I met Jerry – gosh about a decade ago now. And as fate would have it we met on the football field. I had moved to New Castle from Glenwood and was once again coaching a Team for Three Rivers Youth Football. Jerry came up to me and asked if I needed help with coaching and I told him I did. That began a 10 year friendship and partnership. Not only did we coach a very successful bunch of guys in New Castle and Silt into Middle School (and Jerry into high school) – but Jerry and I oversaw the League of Three Rivers Youth Football – and with Jerry’s influence and guidance – ran a League that in my opinion and I know many of you would agree, is the best Youth League in the Roaring Fork Valley. Reflecting over these past few days about Jerry I realized that Jerry and I never - and I truly mean never had an argument over the direction of either our football teams or the League. And if you know both of our personalities - that can be somewhat opinionated at times - that fact is truly remarkable. I think it speaks to our unity and like mindedness. But there was one irritation Jerry insisted tormenting me with at every turn….. It was that dang Oklahoma Sooner garb he wore at practices and other events we would attend together. In fact just a few weeks ago at a golf tournament that he and I were playing together at, he once again steps out of his truck fully decked out in OU apparel! From the top of his head - he was wearing his OU visor - to his shirt and shorts, and before he put on his golf shoes, yeah you guessed it - he had on OU flip flops – and the worst part was he would just stand there smiling – I mean come on – even his dog is named Boomer Sooner! Jerry was a passionate guy. He was passionate about everything he did. If he thought the cause was worth his involvement, Jerry jumped in with both feet and saw it through for “Good” – “Better” -“Best”. Good, Better, Best was a motto he lived by and modeled to his players, family and friends. He always strived to give his Best at all he did. Other than the Football field, some of my best memories are when Jerry and I brought to New Castle through New Hope Church the Boys Stockade Program and oddly enough, with all the boys there, the vast majority of the Jackals from our football teams were there too. When I was over at Jerry’s house this week, Cole reminded me of the sledding parties we took the boys on and it looked like a Jackal reunion. And the dodge ball. You know how competitive Jerry is. I remember one intense game where Jerry was the last man standing on his team. I believe Cole was on the other team and had all of his team mates hold the balls. As they rushed the center line, Jerry did his best to attempt to catch as many balls he could that were hurled at him all at once. As the impact of the balls hit him, he lost his balance and ended up on his rear end laughing as only Jerry could. To Jerry family was everything. I was never around Jerry that he didn’t talk so endearing about Mic. And Jerry was a FAN. He was a fan of Coles. I was never around Jerry for more than a minute that he didn’t inform me of what Cole was up to and accomplishing. The entire day in the golf cart Jerry went on and on about his hero – Cole. And I know that Jerry is looking down upon us all and I’m also sure he just can’t wait to see that first kickoff next Fall of the mighty Coal Ridge Titans! God bless you Jerry and thanks for being a part of my life!