Sports can be a real bitch sometimes No matter what only one can win it all. Football season ended for both boys with heartbreaking playoff losses. But the 2025 Season will always be one of the my favorites.
-Jax found his stride and confidence and the trust of his coaches. He also found his long term position on the defensive line and played MEANINGFUL snaps in important parts of games included multiple downs on the final series of our playoff game down 7 with under three minutes to play. He helped force a four and out and helped put his offense in a position to win.
-Oliver played up a grade with kids one and two years older than he is. He started on offense and defense and was our kick returner. His first season he was counted on to handle the ball multiple times a game in our running offense and be a cover corner in our playoff game vs a team that passes often! In the final seconds of our playoff game, he got his wish and got to take a few snaps from the defensive line like his big brother. And recorded a tackle for a loss while keeping the opposing running back out of the end zone.
It’s amazing what great coaching can do… There’s nothing better than being on the sidelines with my boys. I’m proud to be part of this phenomenal up-and-coming football program. Losses only matter if you don’t come back next year and work harder for the win.
Chapter 13: The Muggle-Born Registration Commission
Chapter 14: The Thief
Chapter 15: The Goblin’s Revenge
Chapter 16: Godric’s Hollow
Chapter 17: Bathilda’s Secret
Chapter 18: The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore
Chapter 19: The Silver Doe
Chapter 20: Xenophilius Lovegood
Chapter 21: The Tale of the Three Brothers Chapter 22: The Deathly Hallows Chapter 23: Malfoy Manor Chapter 24: The Wandmaker Chapter 25: Shell Cottage Chapter 26: Gringotts Chapter 27: The Final Hiding Place Chapter 28: The Missing Mirror Chapter 29: The Lost Diadem Chapter 30: The Sacking of Severus Snape Chapter 31: The Battle of Hogwarts Chapter 32: The Elder Wand Chapter 33: The Prince’s Tale Chapter 34: The Forest Again Chapter 35: King’s Cross Chapter 36: The Flaw in the Plan Epilogue: Nineteen Years Later
The scoreboard said we lost our playoff game today… but I walked off that field proud of my son and my team.
This season, my son played up with the fourth graders even though he’s only in third grade. From day one, he never used that as an excuse. He just showed up… every single time. Not one missed practice. Not one late arrival. Every drill, every rep, every huddle… he gave his full effort.
He earned his spot as a starter on offense and defense. He returned kicks and he did everything we asked and more, without ever complaining. He worked hard, listened, and played with heart every single game. That’s not something you can coach… that’s just who he is.
As his coach, I saw the growth. As his dad, I saw the love for the game and for his teammates in his eyes everytime I looked at him.
The quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’ve earned it, that is not part of his game yet… so I’ll say it for him…
He belonged here this year… and he earned every second of it. When the season ended, even in that tough loss, I realized something: stats and scores don’t define a player — character does
I’ve been staring at the screen all afternoon, trying to find the right words. But then I thought: maybe I’m overthinking this. Because when it comes to Oliver… let’s be honest, the heart of this story isn’t the contest or the trophy—it’s about the kid who plays the game with everything he has (and sometimes runs in circles and reminds you of the Tasmanian Devil!!)
With that being said… here it goes:
Oliver finished in SECOND PLACE in the Nationwide Youth Athlete of the Year contest.
Cue the dad pride, the chest-swelling, the “I’m not crying, you’re crying” moment. Ollie held his own against thousands of athletes nationwide, and watching him shine with confidence like this has been so exciting. From the initial nomination, to figuring out how to vote with no internet access over the percolator in Wildwood and finishing with potential credit card fraud this journey has been amazing.
I’m endlessly thankful for every single person who believed in him enough to vote, cheer, and share his story. Whether it was a quick tap, a heartfelt message, or just telling you a friend “Hey Ollie is in this contest…”—you helped carry him to the finish line, right there in the top two out of the entire country. A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE “JESSE LEWIS CHOOSE LOVE MOVEMENT”… and to Both Scarlett and JT for inspiring the love that Oliver champions and for believing in him. We will ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE!
