It was a 17-hour drive, not counting stops a transportation alternative this summer prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but a destination that very definitively tells the story of who Charlie Weis Jr. has become.

When the ascending 27-year-old coaching prodigy arrived in the town he still calls home, South Bend, from Tampa, health protocols dictated that he couldnt give his 25-year-old sister, Hannah, a hug.

And they had to communicate through a screen door at her residence at Hannah & Friends Neighborhood, a facility that provides housing and programming for adults and children with special needs.

On Saturday, hell be back in the area, walking into Notre Dame Stadium for the first time since November of 2009, days before his father, Charlie Weis Sr., was told by the ND administration that his five-year run as the schools head football coach was over.

And Charlie Jr. will do so as the University of South Floridas offensive coordinator, going up against his fathers successor, 11th-year ND coach Brian Kelly, and his seventh-ranked Irish (2:30 p.m. EDT; USA Network).

Its the younger Weis almost vertical climb in the coaching business, his fathers rep and the images of him as a teenager wearing a headset and flashing signals from the sideline, to the disapproval at the time of many in the Irish fan base, that frame his return.

It was Hannah, though, who helped inspire it.

Above all, Hannah just makes me want to be a better person, Charlie Jr. said Tuesday in a phone interview of his only sibling, who was diagnosed with global developmental delays as a toddler. And she makes me want to be extremely grateful for the life that I have and to be able to do all the things that I can do.

She can only speak so many words. She can only do so many things. But despite all that, whenever I see her, shes got a smile on her face. Shes laughing. Shes having fun. She always says she loves you.

And man, if you can be a happy person and a person whos extremely loving with all the adversity and all the things that shes been through, it makes me want to seize every moment of my life that I can.

Charlie Weis Jr. seized coaching.

The Weis family Hannah, Charlie Jr., Charlie and Maura walk the grounds of the site for Hannah & Friends Neighborhood at a 2007 groundbreaking ceremony.

Against the advice of his father. Against the forbidding of his mom, Maura, whom he nevertheless calls his best friend. And despite the boos and the insults, cyber and direct, that pocked Charlie Sr.s final three years at ND after consecutive BCS Bowl appearances in 2005-06.

The ugliness seemed to crest at Charlie Jr.s most recent trip to Notre Dame Stadium, a 33-30 double-overtime loss to UConn on Senior Day 2009 engineered by Huskies starting quarterback Zach Frazer, a player Charlie Sr. had run off a couple of years prior.

It was obviously a hard night, losing to UConn, not fun, Charlie Jr. said. You kind of know how things go and where things were heading, kind of preparing yourself for all of that.

So I just honestly remember after the game going home and being with my dad. And I thought he did a good job, in a very difficult time for him, of teaching me to keep my head up and to look forward and not worry about things.

I learned a lot that day. But of all the things I learned, thats what I remember most.

The elder Weis landed an offensive coordinator gig with the Kansas City Chiefs shortly thereafter, and the move had an unintended profound effect on the trajectory of Charlie Jr.s professional and personal life.

As much as he loved Saint Joseph High School, where he played baseball, he felt like he could make a fresh start at St. Pius X High in Kansas City, Mo. He shed 60 pounds in the offseason and went out for football for the first time, making the team as a wide receiver.

I didnt know at the time how much that it would help my coaching someday, he said. Playing the receiver position, getting a feel for it and seeing it through that lens I think was really important. As a coordinator, you have to develop the pass game and see a lot of that stuff.

So having at least some familiarity with playing the position definitely helps. And I definitely got some good coaching there, good experiences. And then just bonding with the players and being part of a team as a player was another important thing to experience.

Charlie Weis Jr. (left) is in his first season as offensive coordinator for the University of South Florida football team, which visits Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.

Away from football, his school locker was located next to the woman who Charlie Jr., would eventually marry, Jennifer, a former figure skater who knew almost nothing about football at the time.

She didnt know who I was or who my dad was, and that was actually a good thing, he said. Id talk to her and see her every day. By the end of the year we were dating. We stayed together through college and everything.

God works in mysterious ways. Youd think my dad getting fired was the worst thing in the world. You love South Bend. You love St. Joe High School and wanted to graduate from there. Well I ended up leaving there, moving to Kansas City for my senior year, and so the high school I picked was the one where my (future) wife was.

Oh, and now she pays attention to football, but I think its mainly because of (Chiefs QB) Patrick Mahomes.

Charlie Jr. perhaps first showed signs of coaching chops and definitely audacity in the moments after Charlie Sr.s first game as NDs head coach. Standing on the sideline after Notre Dames shocking 42-21 pummeling of heavily favored and 23rd-ranked Pitt on the road in the 2005 season opener, 12-year-old Charlie Jr. leaned into his dads question about what he thought about the game and uttered, Nice game. Sloppy second half, though, huh?

Father and son still remember that exchange like it was yesterday. And they both too vividly recall moving into former Irish head coach Bob Davies house before building their own.

With a full-sized functional baseball field in the backyard.

As much as I loved playing baseball, coaching football was always my true passion, Charlie Jr. said. Those relationships that my dad has with guys like Kyle Rudolph, Jimmy Clausen, Kyle McCarthy and Golden Tate still today to me made it so cool and made it something that I wanted to do and that I wanted to have.

Charlie Weis Jr. (left) was a fixture on the Irish sidelines during father Charlie Sr.s five-year run as Notre Dames head football coach (2005-09).

And to be a positive influence on young peoples lives and help them grow and help them be the best versions of themselves, not just as players, but as people.

It was his own connection to those players that kept Charlie Jr. following Notre Dame football under Kelly, at least initially.

I feel like hes done a tremendous job at Notre Dame throughout the years, Charlie Jr. said of Kelly.

The two, though, have never crossed paths. Nor has Charlie Jr. and NDs 28-year-old offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees.

That is not since Rees was a 17-year-old high school senior quarterback that Charlie Sr. was recruiting. Oregon showed an interest in both Charlie Jr. and Rees this offseason. Rees interviewed for the offensive coordinator job there that ultimately went to Joe Moorhead.

Charlie Jr. had a chance to do the same, but stuck with the job he landed two days before Christmas as Jeff Scotts offensive coordinator at USF.

Charlie Jr.s previous two seasons were spent coordinating and revving up the offense at Florida Atlantic for Lane Kiffin. His coaching journey also includes stops with Florida and Kansas with his dad at Alabama under Nick Saban, and with pro teams Atlanta and New England.

