeneas had it in a positive way. It was a huge swing. (No kidding. Last year the Rams ranked 23rd in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed. This season, they jumped to third.)
Normal protocol in the NFL is to have an intern or a member of the personnel department go to the airport to meet new players coming to visit for the first time. But when Williams landed, both Smith and Martz were waiting for him, and they immediately dropped this on him: We want you to be the Marshall Faulk of our new defense. After dinner, Smith actually ran some clips of his old Bucs defense so there would be no confusion as to what he expected of Williams. The dinner and the movie were nice, but the Rams had him at Faulk.
Something just went off in me that said, yes, I can do that, says Williams, who was voted defensive captain of the Rams practically before the ink had dried on the contract. I know in my heart that I hadnt even come close to reaching my full potential, and here I saw a chance to do it. Besides, I love Lovie Smith. I really do. I love him. This right here with this team, this is what I always thought it could be like.
Before his first minicamp, Williams asked Rams defensive backs coach Ron Meeks to coach him like a rookie. He took notes in meetings like a first-year law student. He did extra crunches waiting for his turn during drills. And Williams continued his habit of returning every pick in practice all the way back to the end zone. You want an example of how to be a pro? Meeks asked his players. Follow Aeneas. Do what he does. A few weeks later, a proud-papa smile spread across Smiths face when he noticed the young Rams DBs -- guys like Dre Bly, Dexter McCleon and Adam Archuleta -- as well as vets like Fletcher taking notes in meetings, banging out extra crunches in their spare time and taking picks back 90 yards to the end zone during practice.
At some point during the season -- maybe it was when he returned a pick 42 yards for a TD (the seventh of his career) against the Jets, or when he notched 14 tackles against the Dolphins, or when the equipment man handed him a commemorative hat for the first division title of his career -- Williams became the Ray Bourque of the Rams. Hes younger by being here, says Smith. Aeneas has Hall of Fame credentials. All he needs is a Super Bowl ring. Hes been such a shining example on and off the field in this league, he deserves a ring, and we want to get him one.
Smith brings out videotapes of St. Louis two games with San Francisco. In both, Williams sets up opposite All-Pro wideout Terrell Owens, the kind of blue-chip matchup Aeneas used to have with former Cowboys WR Michael Irvin. All NFL corners are separated by the power, balance and fluidity of the two strides they take in transition out of their backpedal. And against Owens, Williams technique is flawless. Aeneas comes out of his backpedal as well as anyone ever, Rams wideout Ricky Proehl confirms. You have to work hard all game to get open on him once, if that.
Game two, Dec.9, the two teams are tied for the NFC West lead with 9-2 records. Williams grabs two picks and bangs heads like a rookie free agent. Following his lead, the Rams defense flies to the ball on every play: St. Louis 27, San Francisco 14.
Owens, in the two games combined, finished with eight catches, no scores and even less class. He didnt do anything except hold me, Owens said after the second game.
Physical gifts combined with a relentless work ethic, a perfectionist nature (he stubbornly refuses to concede even five-yard flares) and an uncanny feel for the game (he often calls out the exact play the other team is about to run) have carried Williams to the NFL elite at his position. Two summers ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame placed him -- along with Deion Sanders, Darrell Green and Rod Woodson -- in the defensive backfield of the NFLs All Decade team of the 1990s. Only Williams remains at the top of his game.
What keeps him there is his seemingly unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Deep into his 11th season, he still tracks down the best players in the game to pick their brains. Recently, hes interviewed, among others, Jets coach Herman Edwards; Green, the ageless Redskins wonder; former Raiders great Mike Haynes; and former Oilers and Redskins safety Kenny Houston, who until this season held the NFL record for career picks returned for TDs. But no one has had as much impact on Williams mental approach as former Chargers star Gill Byrd.
Like me, Gill wasnt the fastest guy, says Williams. But he played the position with the kind of skills that neutralized speed. From a mental approach he told me, Dont look at the position like you have to stop them. Think of it as, they have to get by you. For me, that was a paradigm shift.
Williams is on the verge of another. If the Rams win this week, hell return home to New Orleans for Super Bowl XXXVI. (What an ending that would be if this all ends up where it started, in New Orleans. Wow!) The game will be played in the Superdome, where a teenage Williams used to sell peanuts and popcorn during Saints games, competing for customers with Faulk, another New Orleans native and former peanut vendor.
The obvious question hangs in the air, like a football floating just above a wide receivers fingertips. Yeah, Williams says with a chuckle, stepping in to snatch it away before its asked, I probably outsold Marshall.
Funny. Aeneas Williams is still giving fans sustenance.
 | | Coach Mo's own: "The Westside Weasels" | |
Testimonials
I just wanted to thank those that came out to Saddleback Elementary in Maricopa yesterday. I was there to see my son and his classmates made to feel pretty special by Coach Mo, Big Red and Keilen Dykes and the rest of the crew that helped out. For my family, who can't go to football games, this was a big deal to my son. He can't stop talking about it to his Grandfathers, Uncles, Aunts and anyone else who listens! Even though it was well over 100 degrees, those that were there for our kids were all there with smiles on their faces. They didn't just come in, make an appearance and left as quick as they came. Mr Dykes was WONDERFUL. He came in and hugged these kids, played with them, talked to them and after all was said and done . . . .signed EVERY single hat - with a smile on his face. Thank you Coach Mo, Mr Dykes, Mr Cantu, Big Red and anyone else involved for making this day one that my son will not forget and will look back on with fond memories. I was there with my camera and thankfully have tons of wonderful moments captured to help us remember this day.