Why This Feels Bigger Than A Title
I don’t know how many times I’ve written, “Mom and I could not be any more proud of you…” Well, here we go again. Because Ollie didn’t just compete—Oliver led with grit, heart, and a kind of joy that’s absolutely contagious.
If this contest stood for anything, it showed that being a great athlete isn’t only about stats or speed. It’s about character. And that’s Oliver, exactly: always the teammate cheering from his teammates, always the one hustling back to help another—and yes, this contest gave us to opportunity to talk about the reality that is cancer and how his leadership and commitment to this contest helped support cancer research. This contest for Ollie went from being about the best athlete, to raising the most money to help save people’s lives.
A Note of Gratitude to Our Circle
Thank you to every coach, teacher, family member, friend, neighbor—and yes, every kind stranger—who cast a vote, hit share, or sent a message: thank you. Seriously. You carried us this far. And even though it wasn’t first place… in our hearts, you gave Oliver a victory that means the world.
On a side note… To my Fantasy Football League: I’m sorry I couldn’t trade draft picks for your votes. I have to draw a line somewhere!!!
Final Word: Nationally… our son, Jackson’s brother, teammate to so many… finished in second place, officially… but in our books, every single one of those votes? They were proof that Oliver is already a champion.
I hope we can keep celebrating that light he brings… the crazy energy, the kindness, the perseverance and the fact that this contest helped bring awareness and resources to a disease that has greatly impacted our family. With all that being said, second place feels pretty damn excellent.
Congratulations, Oliver. We love you more than all the votes in the world (and that’s a lot).
September isn’t just back-to-school season… it’s when the Wizarding World whispers, “Time to return home.” On this day, young witches and wizards (and their Muggle-born siblings) prepare to board the Hogwarts Express whether by leaning trolley, worn leather trunk, or the occasional flying car. As J.K. Rowling reminds us, “Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
Today marks the 11th year in a row of me sending my annual plea to @jk_rowling to help us figure out the best way to bridge the Muggle and Wizarding worlds.
No owl, no reply… yet! But fingers crossed that this is the year she’ll finally reply in true Dumbledore fashion.
Maybe this year she’ll recommend a charm to keep the trunks light—or a spell for easing first-day jitters. If not, Steph and I will continue to hope for a friendly Hogwarts alum to appear by our side—perhaps a helpful Weasley? A wise professor? We’re listening, Molly, Arthur, Kingsley… can you hear us?
Last year, stepping into the dual role of coach and dad was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I loved every second of watching the G5 boys compete every weekend. Watching Jackson develop on the field… not just as an athlete, but as a teammate and a leader. From preseason scrimmages to mid-season breakthroughs and playoff trials, every pancake block, epic tackle, and heartfelt halftime speech was a moment we shared… together as coach and father… and I will take that with me for the rest of my life.
This year, things look a little different. I won’t be strapping on a coach’s hat, or pacing the sideline, but make no mistake… I’ll be right there, the loudest voice in the stands (sorry in advance). I’m trading X’s and O’s for cheers and high-fives, and I couldn’t be happier.
Season Running Summary
Pre Season Jamboree vs Madison and Cheshire
The G6 boys started fast and I won’t lie. It was hard, not being on the sidelines with them after coaching them last year. But something just feels right about the team… A head-coaching change and a position switch for Jackson is exactly what he needed. Jax is playing offensive tackle, but it’s on the defensive side where as a defensively lineman he can contribute meaningfully to his team.
Jax played a lot on both sides of the ball, was consistently in the backfield during the scrimmages and even forced a fumble!
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Week 1: @ Newtown
L: 6-19 (0-1)
Losing to a perennial powerhouse and a team that beat us twice last year, but being able to keep the game close was a definite positive for the new look Grizzlies! The boys opened up the offense and threw A LOT! it was nice to see so many of the wide receivers I coached last year, making meaningful contributions in the passing game!
on the defensive side of the ball Jackson was the enforcer yet again. He had significant playing time and was out on the field at meaningful times when the team needed stops. While we will continue to work on harnessing the aggression, I loved watching Jax play tough against a very good team! I miss being on the sidelines with him, but I love watching him play!
