Even as just a fan and a manager, its hard not to miss something that you have been around so much and has been such a large part of your life for the past four years. I have been fortunate enough to attend every home game, during those four years, and every game this season, including Disney that was a blast. And I would not trade one second of that for anything in the world.
Being there and being a manager has given me the opportunity to get to know the younger guys, and that’s why I know that Volunteer’s team has some great seasons ahead of them. They really are just a great bunch of guys...gentlemen I should say, because they have always shown a lot of class toward me. But most importantly they have heart and a real love for the game.
I hate to have such a long post, but anybody who knows me knows most of the time I have a lot to say (probably too much). I’ll try to keep things short as possible, but I have to acknowledge and address some people that are very important to me.
Coach Whalen, Mr. Southam, Ron R., Mrs. Whittemore, her parents, and Jackson, Mrs. Frazier and her lovely son STEVE, just to name a few of the falcon faithful, oh plus Bart and Brent - It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all over the years, or overcoming my fears of some (Larry).
Coach Reed and Coach Smith - Thank you, you have both helped me in different ways. And thanks for just putting up with me. I really think a lot of both of you (a lot more than what I think of Algebra II).
Coach Stokley - I wish I could have gotten to know you better before this year. Thanks for always going out of your way to acknowledge me, it really means a lot.(Even if it is by throwing a bow, watch out next fall I’m going to be buff, then it’s on!)
My Boy, “BIG AL” - Well, I guess I probably don’t need to say much because you’ve already heard what I can say of how I feel. Gezz...so many memories. Thank you Alex, for everything and just your friendship. No matter how much you try to argue with me and no matter how many times I win, you’ll always be my boy.
Last and anything but least.
Coach Whittemore - How can I even begin to express the amount of gratitude that I have for you. You probably don’t think much of some of the things that you’ve done for me, and those are probably the things that have meant the most. You know how I am with words...and questions...hey, I’m working on it, but anyway all I can think to say is Thank You. I’m not sure where I’ll be next year or how much I’ll be around. But I promise I’ll always be cheering for your team, because I know they’ll have one heck of a coach.
It's been great and I couldn't be any prouder of the Falcons. These have been, by far, my best high school memories.
~Good Luck to all the future falcon teams and coaches~
- Danielle J. Alley
~Class of 2005~