Not many girls get to say that they've spent their entire high school career, and then some, on the football sidelines.

Five years ago, my second oldest brother was about to graduate from high school and my family would have no one to go watch at high school games. For years I sat in the bleachers at Lockhart Stadium, sipping hot chocolate, and cheering on my brothers as they pancaked their opponents as Cadets. Even though I could not play football myself, there was nothing I wanted more than to be on that field. On the last day of 7th grade, I walked into the Head Coach's room and asked if I could be the manager for the upcoming football season. To my surprise, he gave a chance. At that moment in time, I had no idea how great that decision would affect me.

Throughout the years each season became even more special. As a nervous 8th grader, I boarded the charter bus with the football team and never looked back. I was right alongside those boys for every loss, win, long bus ride, half-time speech and grueling pre-season practice. They were also there for me through every heartbreak and success. I have been their #1 fan for five years, and they have been mine. There's nothing like being amidst a high school football team. The feeling that permeates the air during a game is almost fathomable. In their eyes, I see the spark and will to be the best they can be. There's nothing I wouldn't do for those boys. When they step on that field, I feel their passion and I understand; it's addicting.

On October 28, 2016 I took to the field one last time as the Linsly Varsity Football team's manager. When this season started, I refused to believe that there would be a day where I would no longer be filling up water bottles or fetching lost mouthpieces. I have never enjoyed something so much in my entire life. As the final seconds ticked away in the final fourth quarter, my heart started breaking. Quickly, I was scooped up by my team into many hugs as I cried. Standing there with my fellow seniors, I knew that was where I belonged.

To the players, present and past:

Thank you for always making me feel that I belonged. Coming to football practice after school was the highlight of my day simply because I was able to spend two uninterrupted hours with you. I know I was not the one running 50 plus', however I still felt part of the team. You were always there to lift my spirits after a bad day because you cared. When you asked me to be the honorary captain at the last home game, I was completely speechless. A huge thank you to the Cadet captains for making my dream come true, it means more to me than you will ever know. Sharing those Friday night lights with you will always hold a special place in my heart. I will gladly bake any of you my homemade cookies again. Thank you.

To the Coaches:

Thank you for allowing me to be on the sideline for five years. You've allowed me to live my dream with no questions asked. I am especially appreciative that you were always able to find a place to accommodate me at every away game, even if some of them were out of the ordinary. I will miss sharing the coach's room with you all. Thank you.

It's crazy to think about all that we've been through together. I've attended almost 336 practices, 50+ games/scrimmages, filled around 1,680 water bottles, and baked close to 3,000 chocolate chip cookies. I wouldn't have traded a moment of those five years for the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Your Manager,

Amelia Jones