Not always were the responsibilities glamorous or well-defined, but Charlie Jr. always found a way to make the most of those.

Driving from Tampa to South Bend and back this summer gave him plenty of time to dream, especially about where all this could be headed.

Instead, he thought about his sisters smile and enjoying a promising present.

Im just extremely grateful to be where Im at, at this point in time in my career, he said. Every day Im thankful that Im the OC at South Florida and get to work with a bunch of really good people and coach a bunch of good players here.

I havent really put too much thought into the future. I really just truly am excited to be at USF and to have the moments that I think are possible here. And every day I learn something. Thats how I dream.

See the rest here:
At the heart of the matter, sister inspires Charlie Weis Jr.'s coaching climb - Notre Dame Insider

From podcasters to bloggers and speakers, these influential figures are helping school leaders, IT decision-makers and educators navigate todays uncertain educational landscape.

Theres no denying that 2020 has been a challenging year for teachers, administrators, students and their families. The coronavirus pandemic threw several curveballs at our nations schools and education systems, pushing many educators to teach and work together remotely for the first time.

Despite the hardships this year has brought on, educators were quick to adapt. They worked tirelessly to continue learning for millions of children online without forgoing authentic relationships and community. They embraced the power of technology and learned to use digital tools from collaboration platforms to the cloud in ways that support inclusive, innovative and secure learning experiences for their students.

But its clear that theres still a lot for educators to learn, especially as they likely will rely heavily on technology beyond this school year. To stay agile in a rapidly evolving world, schools and districts will need to be on top of the latest ed tech trends and offerings, even more than they were before the pandemic.

To help,EdTechhas compiled a list of influencers who are using social and digital media to inform, engage and even entertain those in the education space. Below are 30 of the savviest K12 IT leaders, bloggers, podcasters and social media personalities you should be following right now. If you're on the list, spread the news and don't forget to grab our influencer images for your social media pages or websites.

Adam Juarez is a technology integration coach for grades six to 12 at Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District in California. He leads teachers in implementing technology in their lessons through one-on-one coaching, demonstrations and professional development. Through his website, podcast and Twitter account, Juarez shares step-by-step advice on using various tools, from Zoom to Google apps.

Adam Phyall is the director of technology and media services at Newton County School System in Covington, Ga. He is also a former high school science teacher. On his social media accounts, website and podcast, Phyall shares tech-focused presentation slides and other insights and tips on educational technology.

Andrew Arevalo is a fourth grade teacher and esports director for McCabe Union Elementary School District in El Centro, Calif. Arevalo, also known by the handle Gameboydrew, discusses topics of blended learning, the power of play and human-centered design on his website and his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Amelia Vance oversees theStudent Privacy Compasswebsite (formerly FERPA|Sherpa) and reviews applicants to the Student Privacy Pledge. She advises policymakers, academics, companies, school districts and states on child and student privacy law and best practices information she also shares on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Ari Flewelling is a K12 education strategist for CDWG. She specializes in pedagogy-first technology integration to enhance practice and student achievement. Throughout her work, she ensures technology is implemented equitably to provide all students access and opportunity.

Carla Jefferson co-hosts a podcast about educational technology in the Darlington County (S.C.) School District, where she is an instructional technology coordinator. She also is the director of the Darlington County Virtual Academy.

Christopher Bugaj is an inclusive design facilitator, an author and a founding member of the assistive technology team for Loudoun County (Va.) Public Schools. He co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast, which focuses on augmentative and alternative communication. On social media, Bugaj shares information and advice about making educational experiences accessible to all students. He and his wife have also teamed up to createNight Light Stories, a podcast of original stories for children.

David Chan is the instructional technology director at Evanston Township High School in Illinois and the project lead of his districts one-to-one digital learning initiative. Hes also a Google for Education certified innovator and trainer and regularly presents at educational technology conferences. Follow him on Twitter to stay in the know on all the latest ed tech trends especially for Googles products.

Superintendent David Miyashiro led Cajon Valley Union School Districts seamless transition to the digital age. His Twitter account and the California districts YouTube channel show examples of educators using educational technology in creative ways.

Desiree Alexander, an award-winning educator with multiple degrees, is the founder and CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting. Shes also the North Louisiana regional director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. Through her blog, social media and YouTube channel, Alexander shares ed tech tips to empower educators.

Esther Park is a high school teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages who is passionate about integrating technology to provide equitable access to quality instruction for all learners. Through her social media accounts and YouTube channel, she shares instructional resources and tech tutorials to empower educators and students to become global citizens.

Gregory Bagby is the coordinator of instructional technology for Hamilton County (Tenn.) Schools and a professional learning specialist for theNorthwest Council for Computer Education. Bagby, a former principal, discusses educational technology on social media accounts and co-moderates #EdTechChat and #TnEdChat on Twitter.

Jake Miller is a technology integration specialist for Orange City School District in Ohio. His podcast focuses on how educators can use technology to meet their goals, address learning standards and solve problems in the classroom. He also posts helpful how-to videos on his YouTube channel.

Jennifer Williams is a professor at Saint Leo University in Florida, co-founder ofTeachSDGsandTake Action Globaland the president of ISTEs Education Leaders Professional Learning Network. As an educator and author of the ISTE book,Teach Boldly: Using Edtech for Social Good,she champions teachers to use educational technology for the benefit of people and the planet. Connect with her on social media to get a daily dose of ed tech inspiration.

A rising star in STEM education and advocacy, Justin Shaifer is a popular-science communicator with a talent for understanding and inspiring Generation Z students. He founded Fascinate, a nonprofit that partners with organizations such as Microsoft and Google to get under-represented students excited about STEM careers. Hes also known forThe Magic Cool Busand his TEDx talk,How to Speak Generation Z,and he is the host ofEscapeLab, a live science show on Twitch. He also creates animatedYouTube videosthat demystify STEM concepts for urban students.

After working as an educator for over 20 years, Ken Shelton is now a professional keynote speaker and educational technology strategist. Through his social media and The Liberated Educator podcast, Shelton engages educators in learning about digital equity, anti-bias/anti-racism, multimedia literacy, instructional design and more.

Kristina Ishmael is an educator, learner, advocate and agent of change. Currently, she is the director of primary and secondary education at the nonprofit Open Education Global. Through her work and social media accounts, Kristina shares best practices for creating inclusive and representative digital learning resources.

Kyle Pace is the instructional technology director at Lees Summit R-7 School District in Missouri. He is also the founder of EdCamp KC, an unconference for educators.