Thank you for taking the time out to make Maricopa . . . these kids . . . feel important, valued, respected and special. From the bottom of my heart . . . . Thank you.
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Dear Coach Mo and Sheldon;
We are so grateful for your support of HopeKids. Your special event for us at training camp on Tuesday made a wonderful memory for our daughter Isabella. There are many hours during her weeks that she has spent watching football with her dad while recovering from procedures or just to tired to play. Meeting the players and seeing them play close-up makes all those hours worth it.
To be right there with the team that she cheered on to the super bowl last year was amazing. The players we so kind and gave words of encouragement that made her feel so blessed. You have given the HopeKids an amazing gift of encouragement and another reason to continue their individual fight for victory. Thank you for taking your time, the player’s time and sharing yourselves with us. Our family will be the first to cheer you on again this year as you and Isabella fight for victory.
Although thank you can’t express enough our gratitude, we do want to say THANK YOU!! GO CARDS!!!!
God Bless You All,
Melanie Harris
HopeKid: Isabella Harris 7 years old
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Honestly I was hesitant in coaching but now I am really enjoying it… We talk to the kids about making good choices- listening to their parents- not hanging out with the wrong guys- I did youth ministry for over 6 years and have been out of the ministry for at least 3 years now- where I am in my life- this is a good ministry (I am sure you understand)…
Thanks for all you do Coach Mo! (Coach Daniel Hernandez)
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Coach good afternoon:
Coach Mo I cant tell you how grateful for we are for getting Dallas and my grandson on the field with the cardinal's, they will never forget that day I know I wont either. Dallas was so pumped up after that, we went home and practiced what Nate had taught him on the field Dallas and the saguaro football team are heading up to San Diego state for their football camp, if you know of anyone up there maybe you can put a plug in for him, , again brother thanks and keep in touch, My job is not over until he gets that full ride somewhere, and with that I'll be using your expertise to get there and anything else you can do for him. Thanks Coach take care Peace :-)
Ralph Noriega
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No problem Coach....I have nothing but the greatest amount of respect for you and what you stand for. I know we both share the same vision of building a facility for kids. I'm trying my best to incorporate education along with sports, making the term "student athelete" ring true. Hopefully things will get off the ground and the at risk children (the forgotten ones), will have faith in themselves through sports and higher grades. If I win the lottery that's the first thing I am building. Until then just have to try to make a difference one kid at a time.
Again thanks for the opportunities and trust in me as your intern.
Kel
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I also want to THANK YOU for all your hard work and for taking the time to swing by Coolidge and speak at the Dinner /Auction this past weekend. My son was very much inspired by you talk as well as Jay Taylor's talk.
Please pass along to Jay Taylor my deepest THANKS to him as well, it is a wonderful talk he gave as well.
Can you please mention to Bill Lewis that it was greatly appreciated by the Coolidge Booster Football Club , the people that attended and the coaching staff and of course the COOLIDGE BEAR FOOTBALL team .
You could see the passion and the desire in the eyes of these young men ,it was a very moving experience . The positive energy was felt by all who attended. COOLIDGE FOOTBALL will continue to achieve excellence and move forward. The players will remember that night it was a very inspirational evening
Thank You
Bob Freader
" As Iron Sharpens Iron, so
One Man Sharpens Another"
Proverbs 27-17
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Coach Mo,
Bobby (Delgado) is doing so well this year, thanks to your teachings. I don't know if Coach Chris told you that I talked to him and thanked him for all the help and work he and you have done with my son. IT REALLY DOES SHOW his improvement as far as speed and agility.
In football, I was a bit skeptical that he had to play up a division because his weight was borderline (he could've stayed down in weight). Luckily our gamble worked, moved him up (he actually would've been over weight), and he performed as well as boys a year ahead of him. Unfortuately, our team, SEV Dragons, went undefeated in regular season but lost in the second round playoffs to the Blitz out of Chandler. Better luck next year.
As far as now, Bobby is wrestling for Akimel and is going to be in Basketball starting next week. Neeless to say, there is alot of food on his plate. When things start to taper off we will DEFINITELY start back up.
Again Thank you ( and Chris) for all your time and effort to help excel our son in sports.
Bob & Crystal Delgado
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A special thanks to you coach for your continued support of the youth program, and our team. Without a leader like yourself in the community many of these children would have never had the opportunities / memories over the past several months.
Thank you Coach Mo for all you do,
Mike Charlton
WASUP Cardinals (12-14 Boys)
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HEY coach its cyrus! josiahs little brother up at nau! we just got done with our season and i was hoping to start training again with you. My season went really well..
I was awarded national player of the week twice, once for defense, and once for special teams. i was big sky player of the week twice also. i was named all conference, led the nation in blocked kicks, and led my team in tackles.
