www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com

www.ffl.sportstech.net

Finally, I can actually smell it from Ohio all the way here in Texas. I think the rain and the cool front brought it to the area. It’s the time of year when the season changes and football is all we can think about…. And, if it weren’t for the Olympics, I think I’d be glued to Sportscenter all the time hearing the latest opinions on key teams and players for the upcoming season.

You may be focused on Cowboys football…or your favorite college team. For me, if you’ve read this blog, it is The Ohio State Buckeyes.

So, how lucky am I? I can enjoy this Fall football season fully concentrating on NCAA and NFL football while living my own football dreams in the Spring. Life is good!

Sports Illustrated has my boys #2. Many of the experts seem to agree, we could be back in the Title game again! For those who don’t typically follow football, the Buckeyes have gone to the National Championship two years in a row and lost two years in a row. SI reports “Buckeye Fatigue Syndrome” could continue for fans who might ‘groan at the prospect of seeing OhioState back in the title game.’ I am NOT one of them!!

I want our shot at it! We’ve got 18 starters returning and a depth in the roster that not many could beat. And, as one who plays the game now, I can guarantee those Buckeye players want another shot at it too…to prove themselves.

I’ll be following closely….excited and ready! The first game is August 30 with a key game coming on September 13 against USC. Michigan is home in the Horseshoe this year, so I’ll be heading North to be there for the game.

In anticipation of the upcoming season, I took my friend Holly and my kids to the Shoe while I was home a few weeks ago. During previous visits I would refuse to touch the field as I considered it sacred ground. You had to earn the right to be on the Buckeye field. This time was different.

I felt that at 42, playing my first year of tackle football and winning the National Title, I had earned my right to touch and run the field.

Kip #45

www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com 

I was told about this phenomenon. And, as a Counselor, I knew it would happen. But, I thought maybe…just maybe, I might escape it with my brilliant cognitive training and deep spiritual foundation. Come on, I told myself, I just won a National Championship as a professional athlete. Not many 42-year-old women who has two kids and used to weight over 200 pounds can say that? 

And after all, we are defined by success in this world, right? Thus, I should be set. I lost the weight and I have earned my Ring! Most people go their whole lives and never win a National Title or keep their weight off. I should be in jubilation for years to come! Right??? 

So, I sit here amazed to tell you how happy, focused, and fired up I was prior to the Championship game and how melancholic and irritable I was the day after. ‘Dang’, I thought, ‘I am not going to fall into this post win depression.’ But, I did. It hit me for days and now I think I’m coming out it. In my typical Counselor fashion of self-analysis, I discovered several things contributed to this post win depression.

First, I realized the day after the Championship, this group of incredible people with whom I had trained with, sacrificed with, learned from, and traveled with would never be together again in this same way.  As we were all leaving the hotel, going our separate ways, it hit me…we would not take the field together as that Championship team. I remember watching KB Bowman walk across the parking lot, ‘I won’t see her face painted, hear her yell and take some one out again.’ 

What spurred my thoughts was a post on our website message board from fans asking ‘when was the team flying home?’ so they could meet our plane and cheer for us. We all know our travel woes. I’ve written about them. There was no plane bringing the National Championship Diamonds home to see their fans. So, it felt sad to me even though we just won this incredibly hard fought victory. 

I know many of our vets are retiring including KB. Some are having babies, some need to allow their bodies to heal, and some are just unable to continue giving and sacrificing without some kind of compensation which there is not much of one.  

So, let’s call reason #1 for post-win depression: Team Breaking Up. 

Second, I went off to Ohio to attend some family functions for a week. And, while that was great, it seemed weird to not be around my teammates after winning such a Title. And, it seemed equally difficult to not be working out and eating my normal ‘clean’ manner. My sleep was equally irregular for me. I had a ‘pizza and ice cream’ type diet for the week, I slept until 10:00 or later most mornings, and I did not do any kind of tough, physical workout. I walked some but nothing strenuous. It was a rest week after going hard for six months. My body needed it but I realized I don’t function well when I am off my routine of working out, hydrating, sleeping, and eating clean.  

Hence, reason #2 for post-win depression: Diet and Lifestyle Breaking Up. 

Finally, I again, realized I am a ‘journey’ woman. Success was the moment we won! Just like the successes I’ve had when I earned my degrees, past my Licensing exam, or reached my goal weight. I celebrated those significant moments and achievements. But, I learned what mattered more to me was the ‘process’. There was this vibrant and rich process that was so valuable and so fun to each of those success points. More growth and significance came from the process than the actual moment of glory. 

