Ray Mickens Camp and Armed Forces Day

Ray Mickens Signing Jazzy's Pink Football

















Footwork Drill

Stevo Running a Drill at Camp

Saturday we all jumped out of bed and scrambled to get to the northeast so we could find parking for the Ray Mickens Football Camp. Jazz was upset because we didn't stop at McDonalds for breakfast and Stevo looked like he just wanted to stay under the covers for a few more hours. I finally convinced everybody that this would be fun and out the door we went. The camp was well organized despite the fact that they were dealing with more than four hundred kids. Quality drills and good instruction throughout the day. Only complaint was that they only had one water station for the kids. Glad we had brought our own water bottle for Stevo. He was gassed after the fifth station but he never gave up. All the NFL players were patient with the kids and were friendly even after signing autograph after autograph. Ray Mickens is a class act and he deserves a lot of credit for putting on a great camp for the kids in El Paso.

Field was packed for Warm-ups














Jazzy Getting an Autograph


















Stevo and Jazz after camp

We spent the rest of the Saturday at Ft. Bliss and their Armed Forces Day event. This was a cool event for the kids because they got to climb on tanks and other military vehicles. Kids thought this was the coolest jungle gym ever created. Think Stevo and Jazz enjoyed dunking the Marine in the dunking booth the most.

We had a great time at Ft. Bliss and were glad we decided to spend the rest of the day there.

Races for May

Run El Paso Website (click pic to get link)

I hate to admit it but I have been lazy as heck when it comes to lacing up the running shoes and heading out the door to get my training runs in. I haven't had a race since the El Paso Half Marathon in March. I wish I had a great excuse like a pulled muscle or a broken leg but sadly I have just been to lazy to get going again. Some high school friends ran the Beach To Bay Relay Marathon in Corpus Christi this past weekend and that got the old competitive juices flowing again. I used to love running Beach To Bay when I was living in Corpus and I guess seeing pictures online of all those people getting after it motivated me to start running again. I had planned to run the Braden Aboud 5k this past weekend but didn't want to set a new record for slowest time in a 5k. Have set my sights instead on running the Family in Crisis 5k this weekend and then finishing the Run Tony Run 5k at the end of the month.

My biggest problem is finding time to get my runs in so I will really have to work at dragging myself out of bed in the morning and logging at least 6 miles before I get ready for work. Hopefully I will be able to find a half marathon in the next few months or if I get the courage I will try to complete my first marathon . Running a half or full marathon seem a little far fetched right now but I know once I get started I will be able to knock one of these out in a few months.

The runners blog website has great stories of runners of all skill levels trying to achieve the same goals. I found two great blogs on this site that get me motivated to run even when I am too lazy to hit the pavement. Trail Zombie and 5ks and Cabernets are two blogs that are worth a visit. I will add a running log to my blog to keep me motivated (idea I got from another blog). Race Adventures also is a good site for finding races in El Paso.Just have to put one foot in front of the other and get started. No excuses.

Things we are tackling this weekend

Have lots to do this weekend on top of all the things we have to check off the wedding list. Jess will probably want to kill me after reading this blog but hope she will at least try to put up with me for one more weekend. On Saturday Stevo and I will be attending the Ray Mickens celebrity football camp at Andress High School. We have always wanted to attend the camp just have been busy whenever the camp came to town. Heard great things about the camp and look forward to seeing NFL players work with Stevo and the other campers. The Chamizal is hosting a blues and Jazz festival on Saturday and Sunday so we will pack the cooler and head on out there to listen to some music and relax. Fort Bliss is having their annual Armed Forces day on base and the Diablos and Las Cruces Vaqueros will both be in action. On Sunday, I plan to drag the body out of bed and run in the Braden Aboud 5k. Haven't trained at all for this event but how bad can I possibly do? (famous last words) Lots of things to do and see. Hoping for great weather and a patient wife.