I hold the all time Div 1aa record for blocked punts in a season with 4.
http://nau.newtier.com/index.php?module=pnNews&tid=18&sid=1868
http://naustats.newtier.com/football/statistics.pdf
look forward to hearing from you soon!
thanks for your training so far and i am anxious to continue
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Dear coach mo, Hello again, as the ‘o7 football season is winding down, we begin to look forward to baseball in the spring. My two sons Dixon and Jakob Begay would like to if you had a baseball clinic coming up this fall? We look forward to seeing you soon. By the way, Dixon and Jakob looked a lot better this tear. What a big improvement in their performance. Thanks for all the hot days they spent running with you and your staff in awahtukee. They could not have done it without you. Thanks so much, Edgar Begay
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Thank you for helping me with the NFL flag football registration process! I am looking forward to continuing our partnership and expanding our program this year. At this time, we have 3 football teams and 1 cheer squad totaling 60 students. We are so excited to get our football program off the ground! Is there anyway the Az Cardinals can adopt our program?
Thank you for all your support!
Cyndi Martinez
Isaac Middle School
21st CCLC Coordinator
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By the way, thanks again for the tickets to the game. Man they thought it was awesome. Some of my guys tooke pics woth the uniform in the front like they were cardinal players. I really appreciate all that you do for my guys, and all of the kids involved with your leagues.
Jon Kronsted
Head Football Coach
Maya High School
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Hi Coach,
Thank you for all the help. I've definitely seen improvement over the past week. You have a knack for bringing out the best in them.
Thanks,
Jeff Renner
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Coach Mo,
Hey man, it was great talking with you the other day. I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you and your wife how happy I am to have a great man like you around my kids. You are such a great role model and spiritual leader. You probably don't even realize the impact your everyday actions make, but I do. God knows it and I appreciate you.
Thanks for taking an interest in my kids. I am blessed to have you in their lives. This is the time in their lives when they create a foundation for the rest of their lives. I am sure glad to have Coach Mo as a rock in their foundation. Later in life, they will be too.
Okay...enough of how great you are....ha. I just wanted you to know that I seriously appreciate you.
God Bless you,
Zach Cisco
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Max voted one of the Most Improved Players by team mates...
He had a great football season
Henry home for vacation, turning into college man...
Have a great holiday
Think of you often, my boys would not be the same had you not been in their
lives.
Carol Barkley
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Maurice-
Thank you for your concern as well as everything else. The move to Arizona was made very hastily and I would like to let you know (if I have not) that it was a smooth transition thanks to you and I have not regretted it yet, maybe wanted to hurt someone, but that’s a different story. I would also like to thank you for seeing the love I have for children and sports in general and allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your organization. Alright, enough of that J.
Renee Small
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Mo,I am not sure that you recieve this email directly or not but I have to say that after watching your players after this weekend that you should be commended. I saw a Phoenix christian team come and get blown out according to the score, but then watched that same team invite the opposing team into a huddle to pray. This was this biggest class act of the year. I am pleased to see that there are coaches out there that still that instill these values in their players. I did not hear one negative comment from a Phoenix Christian player and walked away from the day on cloud 9. I heard other parents making comments about what a great program that must be being run on the opposing end of the field for the kids to be acting that way. I think you should be commended as the referees even made comment to me about the class that was being shown on the oppsosing sidelines. Great Job!! and Kudos to you. I would rather see my own sons team go 0-10 and have that type of leadership in their lives than to win anything. You are a good person. Look forward to speaking with you soon in regard to PVYFCA ( Prescott Valley Youth Football and Cheer Association).
Respectfully
Mike Pereda
President PVYFCA
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Maurice,
How are you, "Coach Mo"? I am so glad to see you kept your dreams in order and now are seeing them through. When I saw you the other day, I had one of my teachers with me and I notice the license plate. I said i know a guy that uses that name. Damn if it wasn't you. I hope this e-mail is still good because it was great seeing you even if it was for a short time.
I told my teacher how you help put my life back together, by not even realizing what you was doing for me. Mo, I know I told you this before but I just want to say Thanks for everything. If you want to get together call me, You can meet my wife (no not that one)
Fish
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Coach:
Hope your summer is going well. I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how spending 1 day with you has literally transformed John's game. His on base percenteage is ~.700% and he's getting ~4-5 steals per game. Thank you!! He is headed to Camp at Doyle's for July. We need to get with you after Labor day for a day or two to get his off season lined out.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wingham
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Coach,
As you can imagine this year has been a busy one for us.. I want to apologize for not keeping in touch.. I know you know about Tristan's (Wilson) spectacular year and I want you to know that none of have forgotten the Track coach who had limited Basketball knowledge who put his word on some kid from the midwest.. THANK YOU 100 x's coach..
THANKS AGAIN.. LOVE U
ps.. Kya made Apollo's varsity track team. I need to get her to you asap. She is even doing hurdles. (smile)
NICHOLE R. HAMER
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Coach Mo,
Just a note to say thanks for allowing us to play in your league. Our team has really learned some very valuable lessons in the past couple of weeks. Today, we grew as a team. We learned the values of winning and loosing. We learned from our mistakes, and built confidence in the things we did good. Some players were not use to loosing or making those mistakes. I know this will sound strange, but the big loss was a great character builder today. We had a great learning experience after the game. We made sure the players all knew that we were proud them, and to lift their heads up.
