Mount Vernon Jackets Athletics

This time of year is always great to see the start of the collegiate and professional sports seasons.  Teams, coaches, and players have prepared for their opportunities to both represent their university in the sport they're most passionate about, and professional athletes have the opportunities to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing at the highest level of competition.   These teams are compiled of veteran players, fifth year seniors, and individuals that have been through multiple coaches, experiences, and even multiple programs.  Yet, there's also those players that are the "Rookies", the incoming freshman, the team members that despite their journey find themselves in a situation of being the low-person on the totem pole...the "Rookie". As an administrative team here at MVHS, one of our readings for this school year is " The Power of a Positive Team" by Jon Gordon.  Gordon writes of positive teams working together with optimism, positivity,

Today we welcomed our Class of 2019, '20, '21, and '22, into the halls for yet another school year.  Although there are wide array of emotions those students bring into the building on the first day, I tend to gravitate to those that come back with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.  We're all in better spirits when you're around individuals that just exude confidence and enthusiasm.  So, in this 2018-19 school year, we are living the theme of "BE....".  BE...Enthusiastic! BE...Inspiring! BE...Patient, Prepared, Epic, Motivated, Positive...etc, etc, etc. So what is your "BE" going to be for 2018-19? When thinking about my "BE", I couldn't help but reflect on a story I heard about Dabo Sweeney, Head Football Coach at Clemson University.  In 2008, amidst a coaching search for their next Head Football Coach, the Board of Trustees interviewing Coach Sweeney, explained to him that they wanted in their next coach and program...The

What motivates you? In work, sports, and in life, the fear of being average can be a driving force toward achieving opportunities for improvement.  If we are satisfied with being average, there's never a reason for one to step outside the conformities of being comfortable.  There's little reason to push ourselves beyond what it takes - to just get by.  If you're fearful of anything - Fear Being Average!

I recently came across this video on Tedx and although it specifically addresses the impact that High School Football has on our youth today, I would argue that high school sports in general provide these same intangibles. Why we need high school football As the speaker details his experience and the experience of young man in Canada while playing high school football, there are undoubtedly examples that our youth through high school sports, most certainly have mimicked. The lessons of leadership, opportunity, character, and like this story - a life-changing experience, is in fact, the reason that high school football and high school sports is such a valuable opportunity for our youth. Thank you to the school systems that support these interscholastic programs, the coaches that devote their time to these kids, and to the communities and administrations that provide those experiences which shape our future leaders! Go Jackets!

As each Athletic Director prepares for the start of the athletic season, there are certain checklists that you go through in making sure each aspect of the game is covered, prepared for, and ready for your student-athletes, coaches, and opponents to play the game.  Cross checking transportation, officials, event workers, and facilities.  One item that might seem mundane or overlooked is the game announcer and the script in which he/she might read. When putting together our announcer's sheet to be read at the start of contests, one area that is prepared is for the address prior to the playing and/or singing of the National Anthem. It states; " Ladies & Gentlemen, we live in a great country with freedoms and liberties like no other.  At this time, if you would please stand, remove your caps, and join in the playing and singing of our National Anthem. " This week has certainly brought attention on the National Anthem being played at sporting events and how both

Highlighting the 2016-17 Mount Vernon Athletic seasons will be the 90th Anniversary of the creation of the "Yellow Jacket" mascot.  Written in the Mount Vernon High School newspaper "The Forum" dated May 7th, 1926, read this headline;  Yellow Jackets Is The New Name For Athletic Teams The article goes onto explain the process of the name selection.  It was a unanimous Student Council vote at a special meeting, where the Yellow Jackets originated by Milford Wineland of room 12 was selected.  Other such names submitted were; Bearcats, Fighting Spirits, Mighty Mounts, Musketeers, Terrible Tigers, and Tigers.  The article goes on t o explain the previously used name "Mounts" and the rationale for the name.  So if you were ever wondering how the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets came to be?  Look no further than Room 12 in May of 1926.  Go Jackets!