With his blog and Twitter account, veteran educator Matt Hiefield spotlights issues related to digital equity and homework, and the solutions to consider.

Matthew Lynch, a writer, activist and former university dean, uses his online publication, The Tech Edvocate, to share the latest ed tech news in the P20 education sector. He also has a podcast called The Edvocate, which is dedicated to conversations about equity, reform and innovation in education.

Melissa Lim is a technology integration specialist for Portland Public Schools in Oregon. She works collaboratively with her school community in both leadership and classroom settings to support professional learning and the integration of technology and curriculum in her district. Shes also the co-founder ofEdcampPDXand co-organizes events such asEdTech Women Portland. She shares tips for how educators can reimagine education with technology through her social media and website.

When shes not working as a technology specialist for Ladue School District in St. Louis, Mo., Patricia Brown, aka Ms. EdTechie, helps educators create meaningful tech interactions and address the digital divide by sharing practical techniques through her blog, social media and speaking engagements.

Randy Ziegenfuss is superintendent of the Salisbury Township School District in Pennsylvania. In his blog posts and podcasts, Ziegenfuss explores how to shift the K12 school system to be more learner centered, learner friendly and responsive to todays ever-changing, technology-rich world.

Shawn Beard, known to his followers as The Techy Coach, is executive director of curriculum at Sand Springs Public Schools in Oklahoma. Through his website and social media accounts, Beard shares tech tips and best practices learned over the years as a teacher, administrator and Google certified trainer.

Sarah-Jane Thomas is a regional tech coordinator at Prince Georges County Public Schools and affiliate faculty at Loyola University in Maryland. She is the founder of EduMatch, a project that empowers educators to make global connections across common areas of interest. She also is a co-author of the ISTE book series on digital equity strategies, Closing the Gap.

Sheldon Eakins, director of special education at Shoshone-Bannock School District in Fort Hall, Idaho, has a passion for helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. Hes the founder of theLeading Equity Centerand host of the Leading Equity Podcast, which features interviews and stories from voices of equity in education today. Listeners can learn strategies to ensure all students have access to what they need to be successful including technology.

Sonal Patel is a digital learning innovation coordinator for San Bernardino County (Calif.) Superintendent of Schools. She provides professional learning opportunities to increase teacher capacity in blended learning pedagogy and supports teachers and administrators in several areas, such as digital citizenship and using Google and Microsoft tools for education. She uses her blog and social media to share innovative ed tech tips and collaborate with other professionals in her field.

Sophia Mendoza is director of the Instructional Technology Initiative for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school district. Through this role, she oversees the implementation of computer science education and digital citizenship programs across LAUSDs 1,300 schools. Her work has been recognized by the Center for Digital Education, the Learning Counsel and other educational organizations, including as CoSN and ISTE. Follow her to learn more about how to expand instructional technology opportunities for all students.

Vernon Wright is an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach and consultant. He has more than 15 years of experience in education working in large, urban school districts, and has worked as a teacher, teacher leader, campus leadership team member and in district-level support. He uses a combination of insight, storytelling, experience and humor to reach audiences around the world through social media and the Global EdTech Academy sponsored by Microsoft EDU and CUE.

If youd like to check out the Must-Read IT Blogs from previous years, view our lists from 2019,2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Image by Amira Martin

See the original post:
30 K12 IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2020 - EdTech Magazine: Focus on Higher Education

BAY CITY, MI An Essexville woman who suffered fatal injuries while attempting to help another woman wounded in a crash on U.S. 10 is being remembered for her selflessness and generosity to others.

Likewise, the Unionville woman she was trying help, who also died of her injuries, is being remembered for her loving and free-spirited nature.

Kimberly P. Abela, 50, died of injuries she sustained while trying to help Lisa E. Archibald, 52, on Sept. 2. About 4:35 p.m. that day, Archibald was driving a Chevrolet Equinox east on U.S. 10 through Williams Township when an altercation ensued between her and her passenger daughter, Ashley N. Katshor, police have said. Archibald ended up stopping the Equinox, exiting it, and walking along the highway. Katshor then struck her mom with the vehicle, police have said.

Abela was also driving on U.S. 10 and stopped her vehicle to get out and help Archibald. While doing so, both she and Archibald were struck by a Chevrolet Impala driven by a 43-year-old Bay City man.

Responding personnel pronounced Archibald deceased at the scene. Abela was taken to an area hospital, where she died shortly thereafter, troopers report.

Abela was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and earned a masters degree from Northwood University, her obituary states.

Kim was known for her kind nature and devoted ways, her obituary reads. She loved helping others, life coaching, boating, fishing, bike riding, gardening, playing cards, playing games, and absolutely loved animals. Above all, Kim loved her children and her husband, Anthony, and all of her family and friends with all her heart.

Abela worked as the director of marketing and business development for SYM Financial Advisors in Midland. She enjoyed her work volunteering her time with the homeless and the poor. Always concerned for others, Kim helped others improve their life and job skills out of the goodness of her heart. Her selfless ways, generous heart, warm personality, and love for all those she encountered will live on for generations to come.

Archibald, affectionately nicknamed Auntie, was known for being genuine, her obituary states. She loved just as hard as she worked. She would live life for the thrill, always basking in the moment she was in. Her fun, loving, and free-spirited personality meant a prank wasnt far behind.

Archibald had passions for cooking, camping, and helping others.

Her want to help her family never went unnoticed, her obituary continues. She always said her happiness was the children in her life. She always had her door open for them and anyone else that was in need. Her personality was a diamond in the rough, and she will forever be in our hearts. Family meant the world to Lisa; memories made with her will be cherished forever.

Katshor, 34, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter, a 15-year felony, stemming from her moms and Abelas deaths.

As of Sept. 8, Katshor remains in the Bay County Jail on a $150,000 cash-surety bond. She is due in court for a preliminary examination on Sept. 24.

Read more:

Woman charged in traffic-related deaths of her mother and a good Samaritan on U.S. 10

Argument leads to 2 crashes on U.S. 10, two women killed, police say

Central Michigan University drops professor who used racial slur from website, report says hes gone

Man charged after police say he tried robbing 2 Bay County gas stations within minutes

State police release report on fired Saginaw police officer, but you cant read most of it

Read the original post:
2 women killed in U.S. 10 crash remembered for their loving ways - mlive.com

Amazon will hold a virtual Career Day 2020 on Wednesday, Sept. 16 with the goal of filling 33,000 openings along with thousands of additional hourly roles in Amazons Operations network to be announced soon.