God is great. I opened my email today, and read an email from my daily devotional from FCA. The email was titled "Clean Slate". Psalm 51:10, "God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me." The email continued to talk about David seeking a fresh start with God, and how we've all had times where we've dropped the ball in a game referring to the game of life (Romans 3:23). We will start our new week, and put past behind us. We will work to polish our skills, and have fun. The players our looking forward to next week. See you next week at Hamilton.
May God continue to bless you and your family,
John
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Coach Mo
I am writing to you to let you know Adrian is doing fine in football (at Chandler HS/freshman football) and his accomplishments but the reason I'm writing to you is to give you and your assistant coaches to give my appreciation for what you have done to train Adrian. His endurance, strength, speed, and leadership has helped him. Letting Coach Gilmore ((NFL receiver Bryan Gilmore Cardinals/Dolphins) work with him has given him confidence in his foot work and in himself with that he helps his teammates believe in themselves. He has not pulled himself out of a game because of his endurance, but gets stronger (endurance). He also knows he will not win every game or race he competes in but will support his teammates both emotionally and spiritually (strength) but when things work well and goes right his inner peace will lead him (speed). thank you once again for helping my son believe in himself. He knows in order to be successful you must believe in your teammates for they are the ones who make you successful not in just football or track, but in life in general. Once again please give your assistants our divine gratitude. God Bless You All. And may you continue in helping many athletes both physically and spiritually.Hope to train with you in the near future.
George Guzman
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From: Gordon Beyer
To: Coach Mo
Subject: Camp Day
Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2005 23:40:51 -0700 (PDT)
I would be very hard pressed to imagine how this could have been any more successful. Meeting you and getting on track was great for our kids, too. I enjoyed the experience.
On a personal note, and I'm sure you already know this, Kurt Warner has got to be one of the better human beings I have ever met. My son, Kurt, walked up to him and said, " Mr. Warner, my name is Kurt,too, may I have your autograph?" Mr. Warner asked if he could take a picture with him, also. He and the others made some young players (and some not so young NEW fans) very happy today.
I even made a declaration to put away all those things silver and blue from Texas. NEVER did I think that would happen.
We had a great time.
Your Friend in Christ,
Gordo
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What's going on Coach Mo, I was just mailing you to give you an update on the boys. As you know, they are in Pop Warner playing for the Far West Gators. We are 2-0 and they are doing pretty good. Markus is playing defensive tackle and is averaging around 7 tackles per game, also we moved him to offensive tackle and he is blowing guys off the ball. He made several key tackles and sack on Saturday, behind the line of scrimmage to preserve our victory.
EJ is playing middle linebacker and Running Back. He has over 400 combined yards in offense,three touchdowns and two extra points. He's got two touchdown runs for over 60 yards. In Saturday's game against the huskies the score was 6-6 going into the fourth quarter when he reversed field on a power player scoring on a 65 yard touchdown run that put us ahead. We ended up winning the game 18-6.
That speed training over the summer really helped the boys, because I see the difference in their speed, strength and conditioning. (Hill Workout)
GOD BLESS
ET
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Hi Mo,
Thank you so much for the tickets to the game. The kids were so excited to attend but I think they were even more excited to see you there. I really appreciate everything you have done for us.
Thanks again,
Alice
Bagdad Youth Football
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Hi Coach Mo. Keith is going to spend a few more sessions with Sharif. He will be there on Monday and Wednesday for sure. Hamilton football practice begins on August 8th, so we may try to work with Sharif for 2 more weeks. See you soon, and hopefully you can make it out to a Hamilton game some time. Thank you once again for putting the boys in touch with such excellent and caring coaches. Keith has improved year after year.
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Thanks so much for your help Mo. It was really great working with you, your a great coach.
Thanks again,
Brooke Satow
APS Corporate Communications/Creative Services
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Coach Mo,
I want to thank you from my heart for the great things you have done for our children. The dedication could not have been as great as It was without your involvement. I will always be grateful and I hope that our paths come together often in the future. Thank everyone in your organization and tell them how much it meant to the children of Murphy school district.
Barry
Phoenix Rotary 100
Where Great Things Are Happening
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Thanks
Barry
Coach,
I would like to send a e-mail to Bobby Bobby Wade, thanking him for his attitude and how he has worked with the kids. He made a dissapointing situation for him into something very positive for the boys. A main reason we year in and year out attend your camps and have you, Coach Mo, my boys is that your alumni are all great role models for my kids.
Coach that is a direct reflection on you!
See you the week of July 12th
The Starks
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Hi Coach Mo,
I have attached a few photos from some past games. I was told that you
might want to use some on your web site. ?
Thank you for all you do to make this league happen - our boys are having
a ball!
Peggy Coots
EVAC "web master"
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Coach Mo:
Thanks for the input, we will be listening. I want to personally thank you for working with Michael this summer. His speed has improved immensely. If I'm not mistaken I believe he is one of the fastest guys on the football team. Michael's confidence level has skyrocketed!! He is really excited about the football season. We really appreciate and respect your knowledge is speed training.
Thanks again!
Mary Stahl
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If I didn't say it enough, we are so thankful for the help you
did give Matthew and I am just sorry he wasn't more willing to accept the
help. You were probably the only positive light while he was there. So
thanks.
Vanessa Shackleford
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I want to thank you for the great job that you have done with the kids this year. I know that Thomas had a great time playing and has learned a lot about the game and how to play better with the other kids.
