Posted: February/11/2007 at 5:46pm | IP Logged

Cougar Families and Fans,

It saddens me to write this message.  For the first time in a span of more than 25 years, I will not be directly involved with the game of football in some form - as either a player, coach or in some other administrative capacity.

I have spent more than 9 years of my life coaching youth football, the last 4 years with the Cougars starting with the Cougars inaugural season.  Having started with the Cougars at the Jr Novice level when we did not have enough kids to field a full offensive and defensive unit to adequately have a scrimmage practice to a point where in just this past season, these young players had a 9-1 regular season record. I was able to witness these kids competing for a National Championship in Las Vegas and was on hand to experience them defeating the team that would eventually become the champion of the league.

I have found many things to reflect on.  I have personally been a witness to the tremendous growth of the fine young men that I have been blessed to have stewardship over.  I have seen young boys become young men.  I have seen them grow and mature – saw them learn lifelong lessons about discipline, disappointment, compassion, respect, hard work, and how to be a part of a team – helping and depending on each other to succeed.  I have come to truly love these young men like my own sons, to know of their strengths, weaknesses, sorrows, and joys.  I have been blessed to be a part of their lives that few others short of being a parent ever get to experience. 

I shed more than a few tears as I think of the many experiences we had and the experiences that could and perhaps should have been. I feel the sadness also for my family who have cheered and played Cougar football spending thousands of hours before and after every game. The Blackwell's spill tears together tonight. As with many of life experiences however, we must all face trials and afflictions for which we have no control over.  

Feel free to leave a comment.  I and my family would love to hear one last time from those Cougar players and their parents we have come to know and care for. 

Respectfully,

Coach Jonno (Jonathan Blackwell)

Posted: February/11/2007 at 8:08pm | IP Logged

You know how I feel...

I wish only the best for the Cougars and hope to see their teams exel this coming season. I am thankful to each person who made an impact in the lives of my kids. That is priceless.

Posted: February/11/2007 at 8:31pm | IP Logged

Jacob_D wrote: Coach, Are you moving? What can we do to convince you to stay? I know many kids were looking forward to playing on your team. Jacob

I am not moving from Tracy, but moving from the Cougars. I will certainly miss the opportunity to coach the younger Cougars. Unfortunately, this change came about from circumstances and decisions I had no control over.

Posted: February/11/2007 at 8:35pm | IP Logged

I just want to say publicly to everyone that I appreciate the many private messages that people have sent me so far. I had no idea how many people cared so much about me... it is truly flattering and heartwarming.

I love to hear about how football has helped your child. I hope to hear many more positive things over the years to come as your son grows and develops.

I also want to wish a congratulations to Gabe McCarty, Alan Riselvato, Marcus Thompson and Greg Eaglin who will all make excellent coaches. While I was offered a coaching position with the Cougars, it was not what I was encouraged to do and was not what I applied for and thus would have been an interruption to my family.

Posted: February/12/2007 at 10:15am | IP Logged

Dear Coach Jonno,

I don't know the circumstances, but I do feel whatever has happened the Cougars will be the big losers in this. You are an AWESOME coach with an AWESOME family. You amd your WHOLE family have put in countless hours with this orginization. Look at the website everyone, this is the Blackwell's doing. Let us know where you will be, you may have more followers than you think. Good luck in whatever you do and wherever you go. We are truly thankful for the impact you have had on Austin Torma's life!!!!!!

Sincerely, Michelle Martinez

Posted: February/12/2007 at 10:27am | IP Logged

tasene wrote: It has been great working with you and your staff....It's unbelievable how someone like yourself with such a great track record with the kids and overall football wins, would not be a head coach.

I appreciate the vote of confidence Rob. I was happy to have coached your son Brooks, if even only for a while. My son Noah also had great experiences as a player under your direction. Thank you for helping him develop.

tasene wrote: What is the problem?  Did you decide not to coach this year?

Circumstances beyond my control did not allow me to return this year. It is the right of the executive board members as elected leaders to make decisions on how the Cougars would operate moving forward and unfortunately, those decisions made it such that I could not continue. Let me leave it at that.

tasene wrote: Someone has some big shoes to fill in your absence.......Good luck in whatever you do, I will be seeing you again.

The kids are definately talented and I hope that they have their dreams fulfilled. I have had as many as 4 years coaching many of these kids and know that they have it in them. I will always be a fan of those boys.