In a news release, Amazon said it is seeking to fill corporate and tech jobs available across the country. The company also will mobilize 1,000 of its recruiters to provide 20,000 career coaching sessions to attendees in a single day.

"With many people left unemployed by the economic impact of COVID-19 and searching for new jobs, Career Day is designed to support all job seekers, regardless of their level of experience, professional field, or background or whether they are looking for a job at Amazon or another company.

On top of the 20,000 one-on-one coaching sessions, Career Day also includes three hours of mainstage programming that will feature fireside chats, panel discussions, and interviews with leading career-advice experts and Amazon executives."

Beth Galetti, Amazon senior vice president human resources said, Weve created more jobs in the U.S. over the past decade than any other company and we are continuing to hire people from all backgrounds and at all skill levels. We are glad to be able to mobilize more than 1,000 experienced recruiters and HR professionals to help job seekers across the country learn about opportunities at Amazon and elsewhere.

During career day, participants can:

According to Amazon, it has more than 875,000 employees in 40 states and 250 countries with 18 Tech Hubs, more than 150 fulfillment centers, sortation centers, delivery stations and at the retail stores, Amazon Go, 4 Star and Amazon books.

For more information about Career Day 2020 including how to register for the event, book your one-on-one session with an Amazon recruiter, and apply for open roles to toamazon.jobs/careerday.

READ MORE

Amazon wins FAA approval to deliver packages by drone.

Yes, there will be a Prime Day in 2020, Amazon says, without specifying date.

Originally posted here:
Need a job? Amazon seeks to fill 33,000 openings on Career Day 2020 - pennlive.com

Its safe to say that Brock Roders heart has always belonged in McFarland.

He was raised there, played sports in all four years at McFarland High School including football, basketball, golf, and track and field, continued as an athlete at Madison College and eventually became general manager of Spartan Bowl. He has three children and still coaches sports. His accomplishments as a father and husband match the successes he had in athletics. Hes had a good life filled with fond memories.

I love being in McFarland and raising kids here, said Roder, who graduated from McFarland in 1999. Theres plenty you wish you could change, but its not always an option.

Football hero

McFarland High School is different compared to how it looked when Roder first walked through the doors in the mid-1990s. In his senior year, the school went through a major remodeling including construction of a new gym.

A lot has changed even from then with the new pool, auditorium and turf football field, said Roder, who displayed some exceptional talents on the football team when it was still grass in 1998.

That year, the Spartans finished with a 6-3 regular season record and advanced to the WIAA playoffs under head coach Scott Rice. Roder was dominant as a wide receiver on offense and a defensive back on defense.

Roder got the season off to a good start by returning a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown in the Spartans 34-7 win over Mount Horeb. The Spartans would go on to win their next three games including a 27-0 victory over Lodi, led by Roders five receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. Roder returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown as McFarland moved to 4-0 with a 34-0 over Lakeside Lutheran. But the winning streak ended with two straight defeats to Wisconsin Heights and Poynette to drop the Spartans to 4-2.

McFarland recovered for a 46-6 triumph over Sugar River as Roder caught four passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns. The Spartans lost the following week to Columbus 21-14 but routed Evansville/Albany 27-6 in the regular season finale. McFarlands first round opponent in the playoffs was Jefferson. Roder did his part with a 43-yard touchdown pass, but the Spartans season ended in 31-14 loss to the Eagles.

Roder attained All-Capitol Conference first team honors on offense and defense. He finished out his high school athletic career on the boys basketball and boys golf teams.

Roder said he was fortunate to have great coaches at McFarland that helped him develop as an athlete.

Chuck Kubicek was my basketball coach. Gary Oftedahl was my golf coach and Bruce Fischer for track. I was very lucky to have the coaches I had, but Brad Minter will forever be the best coach I ever had, said Roder, referring to McFarlands long-time athletic director and assistant football coach. He held me to a higher standard and pushed me to be great. He was just an amazing guy.

Playing college roundball

After graduating from high school, Roder enrolled at Madison Area Technical College and joined the mens basketball team.

I ran into (former basketball teammate) Jon Severson in the hallway one day, and he told me he was getting ready for tryouts, Roder said. I didnt know they even had a team. We ended up going to tryouts and we both made the team. It was a great experience and I still have records on the Madison College all-time list.

Roder is the mens basketball teams second all-time career leader in assists, second all-time for steals in a season, ninth in free-throw percentage in a season, and 13th in career assists.

Roder transferred to UW-Whitewater in 2001 and made the football team, but he was sidelined by an injury.

I separated my shoulder before the season opener and never made it back, he said. I left the team halfway through the season.

A life in bowling

Yet, Roder continued at Whitewater and earned a degree in physical education in 2004. Then, came an opportunity he couldnt turn down: to be general manager of Spartan Bowl in McFarland. He remained in that position until 2016.

There werent many teaching jobs at the time so a steady income was good, Roder said.

Running Spartan Bowl was great. The best part of the job was getting to know the customers, and I have carried on those friendships with me still to this day. It was great getting to know strangers and regulars.

Managing a bowling alley requires working nights and weekends, and eventually, Roder longed for a job with normal hours. He now works in sales for Legacy Exteriors in McFarland.

Roder lives a good life with his wife Nikki and their three children: 14-year-old Braylan, 11-year-old Ava and 7-year-old Kashton.

His kids have been active in sports, and Roder, who has 15 years of coaching experience, has been supporting their different athletic interests.

I coached Braylan in baseball, basketball and football, Roder said. He is now a freshman so we have one U14 baseball tournament left that I will coach him in and then that may be it for my coaching career with him.

In July 2019, Braylan competed in the MLB Pitch, Hit and Run contest during the All-Star Game in Cleveland.

Roder also coached his daughter in softball and will soon spend his first year coaching her in basketball. He also helped Kashton with flag football and baseball.

During his college years, Roder coached McFarland High School freshman and junior varsity boys basketball and also served as a coach for the schools freshman football squad.

In several years, Roder may have another child to coach as his wife Nikki is expecting another baby in February,

I love coaching and trying to get the most out of each kid, Roder said. I am hard on the kids and want to see them succeed and when they do I am their No. 1 fan. Thats the best part.

