If I Could Be Any Thing

August 19th, 2006, 03:52 AM

I'd be a Bulldog.

Loved by many because of the heart and desire and the tradition. Always loyal and always caring. A true friend and companion.

From the first game i saw, when Ed "The Stonega Stallion" Clark was running over, around, pass, and through people.

I become a fan.

Later as i grew and watched him and 10 others, work their magic to the performance of a bunch of crazy Appy fans, who would follow their team anywhere, i became a true fan.
In 1971 as would also the AAA Virgina TC Titans, became state Champions, so did the Appy Bulldogs.

And i watched those fans rock Riggs Stadium before it was called Riggs Stadium, i realized what i wanted to do at least once in my life.

I wanted to walk down those steps and i wanted to be called a Dawg and hear that crowd go wild, as i took the field.
Wearing the Blue, Gold and White of an Appy Dawg.

Years later i got that chance. Heart pounding wanting to puke my guts out, i walked those steps, heard that crowd and took that field, with pride of a small town and school behind me, I learned a lot.
Tradition, Pride, Heart, Hard Work and a never ending Determination will take you a long ways.

Nothing could beat the excitement of a big game on a Friday Night at Riggs Stadium.

I will always be grateful i was and will always be a Dawg. And for a small town and it's people i will always know what Pride, Heart, Determination, Hard Work and Tradition is all about.

"Once a Dawg always a Dawg." Former Coach and Friend. LLoyd "Worm" Wells.

"Dawg football it's a way of life. It's buddies, friends and family." Coach Thomas "Tom" Turner. A Coach, A Friend, and a person who loved the town and the program.
The person who laid the foundation, first as a player, later as a coach, one who had the heart to see it through.
From beginning to end.

Dawg football more than just a game. It's a way of life.

August 19th, 2006, 10:11 AM

Tom just let me hang around and made feel welcome. (I'm an adopted Dawg) After watching a bunch of under-sized kids, over achieve , again and again, I kinda caught on. It's a good group of friends and I'll never feel at home anywhere else. And that is from a transplant. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

**Unchained** · August 19th, 2006, 11:11 AM

Very good post-just another reminder as to why I have so much respect for Bulldog football, as well as that little community. Having said that, I sincerely hope that my true love hands you guys a L on the Friday night when you meet my Tribe. I love you all, but I love us more-lol

**SWVA-Football** · August 19th, 2006, 11:28 AM

*Salutes*

Well said.. awesome post.

**imported_DAWG** · August 19th, 2006, 11:57 AM

couldnt have said it better, LPDFTBL.
From the time I was old enough to walk, I was carrying a football around, and wearing a bulldog shirt. I grew up watching my brother play, and win a state championship on the 1989 team. All I wanted was a chance to one day, be a dawg, and play for Coach Turner. And last, but definatly not least, to win a state title. I remember the first day I walked in the dawghouse in 7th grade for weightlifting. I was starstruck. Seeing all the State Championship pictures, all of the team awards, and especially all of Coach Turners awards. I'd have to say that walking down those steps on friday night for the first time, is still the most exciting time of my life. And although there was no state championship, I can say that I was , and will always be a dawg. Along the way, I also got to play for whom I consider the best coach in the state of VA.

To you current dawgs, dont take it for granted. Its something special to wear that blue and gold.Its an honor, and a privledge. Its not something given to you, you've worked your butts off to be out there on friday nights. You represent yourself, your school, your community, and also all of the former dawgs.

**Unchained** · August 19th, 2006, 12:02 PM

The thing that impresses me most is that I have several friends who are former Dawg players, and when they hit rough spot in their lives, and you start to worry about em, they tell you "This ol Dawg wil be fine", and you know it. These fellers know that it's a never-ending thing, not just when you hang em up. The lessons that Tom taught them carries over to teir lives as they get along in years. I would be lying if I said that I didn't envy that.

**imported_Sportsman** · August 19th, 2006, 12:54 PM

Good post, but......

I'd rather be an Indian.....wouldn't want to be anything else.

**Unchained** · August 19th, 2006, 02:44 PM

I agree with that 150% (hence the school mascot tat on my leg)

On a related note: I am still trying to get LPDFTBL to let me take him to Mike's and get that Appy bulldog lifting weights tat. I think he's chicken-lol