The Memories

September 27, 2025We’re on the road this weekend to take on FBS Western Michigan. (6:30PM on ESPN+ if anyone is interested!)

Games like this are always a chance to prove ourselves. And if you can grab a win over an FBS opponent? That memory sticks for a lifetime.

But what stuck with me today wasn’t the matchup. It was the dinner convo with the outside linebackers.

One of them said that someday he’ll tell his kids about his teammate. But he won’t tell them about sacks, awards, or big wins. He’ll tell them about the absolutely ridiculous and hilarious things that guy used to say and do when the team was on the road together.

That’s a reminder for me, this game is bigger than stats or depth charts. Bigger than W’s and L’s.

It’s about the brotherhood. It’s about the stories that get retold years later. It’s about the bonds that carry on long after the lights go out.

And here’s the lesson for us as coaches: it’s our job to create space for that. To foster the kind of culture where kids don’t just train and play together, they grow together. Where the experience isn’t just about stats, but about the people.

The wins matter. The X’s and O’s matter. But the memories your players will pass down come from the time you invest in building relationships.

Let’s make sure we’re giving our players more than a game. Let’s give them a brotherhood worth remembering.

Keep the fire burning, Leech