Thank you for the time and dedication to the kids.
Howard Frampton
Arizona Benefit Plans, Inc.
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Coach Mo:
My sincere thanks and gratitude for your absolutely great work with the kids at the Phoenix Rotary 100 Field of Dreams. Its through your efforts that this project will be a great success and change the lives of all those kids for the better - forever.
Please know that we all appreciate you.
Keep up the great work,
Howie Simon, President
Phoenix Rotary 100
Where Great Things Are Happening
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Hello Coach Mo,
Haven’t seen you in forever!......Hope everythings going well. Heard you guys actually lost a game! What’s up with that?
Aaron’s doing good……had about 135 yds on 24 carries against Yuma Catholic……199 yds on 25 carries against Fountain Hills……got hurt at Coolidge right before the half but had a decent game with a 95 yard punt return and some good runs. He’s playing some OLB but has been at safety lately and has a bunch of tackles (18 or so) every game. Unfortunately….the running back gets into the secondary a lot!!
We have yet to win a game…..we lost the first 2 by five points total. We got blown out by Coolidge, but actually led 8-7 for a bit. The wheels came off when Aaron left the game.
We played Queen Creek last Friday and lost again. Aaron had the only score for us on a nice run of about 20-25 yards. Our line has really been stinking up the field in the last couple games……it makes it a little tough since we don’t have much of a passing game. It was neat though that one of the Queen Creek coachs caught up with Aaron after the game and told him he was a real stud.
Dave Utoff (Aaron's dad)
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Bill,
Just wanted to let you know that I chose to enter Veritas in the AAU Flag Football League run by Mo Streety … for the following reasons:
·Mo runs low or no cost training camps for AAU players and coaches that will help you and your assistants get a better understanding of the game, techniques, and strategy – and he uses professional athletes to provide some of the training.. The CAA offers no training.
·Loyalty: Mo helped the school out last year with the flag program – letting us into his league after the start of the season, or there wouldn’t have been one.
·Last year there were some hitches with Mo’s league, but he is in a start-up mode with his league, and it is likely to be better. He helped us, we will help him.
·Field needs: Most games will be played at Phoenix Christian’s football field, so we will not be searching for parks or paying for other facilities.
Robert Wagner
Athletic Director
Veritas Preparatory Academy
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Mo,
I am really looking forward to your interview. I want to also tell you that you have always been understanding of Aaron's commitment to his Judaism, even when he couldn't compete on certain Saturdays or holy days. I always felt you wanted him to honor his religious commitments and family over his sports. That is a very good thing. You were also very interested in what he was doing to prepare for his Bar Mitzvah and how we celebrated certain holidays. I felt we were lucky to have a person of deep faith be so thoughtful about our beliefs.
Barbara Lewkowitz
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Dear Coach Mo,
Thanks so much for helping our kids and sending out these emails as well! We saw you on Emmet Smith's show this past weekend--thanks for all you do for our community as well.
Again, thanks very much! Saturday was a very exciting day for VPA and for Josh!
God bless you,
Bart Tesoriero
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Hi Coach Mo,
Thanks for organizing the brief game last night at half time, I’m sure the children will remember for a long time!
Thanks for your time and teaching of ‘Godly’ character to our children! Keep on fighting the good fight!!
Bob Grado
Beau, Jacob, Chas & Abi’s Dad
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Congratulations to the Veritas Preparatory Football team! It was an exciting, action-packed game. There are lots of pictures and a great story on Coach Mo's website. Please feel free to forward to your friends and family.
Personally, I cannot wait to share the story with my dad (who was able to attend part of the game). His grandson Aaron and the rest of the VPA team defeated his grade school alma mater, Kenilworth. Sorry about that Dad! :)
Best wishes,
Barbara Lewkowitz
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Coach Mo!
I cannot tell you enough how excited CJ and I were to see you tonight at the park! It was definitely the greatest thing ever! Being the cool kid that I am, I was searching the web tonight and I came across your website, coachmo.com, and I showed it to CJ and we think it's awesome! You have some cool pictures on the website, but we decided that you need to mention something about us. So we figured that you should create a section about your fan club (me and CJ of course), tell a little bit about us and how awesome we are at track, and we will take pictures of ourselves and send them to you to put in our section. Doesn't that sound like a cool idea!? Think about it and get back to me- it will make your website even more popular. It was really great seeing you, I hope Lightning is going well! Bye Coach Mo!
Tiffany
Desert Vista High School
TRack & Cross Country
Lightning Track Club Almni
Regional & National Finalist
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Michael is really enjoying football.
Thank you.
Emmy Kuhl
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I saw all those pictures and statistics that you put on your website. I know our players really appreciate that and so do I—thanks so much.
Take care,
T. Vierra
Veritas Football Coach
Coach Mo,
The boys had a ball today!! They are really excited about the season! It took a little while for them to get used to it, but I think they'll do ok...we've only had 2 practices. I was making stuff up today. We don't have any offensive or defensive sets in yet. Hopefully we can get that done this week.
Once again, thanks for inviting us to be in the league...it should be a lot of fun!
Justin Brandt
Summit Stingers
Dear Coach Mo,
Thanks very much for our help in putting on our first meet! I especially appreciate your encouragement of our children and of all of us. May God continue to anoint you for this work He has called you to. It is better to build children than to repair men!