For football, the journey of tryouts, mini-camp, early morning practices, going full bore for the first time hitting in ‘shot gun alley’, raising money to get the team to the playoffs, the drills, the running, the drills, the running, having Rachel May hit me and hit me again until I got it, and the great new friendships that developed provided and shaped me more than the actual Title. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled we came home with the National Title. That was our goal! It feels good to achieve that goal. It would not feel as good if we did not accomplish that goal. And more than likely, a post loss depression would have lasted longer. But, I think I realized, win or lose, the goal is not what ultimately mattered to me. The goal does not define me.  

I like the way Jim Tressel, Head Coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes, says it in his new book, The Winner’s Manual for the Game of Life, “It is hard in today’s society to keep success in its proper perspective and not base our sense of self worth on what we do. But if you can get there, it’s such a comfort. If we lose a game, we’re not losers – that’s not who we are. And, by the same token, if we win a game, that doesn’t make use wonderful people. We achieved our goal, and that has its place, but that success or failure doesn’t define us. The thing we should most enjoy about any endeavor is the road we travel to get there.”  

Tressel is a guy who should know. He has Coached in ten National Championship games. He won some of those games and some he did not. The most notorious, of course, the last two Title games with the Buckeyes. He lost both of them to Florida and LSU respectively. He won the Division I Title in 2002 defeating Miami in OT and has been named Coach of the Year multiple times.  

I believe Coach Tressel is right. It is a comfort to know my self-worth does not rest on my successes or failures. That truth enables me to have peace when I fail, remain humble when I win, and understand my purpose and true success in life are contained in the process. 

Stay inspired, 

#45 

For a great read, check out Jim Tressel’s book, The Winner’s Manual for the Game of Life. It is an inside look at how this incredible Coach guides his players not just as a football player but as a whole person.  

www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com

 www.iwflsports.com    

I have seen and witnessed incredible sports events through out my 40+ years. Mostly on television or in the Buckeye Horseshoe! Many of them hold great memories for me. And, everyday all over this world, teams of people gather together for the purpose of sport. Many of the Diamonds players have been part of other teams throughout their athletic careers. Even this 'Football Chick' was part of a state and regional gymnastics championship team. Ironically, that took place in Chicago as well 26 years ago. 

Coming from behind to win the Championship game is simply a metaphor for many of the obstacles and challenges the Diamonds have faced. This year alone, the team encounter multiple family deaths, illnesses, surgeries, relationship breaks, and other off the field life issues.

Murawka’s speech was the best half time speech I heard all year. She jumped up with such enthusiasm. The intensity with which she spoke was inspiring. She reminded us of what we had overcome and sacrificed to be at the Title game. I think it increased our drive to leave everything on the field and bring DFW another Title.

.
Coach Hughes says the women who are the Diamonds have created something that will not be repeated, “They have made their place in Women’s football history and are arguably one of the best if not the best in women’s football, in any league, anywhere in the world. They have set the bar year after year for other teams to respect, hate, and aspire to be. They have achieved goals and dreams that many will never have the opportunity to witness.”

And from what I have observed and experienced as a Rookie Diamond, these women keep coming back to play, keep sacrificing, and keep overcoming for two reasons: they love each other very much; this team is like a family. And, second, they love football and love being a part of this incredible game.

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

Laying here on my Mom's bay window in cool yet sunny Columbus, Ohio is a treat. But, it has been hard to be on vacation this week with my family after winning the World Championship in Chicago last weekend. People want things from you....and I'm not talking about my kids!

When I return to hot and sunny Dallas, Texas, I'll have more on what the game was like, the Dynasty that is the Diamonds, and what is coming next for the Diamonds! Below you will see the game write up.

Also, I made a visit to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame while in Ohio this week. Wow!! The induction ceremony is going on this weekend so the place was a mad house!! It was very inspiring to say the least.

And, I am going to make an attempt to visit with my hometown hero, Archie Griffin for whom I picked #45. He was recently given the title of the Greatest Buckeye Running Back...(that's above Pete Johnson, Keith Byers, Heisman winner Eddie George, Hop Along Cassidy, and others!)

Plus, don't forget, the 4 Keys to Healthy Living...4 simply things you can do to change your life and the life of your family!

Thanks goodness there is so much to write about....and these are just some of the topics to be revealed!

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

DALLAS DIAMONDS 2008 IWFL WORLD CHAMPIONS! 

DIAMONDS GET THEIR 4TH TITLE WITH A WIN OVER CHICAGO 

This is what every championship game should be…two of the toughest teams battling back and forth until one comes out victorious.  The Dallas Diamonds beat the Chicago Force 35-29 in OT to capture the 2008 IWFL National Championship Title.  

The intensity of this game was high. Both teams had superior lines, agile running backs, fast receivers, and strong quarterbacks. In the end, however, Diamonds leading rusher, Jessica Springer carried Dallas to the Title in overtime with a 13-yard touchdown.  