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Week 2: @ Cheshire
L: 13 – 28 (0-2)
The boys dropped a tough one in the pouring rain. After trucking a blocker on the opening kickoff (even though it was returned for a TD), Jax started as at defensive tackle and wreaked havoc in the backfield. The boys were in it until the last two minutes when two turnovers led to two quick TDs to put the game away.
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Week 3: vs. Monroe
L: 19-6 (0-3)
Monroe is a good team. They trounced us last year… but we had a chance today. Big plays beat us again, and other than maybe three plays in each of games so far we have been right there with three of the best teams on the Shoreline.
Jax has carved out a nice little role for himself this year. He’s playing meaningful snaps during big parts of the game. Today, he made three huge plays on three straight snaps in the third quarter when we were down by seven. Two plays in a row he blew up the backfield and forced a sack and a near interception. He also demolished the quarterback. Kid is a regular Micah Parsons out there this year on the DLine!!!
Tonight the house feels a little different. Your new backpacks are lined up by the door, pencils are sharpened, and I keep having to remind mom that bedtimes actually matter tonight. Tomorrow you both walk into a brand-new school year… Jackson into sixth grade, Oliver into third… and I couldn’t let this moment pass without reminding you of a few things.
First, I love you. More than you’ll ever know, more than any words can capture. I am proud of the young boys you’re becoming… not just because of grades, or sports, or accomplishments, but because of the kind hearts you both carry.
School isn’t just about math problems or reading levels. It’s about learning how to be the kind of people the world needs: leaders who listen, friends who show up, people who stand tall when it isn’t easy. That’s what leadership really is… it’s courage. It’s raising your hand not just to answer a question, but to include the kid sitting alone. It’s choosing gratitude when things don’t go perfectly. It’s forgiving quickly so you don’t carry heavy stuff in your heart. And it’s showing compassion not just with words, but with action.
Jackson… you’re stepping into the big kid role at your school now. Remember: being a leader doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it means being the one who listens the most. Trust yourself. You’re ready.
Oliver… you’ve still got that spark that makes every room brighter the second you walk in. Third grade is a chance to learn, to play, to keep asking big questions. Don’t ever lose that joy. People will follow your lead because you remind them how fun life can be.
And both of you… never forget one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever learned… “have a lot of fun” in everything you do. Yes, work hard, pay attention, and respect your teachers, but don’t forget to laugh, to play, to find the joy in every single day.
So tomorrow, when you walk into those classrooms, walk in with love, with courage, with gratitude. Be leaders. Be listeners. And above all, be kind.
This fall marks a brand-new chapter for Ollie and me. After a few years of flag football where he learned the game, built confidence, and showed he was ready for more, he was asked to take a big step up: joining the fourth-grade tackle football team as a third grader… a year earlier than most kids get the chance to do so. It’s a big leap, full of new challenges, harder hits, and a faster pace.
Luckily I have the opportunity to continue coaching Ollie which allows me a front-row seat to the whole experience. That’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking, because coaching your own kid means you see every high, every low, and every “Dad, stop embarrassing me” look.
I look forward to watching him develop and being part of a great team!
Season Running Summary
Pre Season Jamboree vs Wallingford and Glastonbury:
What an amazing experience and I’m not sure who was more nervous: the kids for their first hits and tackles or the coaches making sure everyone knew where to line up!
Ollie played really well, helping spring a few big runs with some solid blocking from the slot receiver position. He played safety and corner back on defense and was near the ball on almost every play! He also got a carry and churned out some hard fought yards on his lone run.
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Week 1: vs. Shelton
Tie: 25-25 (0-0-1)
What an amazing debut for the G4 Grizzlies today! Down two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and our defense would make multiple stands to get the ball back to our offense which would intern allow us to come back and tie the game with under two minutes left.
A third defensive stand in the fourth quarter put us in position for the win with under 30 seconds to go! and only a game saving sideline tackle would keep us from putting another six on the board! An absolutely thrilling game from the first whistle to the last!
Oliver was ALL OVER THE FIELD!!! He started at slot receiver, corner back, played on kickoff and was our kick returner!!! He was in on many tackles, laid out a bunch of DBs and ever had a few blocks to help spring big runs and a touchdown! He also had a great kick return hurdling a defender!