Sincerely,
Bart Tesoriero
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Hi Coach Mo,
I have a friend (Doug Holickey) who wants to start sending his son(Matt 10) to a speed camp and asked me who to go to. You're the best! I'll call you later to catch up. Dylan & Blake are in outdoor flag football now and I need to get them to you for speed to prepare for tackle football.
See ya, Dirk.
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Hi Coach,
Matt finished 4th overall in the 100m against a field of much older kids. Your work with him in the long jumped showed during the season.
A lot of the credit goes to your coaching him the last three years. Thanks.
See you soon.
Brent
 | | Weasels play at halftime during a Cardinals game |
Tuesday, July 14
Cheer Camp Testimonials
From our camp hosted by Beth Snow
at Art Hamilton School
Hamilton Cheer Camp
July 11, 12th 2005
Reflections; Students short summaries on days events, what they learned, liked etc.
Joselin Marquez 8B
Today I learned how to make a high V, low V and some cheers. I also learned that to be a cheerleader is not only jumping and screaming it means a lot more. Also I learned how to sit down and how to stand up.
Today I had lots of fun learning how to dance with a cheerleader from the cardinals.
I would like for our teachers for these two days to be our official teachers for cheerleading.
Marina Ruiz 3rd grade
I learned a bone-arrow. (Bow-arrow) I cheered with those things and I learned how to do a T. I had fun doing that. I had fun doing the exercise. It was so fun in the gym. But the most that I liked were the songs. What I liked so much I did a lot of things in the gym I put some of the uniforms and they are about Huskies.
Lextia Olmos 4th
The new Cheers, the Steps, our positions. What I learned in cheerleading are new cheers, the steps and our positions, how to stand in line.
A teacher showed us how to dance. Dance in position.
Jennifer Falcon 2nd I have fun in cheering (:
Itzel Berber 6th
I learned arm how to do a K and also a lot of things. Also I learned how to dance and do things with my body. I also loved it. Also yesterday we have fun. I like that when we were running and we were doing exercising. I liked that we were dancing and we were doing cartwheels and were doing fun things and we were playing fun stuff that what I love about today.
Arlet Valdes 3rd grade
We learned cheer practice and it was fun.
I learned fun TaTIKX (cheer moves)
Leslie Lopez
Having Fun being a real cheerleader. Having some cheerleading exercise.
Having a big smile in cheerleading.
Having a great time, having so much fun learning how to cheer wonderful. And we got to dance and a professional cardinal showed us. We had a great peacetime.
Yvonne Palma
What I learned today is how cheerleaders sit. I also learned how to make letters with my body. I learned half T and high V low V / diagonal learned lots of stuff. I love to cheer for the Hamilton Huskies.
What I learned today is how to do a cool kick. Also loved the program and I hope theres a same program next year.
Vanessa Alvarez 7th
What I learned today was cheer it was very cold (cool) because I never been in a cheer. We made a lot of new cheers and moves. They were fantastic and very fun I am glad that were cheerleading now I learned how to stand and moves.
What we learned today was that we did a lot of moves a girl from the cardinals came showed us some moves and it was fun we were dancing.
Irma Mayo
I learned new cheers. And how to do new exercise. Also how to sit right if youre a cheerleader. Also I learned to be healthy. I also learned to do T.K.
Today a cheerleader came she showed us how to dance she was a cardinal cheerleader. Her name was Rachel.
Adle Vargas
Today I learned the stretches. The other this is I learned how to sit like a cheerleader and how to stand like a cheerleader. I learned how to dance like one. My favorite part was starting to cheer. I saw a cheerleader of the cardinals. We danced with Rachel. We ran a lot today.
Rosa Mayo
Today I learned many things. I learned how to cheer and how to work together. It was fun and I learned how to yell and even how to be a team. Thats why I liked it and I am glad I was here.
Cheyenne Brown 3rd What I learned to day is cheering is fun do. I liked low V, the best.
Crystal Lopez
I learned how to loose weight and be healthy. They told me if I was a cheerleader last year I said yes. Today I learned more cheers than last year. But the coaches are better then last year. I had fun and met more people.
Today is the last day of cheerleading. We took a picture. We danced we performed. We were doing court wheels and a cardinal cheerleader was here.
Maria Ornelas 7th
I learned arm movements. I also learned that I have to stretch so when we are cheering we wont get hurt. I also learned 5 cheers.
Madeline Jones 2nd
I learned to stand like a cheerleader. I leaned how to sit. I learned how to cheer. It was so fun.
The teacher taught us how to dance. I learned how to stomp; I learned how to clap,
Irene Viscaya
I liked the cheers and the coaches and the PoPos but I liked the dance, and every one was fun.
Lesley Manajares
My favorite part is when I have to cheer. I learn to dance. I learn how to kick. I learn how to sing.
Yelitza Olmos 2nd
Cheers! Moves! Position!
A teacher showed us how to dance. We danced and position.
Araceli Burciaga 6th
I learned the cheer site (coaches) different then us. They have to work a lot and they have to practice three hours a day to get to dance really good. For they dont get any mistakes. All the cheer has to work all day at least. It is hard to work and practice all day and all the day to get it right. They have to do a lot of exercising in the gym.