The rest is here:
Living a life of contentment | McFarland Thistle - The Cambridge News

Lola Vanderstrand spent years working in audio for major media companies like CBS and Oprah Winfrey Company, but like so many women who are born entrepreneurs she desired more meaning from her day to day life. When Vanderstand began examining some of her past relationships, she also started studying affirmations, neuro-linguistic programming, brainwave entrainment and the law of attraction. Using her background in audio production she started to produce her own pieces and thus Then Comes Love was born. Today the Great Malvern, England-based entrepreneur is a certified professional life coach, relationship expert and hypnotherapist who uses personalized audio to help facilitate change in her clients lives.

Vanderstands story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:

Sometime ago, I seemed to have what I wanted. I worked for major media companies including CBS and the Oprah Winfrey company. But I desired a more fulfilling life and a relationship with meaning and I didnt understand what was taking so long. I got serious about myself, believing that I wouldnt have this strong yearning or desire, if it was not meant to manifest. I took responsibility for my past relationships and mistakes, forgave myself and those involved. I started to focus on my future and what I wanted. I read books about how we all function differently in relationship depending on how we were brought up, our experiences in past relationships, what we have learned and what we hold on to, the stories we tell ourselves about what happens to us and our limiting beliefs and barriers. I marvelled at the different mindsets, love languages and styles of communication. I learned and practiced letting go and forgiveness. I took responsibility, decided to stop lamenting and just get on with it. I studied affirmations, neuro-linguistic programming and work with brainwave entrainment and the law of attraction. Incorporating theses to produce my own audio featuring what I had learned, I listened to the audio every day and night and it changes my mindset and helps me to manifest my goals. Through this time of study and self-reflection, I discovered part of my purpose. I wanted to use my background in media production to help people manifest their desires. To break through the barriers that hold us back from leading the life we all want. I became certified as a Hypnotherapist and trained to be a coach. Now I produce audio to facilitate change and use coaching hypnotherapy to help others.

My definition of success entails having financial security for that is needed to fulfil my purpose. My purpose of helping my clients achieve their goals comes from a mindset of what is possible and not living from a place of lack. It is having the confidence to be visible and not worry about the fear of judgement from others. Its in realizing that people are already judging me no matter what I do. My definition of success entails working to have financial security for that is what is needed to fulfil my purpose to help my clients. It also entails being of service to my clients, even if that means sharing my stories of failure because thats how we grow. It is important to me that I help my clients become aware and acknowledge the barriers that hold them back from achieving what they are meant for. So many times we become stuck in what is comfortable and safe because we dont think we deserve anything more or because we notice the way our counterparts earn more. This is because weve lowered our standards to becoming unworthy. It is so rewarding to help a client navigate through the stages of lack to success

One of my biggest success so far is being a recipient of the Gracie Award from The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. But perhaps my biggest success is having the courage to follow in the direction I feel I am being led by the Divine.

There is something powerful about asking for help and Im so glad I did. I hired a virtual assistant and got professional help when building my website. My top challenge at the moment is coming out of the shell of an introvert and becoming more visible in helping clients using coaching hypnotherapy in business. I pride myself on being a quiet bird, and nothing makes me happier than reverting to my quiet moments as a Quaker. The world is becoming a place where people do not feel safe and are triggered by what is a continuing pattern. In the face of violence and injustice, people need to feel safe and have a space to share and grow and contemplate on what is possible for us as a global community. If I need to come out of my quiet introvert self to help then I get to make a small impact on that possibility. To address that possibility means remembering to have faith as a human and being able to direct my mindset to positivity, to be able to look for and find what it good about the world and choosing to help others find that too.

I can be quite independent and so I am my own role model. Though I do also admire, Jen Sincero, Maxine Nwaneri, Jennifer Grace and perhaps Oprah.

Website http://www.thencomeslove.co.uk Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thencomeslove

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The Tom House story could just as easily be titled the Mad Scientist and a Series of Most Fortunate Events.

But is it at all fortunate if every last success is warranted? Is there anything at all mad about employing science and psychology to the brute practice of throwing an object?

I always thought I was going to be a big-league pitcher. I mean, I didn't ever think about anything else, Dr. Tom House tells me over Zoom call. He wears a ball cap and glasses, the epitome of a scholarly ballplayer who made it his passion to study every nuance of the game.

And he made good on that dream; he also managed to fit in an extra dream or two along the way, becoming a pitching coach for the Texas Rangers, helping out the likes of Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. He also transitioned rather nicely into something of a quarterback guru. Two of his more noteworthy students you may have heard of, Drew Brees and Tom Brady.

The man who never stops teaching, never stops caring about moving sports forward, is launching yet another endeavor.

At 73-years-old, he is still holding class and doing so with modern vigor. Last week, Mustard began welcoming interested parties. You can now sign up and test out a new app that finally makes world-class analysis accessible to the masses.

In a sense, its kind of like your very own Dr. House on the go, offering digital analytics and tools to help those athletes be the best they can be.

Throwing a ball is remarkably simple but profoundly difficult to master.

If your career depends on such things as velocity, trajectory and accuracy you go see a man who knows about such things.

Dr. House is the guy you shut up and listen to. Whether its on the field, glove in hand, neck crooked to the side as you stare at him holding class. Or whether its on a Zoom call as he goes on about a life unusual, a life filled with what certainly seems like happenstance.

Dig deeper and it all makes sense why he was there to catch Hank Aarons historic home run while waiting out in the bullpen. Its obvious why his coaching would resonate so well with someone like Nolan Ryan. Its clear how a small adjustment from House would benefit the already stellar Randy Johnson.

And I am quite convinced that there is nothing coincidental or mystic about the fact that he guided two of the best arms in the NFL in Brees and Brady.

One chapter after another unfolds and you are left bewildered. He jokingly refers to himself as the Forrest Gump of sports, finding himself at the right place at the right time. The preposterous notion is funny but not the entire picture.

House was born in Seattle in 1947, but his family moved to La Puente in 1960. He was dropped into a Southern California area that was still evolving from a sprawling patchwork of groves and possibility, to an industrial gateway to Los Angeles.

As he tells it, there was just one thing the kids did in his neighborhood, and that was play baseball. Not that his parents were all that enamored with sports.

My mom was a no way, no play, parent. If we didn't get As in the classroom, we couldn't play sports, House recalled. She knew that playing sports was fun; getting a degree, getting a good education was a lifetime thing.

He quickly discovered that being a left-handed pitcher with a curve was a useful commodity at the ballpark. The only thing valued at home, however, were grades.