Springer said she knew when the overtime toss went in the Diamonds’ favor, the game was over, “I said on the field the game was ours when the toss came up ‘heads’. It was over for them.” Quarterback Karen Seimears shared that confidence, “The only time I was truly nervous is while the coin was flipping in the air. I knew if we won the toss, they couldn't keep us from scoring.”

The Diamonds drove 52 yards in the sudden death overtime. Seven out of the nine plays went to Springer. One went to Full Back Rachel May who put the Diamonds within scoring distance. “It was a great feeling to be given the chance to run the ball, but if it was not for Springers’ fake, I would have never gotten the yards I did,” said May. 

May and the Diamonds Offense had key blocks for Springer throughout the evening and gave her one more for the touchdown run. “I love blocking for Springer”, said May. “I know if I do my job we will be in the end zone.” Jen Welter, Linebacker for the Diamonds agreed, “Obviously, Springer is amazing, but in this game, the whole offense stepped up to set her free. Rachel May had some bone-rattling blocks and our 0-line kept Seimears from being touched.”  

Springer, who earned the game MVP award, scored all five of the Diamonds touchdowns and two two-point conversions. She carried the ball 32 times for nearly 240 yards. A lot of people said Springer was the difference in the game including Chicago Head Coach Jim Stahl. “Springer was MVP for a reason. She had a key interception on defense and she punched the ball in several times on offense including the game winning touchdown in overtime.” said Welter. “There was more than one occasion where I found myself in awe of her during the game. If she doesn't make it into the Women's Sports Hall of Fame, its a tragedy.” suggested Seimears.  

Before the OT win, the Diamonds engaged in a defensive battle with the Force. Chicago, in fact, scored first in the second quarter with a one-yard run from Melissa Smith and a two-point conversion run from quarterback Sami Grisafe. That gave the Force the lead 8-0. “The Chicago defense was as tough as advertised. Film is deceiving. It was hard to judge how quick they were to the ball or that they were such solid tacklers. When they dropped into pass protection, there just a bunch of bodies flying around. I was very impressed, said Seimears.

Seimears and the Diamonds answered with a one-yard run and a two-point conversion from Springer. At the end of the half, the game remained tied 8-8. It was evident both teams made adjustments at the half. Dallas came out firing with a no-huddle offense. They drove the ball down the field and Springer scored on a 20-yard run. Emily Tidwell’s extra point was good giving the Diamonds the lead again 15-8.

Chicago made it clear they were here to give Dallas a good fight. They marched right back and scored off an 11-yard run by Smith and Carolyn Lee kicked it in for the tie. Chicago was able to hold Dallas on their next series and then score again as Grisafe kept the ball for a 3-yard run into the end zone. Lee’s kick was good putting the Force on top 22-15.  

The Diamonds stay focused and made changes defensively, “They executed their plays very well and were well disciplined, but ultimately our defense just kept hitting them in the mouth every chance we got. We adjusted to the offense very well and ultimately found answers to their plays and were able to stop them when it really counted,” said Welter. “ “We have the best defense in the league,” said Valerie Murawka, Safety for the Diamonds. “We had to understand that it was going to take all of us. To hell with what had happened before that. And, I think our team reacts better when we feel that we are the underdog.”  

As the Diamonds Defense made their adjustments, the offense responded and moved the ball scoring with 2:57 left in the 3rd quarter. The extra point failed leaving the Diamonds down 22-21. 

More defensive stands and several key penalties kept both teams struggling to hit the end zone in the fourth quarter. “The entire game was just a key play after key play. There were momentum shifters every few minutes. It felt like a heavyweight fight where we just traded punches.  Thank goodness that we just landed the final blow.  This wasn't so much as a game where we capitalized on each other's mistakes as much as it was a game where we caused each other to make mistakes, said Seimears.

Early in the 4th, however, Springer found her way in from three yards out and made her second two-point conversion. That put the score back in Dallas’ favor 29-22. Not wanting to be denied, Chicago answered with 6:14 left on the clock. Grisafe hit Angie Bandstra for an 8-yard pass and a touchdown. Lee’s kick was good tying the game again at 29-29.  

In an impressive defensive showing, the Diamonds stopped Chicago with just seconds left on the clock. “I was particularly proud of the adjustments that Alberta Fitcheard-Brydson and I made to the receivers. They were trying to cross and get a hole in coverage. Instead of staying man we zoned the receivers. My best hit of the night came when the Force went for it on fourth down late in the game. The outside receiver ran a slant and went up for the ball. I hit her hard in the air while she was catching the ball. She dropped the ball and our offense took over on downs,” said Welter.            

At the end of regulation play, the score remained tied 29-29. As the sudden death overtime toss fell in Dallas’ favor, the momentum shifted again for the Diamonds. The women of the gridiron walked away with their 4th World Championship Title in five years. They are the most successful professional team in Texas in the 21st century. Some are calling this a Dynasty.