Coach's Letter
7/19/2011
Spartan nation this has been a very eventful summer thus far. There has been more transition than I would have ever imagined. There has been the addition and subtraction of coaches as well as players. There has been the fact of the returning players being introduced to new both offensive and defensive schemes. Then you have our youngest Spartans, the freshmen being introduced to everything. As usual everyone involved in Spartan Nation has risen to the occasion and not one single beat has been missed. That is a testament to your dedication and perseverance.
In order to fine tune both our passing game as well as passing defense the Spartans will be participating in several 7on7 passing events. These are non mandatory attendance competitions vs. other schools for everybody involved in the passing game. Linemen both offensive and defensive are not expected to attend but are more than welcome to come and support their teammates. Due to the relaxed atmosphere at these events transportation to or from the school will not be provided. This has never been an issue in previous years and I see no reason that it will become one now. Usually parents and players will carpool to these events with those with extra room allowing others who do not have a ride a opportunity to ride with them. I have found out that this is some of the strongest relationship among not only players but parents that last throughout not the players career but for many years after that. Players will be given an arrival time and are expected to be there at that arrival time. The times and dates will be listed below.
Please make plans to attend the mandatory parent meeting this week. There will not only be a litany of info passed out but committees will be formed and executive decisions will be made. This will be a chance for Spartan Nation to not only make executive plans and decisions but also to meet and greet not only the staff but each other.
Please be assured that we are aware of the extreme heat conditions. We are making and have made numerous plans and alterations to the practice schedule to accommodate safety precautions during this time of year. Please be advised that if the heat issue gets more extreme practice will begin at the same time of school at 7am. This decision will be based more upon safety than convenience. Please do everything within your power to have your Spartan there. This would be a great opportunity to test out and develop your routine of getting him to school on time. I will let you know at least a week before the time change will take place.
Please pay attention to the important dates listed below and govern yourself accordingly
Important Dates
- Tues 7/19 6pm 7on7 at FACS everybody guaranteed 3 games. With top two teams playing at 8pm
- Thursday 7/21 6pm annual Parent meeting 6pm at WSHS auditorium shouldn’t last more than a hour 30 minutes .
- Fri 7/22 7on7 tournament at UofM. You will get the info as soon as I get it from them.
- Thurs 7/28 7on7 @ Collierville 6pm
- Thursday 8/4-Sat8/6 FCA overnight camp at 2nd Presbyterian Church. We are scheduled to play Fairley and Southwind in fall scrimmages at the camp. Camp will break Sat around 2pm.
I will pass out more info as it comes my way in regards to dates and times
Love White Station
Coach Rutherford
4/11/2011
Hello Spartan Nation,
I would like to thank you for your help in sending the coaches and myself to the Coaches Clinic at the University of Alabama. The trip was a complete success. The coaches and I got the chance to spend some quality time together. There were many ideas and strategies discussed as well as many revelations made about not only our team but ourselves as coaches. We were able to watch a top notch program and Coach Nick Saban interacting with players during practice and in team meetings. This gave us a concrete example of an outstanding program stressing excellence to all the stake holders; players, coaches and support personnel.
We are starting now something special for football- "Operation Spartan Pride". This collaboration is between the Spartan Nation, players and staff to infuse a sense of pride and unity throughout our program. It will take all of us working together in many ways . This collaboration will encompass cleaning and upgrading the facilities, equipment as well as audio/video equipment. More details will follow. I ask you to be ready to participate in – "Operation Spartan Pride".
Spring Practice is about to kick off on April 25th. Spring practice will provide an opportunity to implement fundamentals and lay a foundation for a successful offseason which will roll over into a successful season. There will be two scrimmages one on May 6th “WSHS vs Millington @Millington 4pm” and May 13th “WSHS vs Craigmont @ WSHS field 4pm”. We will need Spartan Nation’s support as well as all incoming freshmen are invited to watch any practice and scrimmage.
The last thing is Summer Conditioning which will start June 6th at 8 am in the East gym. All incoming freshmen will begin workouts with the Spartans.
The coaching staff and I are really excited about the 2011 football season. We have some quality players.
Love White Station,
Coach Rutherford
Family 