Tribe Football Camp

Stevo started a two week football camp on Tuesday at Coronado High School. The camp is being put on by the El Paso Tribe sports organization. Great camp so far. Lots of drills, well-organized, nice job of motivating kids and teaching them the basics of football. Day one focused on footwork and conditioning. Stevo looks small compared to other nine year olds. Have to wonder what the heck they are feeding some of those kids. They look like they could play on the freshman team right now. He did well and hustled through all the stations. Really proud of him for giving his all and not complaining about the running or the workout. The price for the camp can't be beat. They only charged thirty dollars for a six day quality camp. You can't find a better, more affordable camp anywhere else in the city. Some of the three day basketball camps are charging $100 and up. Next week the camp will be held on the Coronado football field. Stevo will get to play on turf. He is excited about playing at a high school stadium. I am still debating whether to let him put on the pads and play full contact football in the fall. Think he still is way too small but maybe he has more heart than I am giving him credit for. Still not sold on the idea that this is such a good thing for the body. Seen too many injuries in high school and don't want him to get sidelined with a big injury so early. There are plenty of flag football leagues in the city and might just stick him in one of these leagues so he can work on the basics. Man, this kid is growing so fast. Middle school will be right around the corner. Where in the world does the time go? Really happy with the decision to sign him up with this organization. Really good stuff so far.

Diablos Exhibition Game

We all had a great time at Cohen Stadium this past Saturday. The Diablos took on the Military All-Star team and beat them pretty easily. This game was unique in a lot of different ways. The game started with a nice tribute to an EL Paso Border Patrol agent who died a few months ago. His mother was given a flag and a video tribute was show on the big screen. When the clock hit 9:11 the game was stopped and everyone stood up to remember and honor the victims of September 11th. The Diablos hit a few home runs and about five batters got beaned with wild pitches. A mini riot almost broke out on the field when a Diablos batter was hit by a pitch but cooler heads eventually prevailed. Looks like the Diablos will have a good season this year. Maybe a playoff run is in the near future. Great way to spend a Saturday.



Jazzy enjoying her cotton candy.

Summer Music Under The Stars Concerts at The Chamizal

Jazzy Wearing her Concert Gear.

We started going to these concerts last year and really liked everything about the event. The Chamizal is a great park to relax and enjoy an outdoor concert. Plenty of room to lay out or throw the ball around. Saw Radio La Chusma here for the first time and really dug their music and style. Still haven't gone out and bought their cd but have put that on the to do list for the summer. Firework show is great. Nice concert with the symphony and a cool fireworks display after wards. Parking can be a little hassle but the key is to get there early. Planning to spend plenty of our summer Sunday's out there listening to a wide variety of music.

# June 13: Lambada Brasil Brazil (samba).
# June 20: La Imperial Sonora (cumbia).
# June 27: Greg Cropp Band (country).
# July 4: El Paso Symphony Orchestra with conductor Sarah Ioannides (patriotic).
# July 11: Sleepercar (rock).
# July 18: Son de Madera (son jarocha).
# July 25: Swing Fever (swing).
# Aug. 1: Hot Club of Cowtown (Western swing).
# Aug. 8: Azúcar (salsa).
# Aug. 15: Ranchera Night with Mariachi Los Toritos>

School Year Coming to a Close

Only twenty-something days left before another school year is officially in the books. I say this every year about this time but, man this year sure did fly by pretty quick. A lot of things to be be happy about this year, lots of disappointments and changes as well. Just felt like looking back at a few things that happened this school year.

1. Freshman football team went 5-5 this year and was bit hard by the injury bug. We started the year off with huge numbers and with hopes of locking up another district championship but it wasn't meant to be. Too many injuries cost us big this year. Losses to Horizon, Mt. View, Canutillo, Franklin, and Chapin. Varsity made it to the bi-district playoffs but lost a heart breaker on a last second touchdown pass at Irvin. Varsity saw the emergence of a talented Sophomore group. Great things to to come with our quarterback and skill positions coming back with a year of varsity experience under their belts.


2. Both Varsity basketball teams (girls and boys) made the playoffs but got knocked out in the first round. The varsity girls had a strong year with the highlight of the season coming at the last game of the year in a huge win over previously undefeated Canutillo. We have a great group of girls coming back next year and look forward towards making a run at a district and bi-district championship. The sky is the limit for this bunch. Boys will be solid net year as well with many of their key players returning.



3. I had an awesome experience coaching track and field this year. Learned a lot from Coach Najar and Figgs. Saw great races at the district meet and was proud of the effort that our athletes put forth in all of their events. Del Valle proud they are the undisputed kings of District 2-4a. They took home five of the six district titles at the district meet. Our Freshman boys had a dominant year running all three relays. If they stick with the sport they will open eyes in the future. Found it hard to sell the sport to kids. A lot of them just don't see the point of running around in a circle. Once they get out there and are successful they soon are hooked and will do anything to be the first one across the finish line.

