Chiefs Game

10 Degrees with a -12 Degree Wind Chill. Let me tell you there aren't enough layers of clothing that can keep you warm when it is that cold! However, my trip to the KC Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins football game at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, December 21st was full of fun and excitement. Each year the KC Chiefs recognize the Kansas and Missouri Teachers of the Year at a football game. This Sunday's game was listed as the 2nd coldest game played in KC...but getting to meet Margaret Williams, the Missouri Teacher of the Year, (pictured above) along with a number of KC Chiefs former players and dignitaries more than made up for the weather. Every Chief Ambassador I met made sure to mention how teachers and coaches made a positive difference in their lives. It is incredible that these successful individuals recognize what great teachers are doing across the United States. For every player out there on the field, there are many coaches behind them. Think how many teachers/coaches it takes to develop those athletes - Salvation Army Coaches, Middle School and High School to College coaches. Some of the best teachers I have ever met are coaches! In fact, all great teachers are coaches at heart.

I want to thank David Lindstrom, Secretary/Treasurer of the KC Chiefs Ambassadors, for being a wonderful host at the game. David was responsible for organizing the pregame recognition program for me and Margaret. Prior to the ballgame, David met us at the Ambassadors Tent and introduced us to a number of former Chiefs players. Larry Marshall (pictured left), President of the Ambassadors, made us all feel very welcome and appreciated. The Ambassador program is an amazing organization. They promote goodwill in the community and assist in any way they can in helping achieve the goal of maintaining consistent quality football for the Kansas City Chief's fans. The Ambassadors are a close-knit group made up of former Kansas City Chiefs, some of whom starred in the Chiefs' only Super Bowl win. (learn more about this organization at: http://www.kcambassadors.com/) This was a highlight for my two sons who were able to get autographs and to talk to these players about their careers. A bit later, David escorted us to the field and we got an upclose look at the pregame warmup activities for both teams. If you've ever wondered, those benches the players sit on are heated and they really do warm up your backside! (That is me doing just that in the picture).

The TOY recognition took place just before the start of the game. Margaret and I were escorted to the 50 yard line and the public announcer made a short presentation Margaret is a high school social science teacher from University City High School. She was named TOY in August and has been traveling her state AND still maintains her teaching job this year. Margaret was amazed (and a bit jealous) that my district provides a substitute for me 2nd semester.
While the Chiefs ended up losing the football game, the entire day was a fantastic experience. I am amazed at the "spectacle" that is a professional football game...the players, coaches, cheerleaders, mascots and of course, the colorful fans. What a great example of a Professional Learning Community - all working towards one goal. I know that most of my future appearances will require me to do more work, so this was a great way to "kick off" the KTOY program.

Oh - and thanks mom for making my Chief's scarf!