The Proof is in the Pudding

“The Proof is in the Pudding and the Year of the Dragon”

Dear Dragons,

The old cliché from the 17^th Century, “the proof is in the pudding,” is very fitting to describe our athletic program as we close and reflect on 2011. In terms of championships and results, the calendar year of 2011 was perhaps the best year in history for Carroll ISD Athletics. We won state championships in boys swimming, boys soccer, boys track 4x400 relay, boys and girls cross country, and football in the 2011 calendar year.  We finished second in the state in girls’ swimming, and second in the UIL Lone Star Cup standings, which is Carroll’s highest 5A finish, and once again won the Dallas Morning News’ All-Sports Award. Every varsity sport in 2011 qualified for post-district competition and so far in the 2011-12 school-year we have won every 7-5A District Championship offered. Wrestling had its best year ever and volleyball set a school record for wins in 2011. Furthermore, we consistently have more student-athletes sign athletic scholarships than the national average.  Last year we had 24 college signees.  We also inducted our first class of the CISD Athletic Hall of Honor.    

The cliché the proof in the pudding can be defined as “results are what matter.”  For some time now, I have been preaching to anyone who will listen that we have the best coaches and student-athletes in the nation.  Our coaching staff has also been preaching to our student-athletes that if we follow our processes, focus on winning every play/shot/possession/etc. (the next 200’), focus on our attitude and effort, eliminate the distractions, and put the team ahead of the individual then the final result will take care of itself.  A prime example of what I’ve just described is the football team’s win in the semi-final game just a few weeks ago.  Down with virtually no time or hope in sight, our athletes responded in how they have been coached to respond.  They did not panic, focused on the next 200’, executed each play, and let the results speak for them. I’d have to say to anyone who’d like to debate if we have the best coaches, best student-athletes, and one of the top overall athletic programs in the nation that the “proof is in the pudding.”         

On Monday, January 23, 2012 the Chinese New Year will begin the Year of the Dragon.  As we look forward to 2012, I cannot help to think that this will truly be the Year of the Dragon.  Currently, our girls basketball team is ranked #2 in Texas.  Our boys and girls swimming and diving teams are looking forward to repeat success at the state meet. Soccer, track, softball, baseball, boys basketball, wrestling, and golf teams are also poised to make strong runs this Spring.  When we return in the Fall of 2012 for the next school year, cross country, football, and volleyball will most certainly be picked as pre-season favorites to win. 

However, there is also an old saying that the, “greatest impediment to future success is previous success.”  We cannot rest on our accolades and get caught up in patting ourselves on the back.  As we begin The Year of the Dragon, I want to challenge each and every one of you to keep focus that true goal of our athletic program is to educate young people, to trust in our processes and our coaching staff, to place the team and the program ahead of individual wants, and to support each and every one of our student-athletes.  We need more fan support at every sport. We need more members in the Carroll Athletic Booster Club, and more specifically we need more volunteer workers in the booster club. We need the belief in each other that we can be the best and that 2012 will truly be our Year of the Dragon. 

I am looking forward to a great year serving our kids, coaches, and our great community.  Please follow our program on Twitter @SLCAthletics, Facebook, the CISD website  http://www.southlakecarroll.edu/cisd-athletics.aspx, and the CABC website http://www.carrolldragons.org/ . Personally, I have ventured into the Twitter world and will update on the world of athletics. Feel free to follow me @CoachOzee.

I hope that you and your family have a safe and fun New Year celebration and I wish you the best for 2012.  Please do not hesitate to contact me during the year at kevin.ozee@southlakecarroll.edu

Take care and GO DRAGONS!

Kevin Ozee

Director of Athletics

Carroll ISD