Id come home and say, Hey, dad, I threw a no-hitter today, he recalled. He'd go, That's great. Whats a no-hitter? My dad was kind of a nerd and my mom would say, That's wonderful. Did you get an A in English?

Dedication and a strong work ethic were cultivated at home while House worked on his pitching when he wasnt earning money the, well, rewarding way.

I grew up just south of Alta Dena Dairy, House said. In fact, my brother and I used to go shovel shit out of the stalls before we went to school. It was like $3 a stall and you would just take a quick shower and go to school; it was pretty cool.

House is quick to dispel the notion that he is somehow special in this regard. To him, taking pride in your work is a generational thing, something people his age dont just take satisfaction in but take as a given. You put your head down, work and worry about accomplishment over accolades.

Eventually the legendary USC baseball coach Rod Dedeaux came calling, explaining to House that he may not necessarily have baseball in his future but a degree from the prestigious university meant that he would, always have a job somewhere.

So, becoming a Trojan was a no brainer, and it was as eye-opening an experience as it was humbling. One of his first forays on the bump, a bullpen session with Dedeaux nearby, House met someone who would go on to light up the Majors in the years that followed.

While House tossed a bullpen, he heard the sonic boom of a baseball hitting a catchers glove from the rubber next to him.

His skipper went over to House, placed a hand on his shoulder and inquired, Tommy House, what do you think of young Tom Seaver?

Obviously, young Tommy had a question himself. Was Dedeaux hoping his lefty with a looping curve would suddenly catch lighting and become a fastball specialist like his USC counterpart.

Dedeaux shot back, I don't want you to be Tom Seaver, I want you to be Tommy House. Hes gonna be after the bat and you're going to be before the bat, and you're both going to win thirty games for me.

Seaver would go on to garner a 35-3 record; House would collect 33 wins and five losses for the Trojans

Eventually, it was time for House to take his talents to the next level. But before he put pen to paper, his USC skipper had one more stroke of genius for House. Dedeaux allowed me to sign if I would ask for my education through my Ph.D. program, House said.

And in those days, they gave college scholarships away as part of signing bonus because nobody ever went back to school.

The move set House up for life. He probably figured I'd never play in the big leagues, but if I could get my education paid for through my Ph.D. program, I might turn out fine, he said.

The deal was lucrative, I got more of a signing bonus than Tom Seaver did because the Braves were still paying for my education when I was forty-four years old.

It was a decision that helped House eventually garner not just Bachelor of Science in marketing and Master of Business Administration degrees, but House would move on and collect a Ph.D. in sports psychology once his playing days were over.

Life in the minors is never glamorous, but Houses first foray in Triple-A was particularly humbling. He recalls actually thinking he was getting the ax when manager Clyde King strode over to him and asked to speak to him. Thats normally the kiss of death delivered with a cordial gesture.

Instead, the insightful King relayed a thought he had on Houses strengths.

The lefty was great the first time through a lineup, battered around the second time through and, well, its best not to discuss what happened if he ever saw the lineup a third time.

King saw a perfect pitcher to come out of the bullpen, using him more often in shorter stints.

I was in the big leagues the next year, House recalled.

Something became quite apparent to him at a young age. Embracing a mentors wisdom is the secret to success.

Wherever I went, someone put their hand on my shoulder and told me what I needed to do to get to get by, House explained. And so where people will say, oh, you know, you've had this, that, whatever, I've always had someone mentor me at the right time at the right place for the right reason.

Theres a picture hanging on Dusty Bakers wall. Its a moment in time, when Black and White players didnt often interact with one another. Let alone in southern cities like Atlanta.

Yet, theres the picture, Baker, Ralph Garr, Hank Aaron, Maximino Len cutting it up with Satchel Paige in the dugout. And there in the picture, hanging out with his baseball buddies, is Tom House.

House was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1967, entering professional baseball alongside Baker and Garr.

Sidebar:

Ask House to tell you a story and hes going to shoehorn in what he calls a sidebar. The term connotes a superfluous anecdote but it's so often the heart of a story that would otherwise go missing.

I liked the idea so much Im going to employ it here.

You see, Toms mother was an orphan from Marathon, Iowa. Its perhaps that reason Houses parents didnt hesitate to welcome in a boy by the name of Richard Rice when he himself found himself without a home or family.

Being an African-American during a time when racism was painfully overt, Rice experienced society's ills while shopping for shoes.

Toms mother reprimanded a store manager when one of his workers would not size Rices feet for shoes although he gladly sized House and his brother.

House remembers his mother saying to the manager, I expect my whole family to be treated the same.

And growing up in La Puente, attending Nogales High School, House was surrounded by a predominantly Mexican-American student body.

I never really understood the color issue, House said. It just didn't make much sense to me.

It never entered House's mind to ever treat anyone differently. He would quickly become pals with Garr and Baker.

Baker tells me that House was one of the rare White ballplayers to hang with his Black teammates: Back then with the Braves in the south, you didnt do that.

Baker remembers their chats, which were immersive and covered a wide range of topics including race.

Housey and I, you know, we hit it off, Baker recalled. We had some pretty heavy conversations.

Its quite possible that his friendships help cultivate another relationship with a man renowned for his prolific power.

I'm guessing in retrospect that one of the reasons that Henry probably was comfortable with me is that Dusty and Ralph were his go-to guys in that clubhouse, House said.

But dont think for a moment that any of this was a conscious effort, because House was just being a decent human, a profundity of the time.

I remember I was absolutely clueless; I was just happy to be alive, happy to be playing baseball, House explained. Obviously, getting to the big leagues was a dream come true. And the fact that Dusty and Ralph, who were, you know, they were stars, didn't treat me any different.

Now for someone who spent his entire life throwing the ball, House sure did become famous for catching one.

April 8, 1974: Hank Aaron surpasses the great Babe Ruth with his 715th home run, a shot that landed in left-center, right into the outstretched glove of Tom House.

On the mound was Al Downing, a pitching facsimile to House, a left-hander with a good fastball, a curve and a changeup he would throw off his fastball.

There are so many stories about the harrowing journey Aaron embarked upon as he chased the Babe, and the iconic moment is filled with so much heart and pageantry with Aarons mother embracing him at home plate and the great Vin Scully calling that particular game.

But there is a story just to the periphery that signals the kind of teammate House was. The lefty spent eight years in the Braves organization, five with the big-league club from 1971-1975.

As House puts it, that home run was the apex of his eventual eight-year career.

