Outside the Box

Omaha.com: Manning Squad Seeks First Title

It is a really big day for the Forman's today. My dad has been coaching the Manning football team for 21 years and today at 10:30am he will be coaching the Bulldogs in the Iowa Class A (smallest class) title game. Manning has never been in this position before and neither has my dad. I'm not able to be there in person, which is really disappointing to me, but I will be there in thought.

My brother and my mom (who has missed only one game in 21 years) and the whole damn town of 1600 people will drive the four hours to the University of Northern Iowa Dome to participate in the game. My grandma and aunt and uncle are driving up from Dallas. Two of my other aunts are driving from South Dakota and Minnesota. Win or lose there will be a lot of emotion and I know that a lot of tears will be shed.

My father has more integrity than any man I know. He is not a yeller, he is a teacher and an incredibly hard worker. I'm incredibly proud of what he has accomplished, but more importantly how he has accomplished it, with class and respect for his players and others. Good luck Dad!