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Week 2: Bye
Celebrating a big TD!
The boys had a week off, but Jakey and Ollie got to join their big brothers of the field as waterboys for the G6 team!
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Week 3: vs. Wallingford
L: 27-0 (0-1-1)
A tough game from start to finish. Ollie had his first big run of the season breaking multiple tackles, a couple “boops” and a sick spin move at the end to pick up a first down on third and 13.
Overall, I was impressed with the team’s fight especially not letting up down big in the fourth quarter! These are the type of games that will pay dividends later in the year and help the boys learn, resiliency and grit.
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Week 4: @ North Haven
L: 7-33 (0-2-1)
Ok, so I thought last week was a tough game from the start… North Haven went up 26-0 half way through the first quarter.
We were desperate and in need of some play making early. What do you do when you need a play?!?? Bring on the “BOOP” Oliver was leaving maroon jerseys in the dust and Night Hawk players’ ankles all over the field!
I am amazed on the sideline watching this kid compete against kids a full grade above him and making plays for his team… but most of all I’m amazed and more proud than I am am amazed of how great of a teammate and leader this kid is!
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Week 5: vs Monroe
L: (0-3-1)
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Week 6: @ Pomperaug
L: 6-22 (0-4-1)
What a tough loss against a team that we should have beaten. The boys are a resilient group and will come back with a vengeance!!! I’m happy that Ollie has made so many great friends on this team. I watch him grow every week. He is the first one to pat a teammate on the head and even when he is on the sidelines he’s standing right next to a coach cheering his team on.
This weekend he gave our starting running back multiple breathers while continuing to gave the group another option and took advantage of his opportunities. He also had another nice kick return when we desperately need a spark! He refuses to come out of the game and when he is on the sideline is begging to go back it!!! I LOVE watching him compete. (PS: the boys looked great in pink!!!)
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Week 7: @ Newtown
L: 6-26 (0-5-1)
Leadership looks like this — Oliver was named Captain by his coaches this week and if being named Captain isn’t enough… he gets to represent his team in Newtown… in front of his family and our friends! (Specifically ODBjr)!!!
We hung in there every down every play. Newtown is a top program in the state and our boys fought hard (fought football fights… Newtown may have fought actual fights!!!) Oliver showed why he was named Captain every down. He was the leader the team looked to to get us hyped and back into the game when we needed it most:
He played (in my humble option) his best defensive game of the season). Had explosive kick returns, stepped up to his coaches’ challenge on defense of setting the edge and making open field tackles. On offense he was his normal self and made smooth cuts and some “boops” in the backfield to get some hard fought yards.
We couldn’t be prouder of the heart and effort he brings to the game. 🏈 #ProudDad #YouthFootball #GoGrizzliesGo #CaptainMindset
Week 8: vs Bristol
W 0-20 (1-5-1)
And there it is! Our first win of the season. Hell, the first win of the boys tackle football journey! … and what a win it was! Pure domination. There was really nothing Bristol could do to move the ball against such a suffocating defensive, or do anything to stop a steamrolling Grizzlies offense!
Oliver played his best all around game! He scored for the first time on a halfback sweep, in which he outran a defensive end, juked two line backers and hit the traditional “Ollie Boop” right across the goal line! (Not sure who was more excited (mom, dad, or Ollie!). It was awesome to celebrate with him and Steph, who was running the chains on the sideline.
Coach did a phenomenal getting our backs rotated in and keeping them fresh. Oliver was running circles around Bulldog defenders and made a few defenders look silly as they tried to tackle him. I’m pretty sure he left quite a few ankles on the field on Sunday.
Defensively, he played an incredibly solid game… containing the outside from his cornerback position, shutting down the opposing wide receivers, which led to our first interception of the season and even was in on multiple tackles.
Knowing he is doing so well individually (especially being a grade below everyone he’s playing with), but more importantly his successes is positively contributing to the team and he is loving cheering on the successes of everyone one of his teammates as well as celebrating a HUGE FIRST WIN!