The good news is that's probably the highlight of my major league career. The bad news is that's the highlight of my major league career, House recalled with a smile.

Images and the video of the game show Aarons historic home run trot, fans coming to offer in-person accolades and a triumphant legend reaching home. But look closely and you see House catch the ball and eventually meet Aaron at home, joyously giving him the ball.

Getting to that point, however, took a lot of practice.

Henry had trouble with left-handed pitchers who could throw a change that went away kind of like a screwball, he explained. So, two to three times a week and every spring training for the eight years I was with Henry we go out to diamond six and I would throw him a bucket of changeups and mix in an occasional fastball.

That relationship not only helped Aaron polish his game, it gave House the perfect vantage to pick off that home run.

You see, prior to the game, Braves pitchers essentially chose where they would stand when Hank came to bat, claiming their ground for what would be a fortuitous catch. House knew exactly where that ball was going. His friendship and hours of lending a literal left hand paid off.

If I would have stood still without a glove, it would have hit me in the forehead, House said of that home run ball.

As for Aaron, he wasnt just good with the bat: He had an eidetic memory where he could remember what a pitcher did to him seven years ago in that situation.

When his throwing career was finished, House polished the next chapter of his profession. He broke in under Roger Craig at the San Diego School of Baseball, became a minor-league pitching coach with the Houston Astros, spent time with the San Diego Padres and eventually found his way to the Texas Rangers.

Its there that he had an impact not just on a Rangers star in Nolan Ryan but another pitcher who wasnt even on the team.

Back in 1992, Randy Johnson was with the Seattle Mariners, he had made the All-Star team in 1990, and had amassed 707 strikeouts through four previous seasons. In 92, he would go on to garner 241 punchouts. But he also had a propensity to walk batters. The 90-92 seasons accounted for the three highest totals of walks in his career.

One day in Seattle, Ryan and House are in the dugout, watching a frazzled Johnson throw a bullpen.

House recalls him asking Johnson how he was doing, to which he remembered the then 28-year-old saying, Tom, I'm doing horse shit if I cant start throwing strikes they're going to send me out.

When youre as gifted and polished as Johnson was at that point in his career, sometimes it takes but a minor adjustment to bring everything back into alignment and harness more consistency.

Johnson remembers that at that time, with the Mariners and Rangers playing so often, Ryan and House were familiar with his delivery.

They just kind of saw some mechanical flaws, if you will, Johnson said. They basically asked if I was interested in watching Nolan Ryan throw the next day, and I said, sure. So, they pointed out what he was doing and what I wasn't doing. And in essence, then, I needed to try to start working on that with the understanding that that could help me a little bit more than where I was at the time.

It may have been easier to listen to another coach when the man giving a recommendation is one of the best to ever play the game.

Randy asked me what was going on with him and his career at the time, Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan explained. I shared my opinion with him and thought it would benefit him and his career to talk with Tom House.

House, the Rangers pitching coach at the time, took a look at this Mariners star pitcher, prepared to make an already great fireball pitcher that much better.

He showed up the next day we're talking and we made one small suggestion to him, House recalled. He was a heel strike and spin guy, so all we did was say, you know, do everything you're doing the way you're doing it except land on the ball of your foot.

Johnson was already a formidable pitcher. But he does admit that there were the occasional issues with consistency.

I would have highlights of striking out fifteen in the minor leagues or, you know, even in the major leagues early in my career, he said. But then there could be the next start where I didn't appear to be the same person.

Johnson went from issuing 144 walks in 1992 to 99 free passes the next season. He would not allow more than 86 in any season the rest of his career.

It was just simply how I was landing on my feet, how my feet would work in my balance of landing a certain way, Johnson said. It was a small fix, but a big improvement.

The mad scientist doesnt bother with the opinions of others. The thing that has made House such a staple across myriad rotational sports is his dedication to his craft. The science leads the charge, and people can either follow or be left behind.

Getting pitchers to buy into tossing the football around seemed silly at the time, but it became more ingrained into the sport as time went on.

He was one of the first guys to throw a football, so I threw the football in the offseason, Baker said.

As time went on, House became something of a household name in athletic circles. And his coaching caught the attention of Cam Cameron who was the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers from 2002-2006. That happens to coincide with Drew Brees tenure as the teams quarterback from 2001-2005.

Cameron had heard about House and realized he was nearby coaching in the San Diego area, so he reached out and asked to come by and see him coach pitchers.

House accommodated, not realizing his life would take another turn all thanks to again saying yes to the opportunity.

Cameron was blown away and realized he found the extra tutelage he had hoped to garner for his budding young quarterback.

He asked if House might want to come by and chat with Brees, himself and then quarterback coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Cameron remembers at that meeting House telling Brees, Now, Drew, you know, I know nothing about football. But I tell you what, youll be my guinea pig and I won't charge you a dime.

The relationship flourished even during one of the most harrowing moments of Brees career. On Dec. 31, 2005, Brees suffered a dislocated shoulder, putting his entire career into doubt.

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The Remarkable Life and Times of Dr. Tom House - Sports Illustrated

Billy Martin describes himself as a high-spirited personality who could always light up a room or disarm people with his charm. But he was in a much different place just a few years ago.

In 2015, Martin was coming off a 3-7 season at North Oldham, and the school was looking to take the football program in a different direction. The health of Martin's father, William MartinSr., had also taken a turn for the worse during that time, so he left his coaching job to take care of him.

My dad had a couple of mini-strokes, he said. After spring break, I resigned, and I was taking care of my dad (while) finishing out the school year.

The elder Martin had surgery over the summer, and Billy continued to make the drive to Henderson to take care of him as he recovered. On June 5, 2016, Billy had breakfast with his father in the morning before being sent out to get a lift chair.

While on the errand, Billy got a distressed call from his fathers caretaker. His father had killed himself.

I come in the house. She thought he had another stroke or spell, said Billy, who had also learned that his wifes grandmother had passed away the day before. I saw the gun at his feet.I sat there and held his hand until the EMTs came. I cant remember what happened that week;it was all just a blur.

Losing his father in such a tragic fashion had a profound impact on Billy for the next few years. He fell into a deep depression, which was compounded by the work he was doing to sort out his fathers affairs.

More: What to know about Moore and Valley ahead of Kentucky's high school football season

He continued to teach at North Oldham, but his passion for coaching was severely diminished. Billy recalled his father being heavily invested in his coaching, even making the occasional trip to watch a game at North Oldham when he was able.