4. Lost our athletic director to Eastlake High School. Great coach and person. Coach Frontz replaces him as the new head football coach and athletic director. Coach Frontz is an outstanding coach and motivator. Kids will jump through walls to get a victory for him. I decided that this would be my last year coaching football (at least for a while). Just thought it was time to start focusing on my family life more. Stevo and jazz are growing up and I don't want to look back and regret not being there for them. It will be tough not being at practice once the Fall rolls around but truly believe that God has a different purpose for my life right now.

Have to say that teaching and coaching at Riverside is a true blessing We have some of the hardest working kids anywhere around. We might not be the fastest or the strongest but the size of our heart more than makes up for any of the physical qualities that we may lack. Big hearts. No quit attitude. Strong sense of tradition and excellence in everything they do. I have learned more this year than any other year I have had coaching and teaching. I may be tired now but I look forward to setting and reaching new goals next year. Have the best job in the world.

Why I love The Spurs.

Painting from nerdsonsports.com

When I think of class, greatness, and the will to win I think of the San Antonio Spurs. I love the way they take care of their business on the court without trash talking or crying about being fouled. Pop is a genius at getting in the head of the other coaches and getting his players to rise to the occassion. Tim Duncan is by far my favorite player. Loved David Robinson too but have to say that Timmy is what being a professional basketball player is all about. This guy carries the team on his shoulders and is humble after every victory and gracious after every defeat. Thought i was going to have trouble choosing who I would pick in this years playoff battle with Dallas but that all went out the window after a few minutes into game one. Never liked Dirk. Can't compare him to the greats in the game. The Jet is a joke and Jason Kidd is an average point guard at best right now. The Spurs are like that old dog that keeps on battling to hold on to his spot on the block. Yeah, it hurt last night when the Spurs lost to the evil and despised Phoenix Suns but they are going to rebound and prove who is the better team. Amazed at how good Steve Nash still is all these years. Makes me hate the suns even more. Reminds me of how much I hated to see the Jazz beat up the Rockets with Stockton and Malone back in the day. Hoping that Ginobli and Jefferson can find their games in a hurry. Hate to be down 2-0 to the Suns. Not going to count them out just yet. Tim and Parker just ain't finished yet. Everything is right with the world when the Spurs bring home a victory. Hoping all is well in game two.

Trip to Old Mesilla

A picture of an old church in the middle of the plaza.


The pole climbing contest.

We spent last Sunday driving out to Old Mesilla to check out their Cinco De Mayo festival. The trip only took about 40 minutes and was a nice way to spend the day. The town has that "old" feel to it and the buildings all had some history behind them. The kids took a picture by the Billy the Kid store and had a good time hitting a pinata. Funny how the town is making money off a guy that has been dead for a long time. Looking to spend a lot more time exploring New Mexico in the summer. Jess doesn't know it yet but planning to head out to Hueco Tanks for our next adventure this weekend.


Stevo looking like he is channeling the spirt of Billy the Kid.


Jazzy taking a whack at the pinata.

Another Busy Weekend

We took the kids to a bunch of different events this weekend. Lately I have the urge to get out of the house and do something new and different. On Saturday we started the day by shopping for tuxes for Stevo and I. I have to admit that the whole process was pretty painless. The wedding will soon be staring us in the face so we had to get our tuxes early so we don't have to hit Wal-Mart at the last minute looking for something to wear. (Just kidding with the Wal-Mart remark). We then headed to a comic book store to check out their Free Comic Day Celebration. They had already run out of comics by the time we got there but they still had a few that were cheap so Stevo and Jazz got a couple each. I don't think they are going to be comic book diehards but at least they are reading.

After the comic book adventure headed to an Indian Pow Wow near McKelligon Canyon but we got there too late to see any of the dancers. Jess thinks I'm crazy for dragging her and the kids everywhere but I think doing different things is what makes life here in El Paso interesting. I was only able to take a cool picture of one of the mountains near the event.

To end the day we headed to the St. Thomas Bazaar. Jazz hit the jackpot by winning at Mexican Bingo and the cake walk. Jess and I still think it's weird that the people running the bingo games don't bother to cover up the naked mermaid on the cards. In the words of Stevo, "That's just wrong." We had a good time at the fair but were kind of left scratching our heads when we saw that the beer was flowing freely while the singers were onstage praising God. We don't have life insurance on the kids so we didn't risk putting them on the rides. All in all a great day. There is plenty to do in El Paso, you just have to look a little harder sometimes.

Weekend Church Bazaar

Stevo and Jazz concentrating on their marble game.