There’s a few places in our house that’s looking a little too quiet these days.
For years, those brightly colored trucks, puzzles, oversized stuffiees with threadbare noses—they were everywhere. They were the soundtrack of our days: the zoom of a car hitting the wall, the clack-clack of giant Lego bricks scattered across the living room, and the squeak of a well-loved toy undergoing yet another wrestling match.
But then our boys—now 11 and 8—grew. Not in leaps or bounds, but in these gentle pushes: deeper conversations, strategic video-game moves, jokes caught in mid-air that I have to chase to understand. Between folding laundry and coaching football, I noticed those baby toys starting to pile up.
Giving them away felt… like giving up a part of our story.
It feels silly, doesn’t it? The sight of that plastic race track makes me smile and then pause: wasn’t that the one Oliver made us watch him race while we were trying to watch a movie? Then I see the Radio Flier that Jax and Ollie used to race everywhere— I’m hit with memory after memory of small hands clutching these toys as if they were truly the most important things in the world.
Of course they’re not too old for toys—not really. Kids don’t come with an expiration date on imagination. But those toys, they were for the tiny hands that are throwing fastballs on the baseball field. Those were the baby-safe blocks now replaced by dialogue about science projects and football playbooks.
Letting those toys go doesn’t feel practical—it feels profoundly emotional. It feels like a goodbye, even though I know what’s coming after this is so much bigger, better, and more wonderful.
I’m reminded that the things that mattered most weren’t the toys themselves, but those moments: the giggles as the Mighty Pups climbed the Paw Patrol Towers, the walks up the street in a push cart where Oliver stuffed acorns, rocks and sidewalk chalk, the bubble lawnmower Jax used before he learned to ride my tractor and the way those stuffed animals made a busy home feel warm, cozy, alive.
So yes—I’ll sort those toys, bag them up, drop them off, and maybe even help someone else’s kids play with them… but inside, I’ll carry every memory. Because growing up does mean saying goodbye to some things. But it doesn’t mean forgetting what made them magical in the first place.
Here’s to the next chapter—and maybe, someday, rediscovering that same magic in the toys that are just right for now.
Here’s to hoping these toys will give another family the same type of memories they helped us made all these years!
Oliver’s coaches nominated him for athlete of the year:
“Oliver plays with heart bigger than any trophy. He cares more about teammates than himself, reminding us why we fell in love with sports.”
What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?
What inspires him most isn’t wins or stats—it’s the love he has for the game and the people in it. He’s the first at practice, the last to leave, and hugs every coach and teammate like family. Oliver was asked by coaches to play up with much older athletes for tackle football and is one of the youngest on the state travel baseball team— but it’s his heart, not his age or talent, that makes him unforgettable.
Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?
I asked Oliver this question specifically: His response, “I love playing catch with you dad. You always tell us about playing catch with Pop (my grandfather). Playing catch with you makes me feel like I get to play catch with your Pop even though I never got to meet him. I love when you tell me about Rickey Henderson & Ken Griffey, Jr. Thanks for telling me about Pop, I love him for making us both love baseball!”
What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?
This basketball season, with time running out, Ollie had a clear opportunity to score again. As he got to the hoop, he saw a teammate who hadn’t scored all season. Without hesitating, he passed the ball so his teammate could score at the buzzer. After, I asked him about it, he said, ‘We win as a team and I love helping everyone.’ That selfless act, prioritizing team & uplifting a teammate, shows the kind of athlete and person he’s becoming. To me his leadership and character makes me most proud.
8.29.25: OK… TOP 5!?????… and currently he’s in second place! Maybe, just maybe this is a thing? The best part though is knowing that the votes that Oliver is getting are in turn supporting cancer research.
8.21.25: Ollie made it into the TOP TEN! Thank you to everyone who has supported Ollie on his athletic journey and through this process. He loves making everyone proud and Steph and I couldn’t be prouder!!!
8.14.25: Another great accomplishment. Oliver is now made it through to the TOP 15 of his group!!!
8.7.25: So incredibly proud to announce Oliver has made it through to the TOP 20 in his group!!!
Sorry Sons: Chronicles of a New Dad 