Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
If you spend any amount of time around Coach Mike Coe's Cowboy football team, one of the first things you will notice is that character building is the cornerstone of nearly everything he does. That philosophy was on display on Saturday, Aug. 5, when members of the Madison County High School (MCHS) varsity football team went into the community to perform community service projects.
Members of the team worked cleaning yards for elderly residents, removing debris from parks, etc. The seniors on the team conducted a football clinic for approximately 30 youngsters, teaching them the fundamentals of the game. For the youngsters, it was a chance to learn from someone older. For many of these youngsters, the Cowboys are like football stars, and to be able to learn from them is a special treat. The youngsters were not the only ones having a fun time. The senior Cowboys clearly enjoyed the rainy morning as well. “They're probably just happy they aren't having to run today,” laughed Coach Coe.
Senior offensive lineman Ta'Ronn Johnson disagreed with the assessment of his coach. “No, that's not it,” said Johnson with a laugh. “We really enjoy helping these younger kids out... giving back to the community, showing these young boys what it takes to be a Cowboy.”
“Giving back to the community, that's what it's all about,” said another senior Cowboy.
“It's about giving back to [these] kids,” said senior linebacker Monterrious Fleming.
For these young men of Madison County, being a Cowboy goes far beyond the gridiron and Friday night lights. Football is simply a way to accomplish a greater goal of becoming better men and leaders in their community. The Madison community is better for it.