I learned that the cheer is too hard for us
Anabel Navarro 8th
Today what we did is that we exercised and we learned some of the cheers. Then we went to lunch then after that we came back in the gym and we did some warm ups and we did some other cheers.
I really had fun. I hope that we can have this next year. I learned a lot of cheers and I also learned a dance.
Guadalupe Soto 8th
3 things I learned
1). Cheer is a whole different thing.
2). Theres a lot to it.
3). Its not a easy thing to do.
1). Today I met Rachel a Cardinal Cheerleader.
2). I danced with my group.
3). I had a lot of fun. I had a great time.
Thanks! X o x o Guadalupe Soto!
Miriam Ruiz 7th
I learned a bone-arrow. A high V and a low V. I was hard but I was fun! I had fun being a cheerleader cause I didnt know I was gonna be a cheerleader. But the most important is being here. So I can get an important life.(life skill) I learned a diagonal. And were going to wear a dress and were going to get pom -poms . Were going to try hard o win! I learned a (:
Heidi Falcon 2nd
I have fun cheerleader. I learn a lot it was fun we dance and we (; (smiled)
Ruby Olivas 4th
Today I learned to stand right, sit right and cheer. I also learned to do motions.
Jessica Navarro 2nd-What I learned today got a you and for K T V . (letters arm motions)
Yesenia Sierra 5th
I learned some stretches and words to cheers. I learned if you want something you must work for it. I also learned how to make a V with my body.
Today I learned how to do a kick and dance and lots of other things.
Evelyn Burciaga 4th grade
I learned that stretching is so hard and I learned how to cheer. I learned how to do the K and T Being a cheerleader is a hard job.and today we are going to cheer in the school and they are going to give us presents. I love to cheer. My mom is going to see us cheer and she is happy.
Miriam Mendez 6th
My favorite part is when I have to cheer. I learn to dance. I learn how to kick. I learn how to sing.
Article about Coach Mo & Phoenix Christian Track
Richard Obert
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 9, 2004 12:00 AM
Mo knows, and that's why Phoenix Christian is starting to make Chandler Valley Christian's formidable track program sweat.
Mo Streety, who became the head boys track and field coach this season, has worked with everybody from St. Louis Rams cornerback Aeneas Williams to Valley 12-year-olds in the need for speed.
Now, with a stable of state champion football players, he's got the Cougars on track to give Valley Christian a challenge at the 2A state championships next month.
Senior sprinter Nate Huss is among those who became believers of Streety's program.
"Coach Mo is an amazing coach," said Huss, who has run track for only two years but should be among the favorites at state. "I have fun working with him. He's definitely gotten me faster."
Streety has coached track at Moon Valley and Desert Vista and came to Phoenix Christian last year to help Jim Rattay in the football program and to assist the track program.
He was handed the main track job this season, and he's still got time to work with pro athletes, using Phoenix Christian's facilities, along with Glendale Apollo's.
Williams, Tampa Bay defensive end Simeon Rice, Chicago Bears receiver Bobby Wade and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Tony Womack are among his clients.
Streety also runs a five-on-five flag football league for youths aimed to help with their overall athleticism.
"Phoenix Christian was so different," Streety said. "I was confronted with a bunch of kids who didn't know me or my system. They bought into the system, and coach Rattay told them about my background." This is where he is & who he is....Phoenix Christian.
Streety believes football and track go hand in hand in building the respective programs.
Track works on speed, agility and quickness, some of the main qualities required in football.
Huss was a top kicker in football and a top soccer player this past winter.
Sam Ledford, who starred at tailback on the football team, is one of the best jumpers in Class 2A. And fullback/linebacker Kyle Gingg, the Small School football Player of the Year last season, adds depth to the relays and sprints. Quarterback Josh Schlueter is emerging as one of the top small-school hurdlers.
The Cougars finished fifth at state last season. Some of the field events hurt them then.
"I kind of handicapped the (state) meet," Streety said. "It's going to come down to Nate Huss and our jumpers. Nate has adapted to the lows and highs (hurdles).
"I think Nate will medal in the 100 and the (400) quarter mile. He's the second best (400) quarter miler in 2A."
Bourgade, Valley Christian, Tombstone and Phoenix Christian could all knock each other off in the sprints, Streety believes.
Article on Nate Huss
Family the top prize for 3-sport star
Richard Obert
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 16, 2004 12:00 AM
Nate Huss knows he is half Black and half White. He knows the hard-luck story of his birth mother. He knows he has a father out there somewhere. But right now, none of that matters. The Phoenix Christian High senior sprinter concerns himself with winning the race, helping his school and church, and being a leader among teammates.
He was one of the lucky ones, brought into a home where parents didn't care about color and race, didn't care about blood and history.
Nate is the youngest of eight children of varying nationalities adopted by Dave and Sylvia Huss, transplanted New Englanders who came to Phoenix 23 years ago.
"When I first met Nate, it appeared to me that he was a spoiled, rich kid who had it all," Phoenix Christian track coach Mo Streety said. "He drove a nice car. He had his own cellphone.
"But he wasn't anything like you'd perceive. He's one of the most unselfish kids I know."
Unable to have their own children, Dave and Sylvia Huss opened their hearts and their home.