He would expect a phone call after every game, said Billy. We always treated him like a king and put him in the press box. (Hed) laugh about our trick plays and all the stuff that we did.

Billy didnt know how to cope with his fathers death. His health started to decline to the point where he developed Type 2 diabetes. He also didnt reach out to others to talk about how he felt, which made his sense of loneliness and isolation worse. He wishes he could have done things differently to process his grief, but there were a rough couple of years for Billy.

I didnt get any counseling, probably should have, he admitted as he rattled off some possible reasons he avoided it. Im tough, Im a football player. Im the guy everybody else calls for cheering up. I should have reached out to some of my friends to cheer me up.

But eventually, Billy got back to taking care of himself. He started exercising again and lost weight, which helped him get his diabetes under control.

There were good and bad days along the way, but Billy as he began to progress, herealized he was missing something in his life.

That was football, he said. Im a football dude. I was tired and depressed for a couple years, but I wasnt doing what I was meant to do. Thats teach and coach.

As he recovered, Billy started looking for new teaching and coaching opportunities before finally landing at Moore last year. He started as a middle school social studies teacher before being offered the football head coaching job in February.

Billy feels like he has a new lease on life now that hes back on the sidelines.

Ive dug in with both feet, he said. (Im) working my tail off to build a program everyone can be proud of. I miss helping the kids grow. Thats what I enjoy.

Read this: Louisville City FC parent company announces committee to combat social injustice

Martins rejuvenation has him showing up at the field at 1 p.m. when practice doesnt start until 5:30 p.m. Its been a challenge trying to navigate the landscape given the new procedures put in place because of COVID-19, but Billy is excited about getting another chance to compete and help his players grow through football.

It took him a while to get out of the fog, but now hes back where he belongs and is looking forward to giving his all to the Moore Mustangs.

I love coaching, and I love what football does for kids, he said. Ill be the first car in and the last car out.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 for help.

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Billy Martin needed time away after his father's death. Now, he's back coaching at Moore - Courier Journal

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers strengthened the running back position with the addition of Leonard Fournette, who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.

Fournette hit the practice field with his new team for the first time on Tuesday.

Kyle Burger

I think just me coming to Tampa made perfect sense, Fournette said. I feel like they had all the keys that I needed and vice versa. I can help the team out, and also, they can help me."

I think its probably one of my first seasons running in a six-man box which is a smart part on me. I made sure all that was in consideration with me coming here. The coaching staff [is full of] great guys Ive been knowing. Some of my coaches know them too, so it was a perfect fit for me, he added.

Fournette, who rushed for 1,000 yards or more in two of his three seasons in Jacksonville, felt as if he had to carry the offense. That wont be the case in Tampa.

For the first time in my life, I really have a quarterback, the former LSU star said of teaming up with Hall of Fame signal-caller Tom Brady. Thats an eye-opener for me. Not a lot of pressure come will on me. I guess it will be on me and him and a lot of other guys on the offense."

Especially when you have a lot of guys like Mike [Evans], Chris [Godwin], Gronk [Rob Gronkowski], Tom [Brady] and the O-Line, Fournette added. You can spread the ball to guys like that and its not just you. When the defense has to game plan, [its] against eight guys, not just one. I think that opens up a variety of things for a lot of guys on our team on the offensive side of the ball.

How much will quarterback Brady hand-off to Fournette on Sunday in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints? Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians says that No. 28 will have a solid role.

Well see, man, Fournette said. Im learning. Its not that hard. Im understanding it, understanding what the coaches want, too, and well see.

Sundays game at New Orleans kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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Bucs' Leonard Fournette: For the first time in my life, I really have a quarterback' - ABC Action News

A Memorial Mass was held on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Delcambre, for Alton David Dressel. The family received visitors beginning at 9 a.m. with a Rosary Service at 10 a.m. followed by a Holy Mass at 11 a.m. Burial followed in the cemetery adjacent to the church.

Alton David Dressel passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at UMC Tulane New Orleans after a hard fought battle with Covid-19.

Alton was born on September 5, 1949, and was a lifelong resident of Acadiana. He graduated from Loreauville High in 1967, and went on to serve his country for six years as a member of the Army National Guard. On July 11, 1974, he married his wife Greta Saunier Dressel and they stayed by each others side for the next 46 years. At age 38 he went back to USL and graduated from USL and went on to teach and coach for over 20 years.

Alton was very devoted to the Catholic Church and attended church every Sunday. He loved making people laugh, in fact he was known for his sense of humor. He loved coaching, especially when it came to girls softball and basketball. Along with coaching he loved mentoring young people and having a positive influence on their lives. He loved LSU sports, especially Coach Orgeron, but pro sports not so much. What he loved more than anything was his family and friends. If you met him once you more than likely became a friend. He would do without if he had to so his loved ones would not have to suffer.

Alton is survived by his wife of 46 years, Greta Saunier Dressel; their two sons, Brodie and Dustin Dressel and his beloved granddaughter Abigail Rose Dressel. He is also survived by sister-in-law Juliette Ransonet Dressel, wife of Terrel Sr., Terry Dressel Jr. and wife Shari Dressel and their children, Denise Dressel Faulk and husband Dexter Faulk and their children, Yvette Dressel Jones and husband Stephen Jones and their children, Kavin Dressel, son of Russell and wife Sandy Dressel and children. He is also survived by brother-in-law Michael Saunier and Jean R. Leblanc, brother-in-law Blaine Saunier and wife Phyllis Saunier and children, godchild raised like a daughter Jamie Saunier Lopez, godchild Terry Dressel Jr., godchild Lonnie James Sonnier, additional godchildren Rowan, Sebastian, Benjamin, Beau, Sophia and Zoey; and his friends Coach Paul Reed, Coach Gerald Broussard, Coach Patrick Vital.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eunice Richard Dressel and Otto Dressel; his three brothers, Gerald Dressel, Russell Dressel and Terrel Dressel Sr.; and nieces and nephew Leslie Dressel, Robin Dressel and Kendal Dressel. Not to mention a beloved sister-in-law Geraldine Gerri Saunier, father-in-law James Saunier and mother-in-law Audrey Romero Saunier.

The family would like to thank the staff of UMC hospital for doing all they could to prolong Altons life, The Daily Iberian and Mr. Chris Landry for writing a great article on his life in coaching and mentoring his students and Coach Kirk Crochet for his kind words in the article. Also a very thank you to all of Altons friends that reached out to us in our time of grief.

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Alton Dressel - The Daily Iberian