Stevo Checking out the old rides.






Jazzy Playing a marble game at the bazaar.



Took the kids to a church bazaar on the northeast this past Saturday. The place had old school games and carnival rides that looked like they were made in the 1950's. Kids had a good time playing games and winning prizes. Nice way to spend an evening.

UTEP SPRING GAME

After a long scrimmage, this guy took the time to take a picture with Jazzy and Stevo.














We had a great time at the UTEP spring game this past weekend. We had never been to a spring game so we thought it would be a nice way to spend the day. The Blue team beat the orange team pretty easily. Trevor Vittatoe and Donald Buckram didn't play but the offense on both squads looked good. I was impressed with the walk-on qb Carson Meger. He is small for a qb but he has good touch on the ball and seems to have a knack for finding his receivers when he is in trouble. Defense looked ten times better than last year. Think this will be a good season. Hopefully a Bowl game is in our future.

Cool Boston Marathon video

Running in the Boston Marathon is definitely on my bucket list. Heck, just being able to run a qualifying time would be good enough for me. Guess I have to put down the remote and get off the couch if I'm going to get it done.

The Good Person of Szechwan Rehearsal Pics

Galilea Morales as Mrs. Shin feeding her imaginary chickens


Shen Teh- Cynthia Jimenez- surrounded by the villagers






The Water Seller portrayed by David Zambrano

Heading To San Angelo For Regionals This Thursday

My One-act play made it to the Regional Championships again this year and will compete on Friday April 23. This is the 5th time we have made it to Regionals and this has by far been the toughest year to get there. I wasn't too happy with the play choice at the beginning. I had a hard time cutting The Good Woman of Szechwan script and almost gave up a couple of times. The cast was huge and getting them to practice all at the same time was a challenge like always. Lots of new kids in this cast as well as a few returning veterans. We faced stiff competition from Del Valle this year with their production of The House of Bernada Alba. The female who played Bernarda was very good. She won best actress at zone and gave us a run for our money. Ysleta did a strange but entertaining Steve Martin play called WASP. I was impressed with Chapin's production of I Never Saw Another Butterfly at Area. I liked some of the directing choices and stage pictures in the show. The acting was also very strong. Burges was very good and ran away with most of the acting awards at Area. I respect their director for always putting together solid shows. Our show has had its ups and downs throughout the run. We lost one of or lead actors after the Canutillo workshop and had to scramble to reshuffle parts and characters. Most of my kids are involved in a thousand different activities so rehearsal time was hard to put together. I am impressed with the lead of my show and her dedication to the role. She has blossomed as the character and has become a leader among the other cast members. David has been great as well. I have had him in my shows since his freshman year and he pushes me to stay on top of things to make sure we advance. We perform second on Friday and will try to make it out of Regionals for the first time in school history. I am not really stressing or pushing the cast very hard this year because I don't necessarily thin that is the best approach. I guess i am trying to do something different to see if we get a better result. Know matter what happens I am proud of my cast and crew and of my co-director and buddy Mr. B.

District 2-4A Track and Field Meet

The District track meet was held at Canutillo High School last week. Del Valle dominated all divisions winning five of the six team titles. The Riverside Freshman boys did well overall, placing second in the team division. The boys won the 4X100 relay and the 4X200 relay. Watched a great 400 meter race between Mike Davis from Parkland High School and Leo Arroyo from Mt. View. Both guys battled it out with Arroyo edging Davis at the finish line. I really enjoyed coaching track this year and look forward to seeing our young team develop and grow. We only had three athletes make it to the Regional meet but think we have a good foundation for the future.

The Kids at Generation 2000

We always make it a point to take the kids to Generation 2000 Kids Festival at the Convention center every year. This years event was probably the best one yet. Lots of hands on activities that keep them interested all day. They love the fishing tank and the basketball challenge the most. One of the good things about El Paso is the variety of inexpensive things to do with the kids. Taking them to the Miners Game on Saturday to see them play East Carolina. Should be a sold out crowd so hopefully our tickets aren't in a bad spot. Should be a great weekend.

Varsity Girls vs Horizon

We had a good game plan when we faced Horizon the second time around. This game has turned into a rivalry for both girls and boys teams. We hit some big shots and held on when they tried to make a run. They have a good little point guard but we got a pretty special one of our own. This year we tied for second in District and will play on Friday to determing playoff seedings.

Stevo and Jazzy at Museum of History for Cowboy Days