"We wanted a family, and this is the way the Lord provided them for us," Sylvia said. "Each one was a blessing."
They couldn't stop at one.
"At first, I wanted five boys, all tall," Dave said. "I wanted to coach them in basketball."
Dave said that when the couple began looking to adopt in the 1970s, few babies were available for adoption and the process had become more difficult in the United States.
"So we adopted back from Korea," Dave said. "It became apparent to us in a short time that nationality didn't matter. We realized it was not a priority at all."
Twin girls are from Guatemala, left homeless after their mother died during their births. Another of the children is from Haiti.
Just when it seemed the Husses were content at seven children, the phone rang. It was the local adoption agency.
"They said, 'We realize you have seven, but can we send another one in?' " Dave Huss said. "We prayed about it."
Nate came into the Huss home the next day.
"If you have seven, what's eight?" Dave said. "He fit right in.
"He was the last of the Mohicans."
Nate was only 21 days old.
He knows some of his story.
He was born at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Phoenix. His mother was single.
"She found a relationship," Nate said. "She got pregnant with me. She didn't want me to be raised in the atmosphere she was in and gave me up."
That's all he knows. He doesn't know her name.
For now, Nate excels in sports, church and school. He taught himself guitar and leads worship during Bible studies.
And his family couldn't be prouder.
Seven of the eight children live close enough that they all get together on Sundays for dinner.
"The fact that all of us being adopted, it's a different bond," said Dan, the oldest at 34, who lives in Scottsdale. "We often talk about where we come from, where our mothers come from. We all talk about, had we not been adopted, our situations would have been much worse.
"I think our parents are incredible people who just love the Lord and give kids an opportunity and decided to help kids. They gave us an opportunity to achieve in life."
The family members rarely miss Nate's track meets, just as they were there to see him kick in football and soccer.
In the fall, Nate made 63 of 64 point-after tries and 9 of 11 field-goal attempts, including a 42-yarder in Phoenix Christian's Class 2A championship win over St. Johns. He also started at cornerback on defense.
He made The Arizona Republic's 1A-3A first team in soccer after scoring 37 goals to lead the Cougars. His brother Gabe, 21, who got a soccer scholarship out of high school to Oregon State, is now at Yavapai College in Prescott.
Now, Nate is into only his third season of competing in track and field, and he's among the state's best in the 100 meters (10.9 seconds), 300 low hurdles (40 seconds) and 400 meters (50 seconds).
"He's very well-grounded," Streety said. "He's like a sponge. He enjoys teaching others.
"He's a take-charge kind of guy. I train Aeneas Williams, and he's like a baby Aeneas Williams. If he saw someone slacking, he was all over you. He has high expectations of his teammates and higher expectations of himself."
Dave and Sylvia made sure sports were a main outlet for their children.
After Dan, there is Mike, 32, Becky, 30, twins Ruth and Rachel, 26, Joel, 24, Gabe, 21, and Nate, 18.
The oldest child at adoption was 18 months, and that was only because it took that long with paperwork for the Haitian government to release Gabe to the Huss family.
"Every child is unique, regardless, perhaps a little more when adopted," Dave said. "There is a different set of genes you bring into the home, a different set of givens in their bodies. But when you have your own kids, they can turn into trouble. You just trust the Lord to do the best."
Dave, a former engineer for the United States Bureau of Reclamation, and his wife had a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home in north Phoenix.
"We had it all filled up with bunk beds," said Dave, now a science teacher at Phoenix Christian and an elder at his church.
The family recently sold the house and bought a smaller one in southwest Phoenix with just Nate left.
Some of the children have found their natural parents - with blessings from Dave and Sylvia.
It brings closure.
Some day, Nate might want to find closure.
Not now. He is just beginning to live.
"We're a close family," Nate said. "It's been a great experience."
High School Quarterack running hard in Tucson
Ironwood Ridge QB has big night against Cabs
CASEY CROWE
Tucson Citizen
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Ironwood Ridge High School quarterback Ryan Crawford showed he can do more than pass the ball.
The senior racked up 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries as the Class 4A Nighthawks beat 5A Flowing Wells 41-7 last night.
Although Crawford loves using his high-powered right arm, over the offseason he realized the need to add quick feet to his offensive arsenal.
"I'd rather use my arm, but the main thing I worked on during the off time was my speed," Crawford said. "I went up to Phoenix this summer, and I got faster. That really helped me improve my legs."
Under speed & conditioning coach Mo Streety, Crawford trained alongside NFL standouts Simeon Rice and Terry Fair, as well as numerous other pro and college athletes.
Last night, Crawford displayed his new speed, exploding for runs of 20, 23, 30 and 34 yards in leading visiting Ironwood Ridge to 391 total rushing yards.
Track Alumni nationally ranked
Desert Vista senior Haley Paul is ranked first in the nation in the mile at 4 minutes, 51.83 seconds, set two weeks ago at Arcadia, Calif. She ranks eighth nationally in the 1,600 (4:59.35) and 15th in the 800 (2:13.09). Haley ran for the Lightning as a middle schooler winning two USATF state titles.
 | | From these 8: Christ's Church of The valley, the city's fastest growing league | |
|  | | Fun runs & turkey trots are a big part of our fitness program | |
 | | Soccer is a mainstream sport in the Hamilton school area |
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