Greenbrier East Football - Miluk's Minutes

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              Miluk's Minutes
                                     by
         GEHS Athletic Director Brian Miluk

February 6, 2010

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions – Do you ever realize the number of decisions that go into playing a basketball game. The weather can be a nightmare in the decision making process. Is it going to snow? Is it going to be freezing rain? How are the roads? Does the other team have school? What is their county policy? Who makes the decision? Is the Coach, Athletic Director, Principal, Superintendent or Transportation Director in charge of decisions? Are they taking cars, school buses or charter buses? Can they get there or here? Can they return? Is there a make up date? These are just a few (and I mean few) of the questions that need to be answered before decisions are made. Basketball is a winter sport and we should expect inclement weather during the season. However, one thing is clear. The safety of our student-athletes, coaches and families come first. We would never knowingly put anyone in harms way. We want what is best for all parties involved while still competing and preparing our student-athletes for greatness. Overcoming adversity is just one of the signs of a champion. So, if you make it through the basketball season as a decision maker, you are a better person because of it. Stay strong and continue to persevere because as my good friend Larry Novak says, “Everybody complains about the weather, yet nobody does a thing about it!” Think spring!

TRIVIA: Name the first Boys Head Basketball Coach (Hint 1968-1969). Name the first Girls Head Basketball Coach (Hint 1975-1976).

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Tanner Hughes (Soph.) Wrestling – Tanner took 2^nd place at the National Guard Dual Tournament winning 9 matches and losing 1. He also was 3-0 at Parry McCluer on Tuesday. BIG-TIME NOTE – Tanner pinned the #1 ranked wrestler in Virginia to win the Parry McCluer Quad. He has continued to improve and we expect good things come Regional and State Tournament time.
Congratulations to the Boys Basketball Team – They had a BIG win over cross town rival – James Monroe. Our lopsided victory gave us an opportunity to showcase a lot of underclassmen. Harrison Martin took that opportunity and shined. Great job Harrison!
The Wrestling Team continues to succeed. They will compete at the MSAC Championship on Saturday, February 6^th at George Washington High School. This will be a great test to see where we stand with the toughest teams in the state.
The Girls team plays Princeton tonight. Everyone come out and cheer on our Lady Spartans. It is a BIG game with Regional implications. This is Student Appreciation night. All students get in free with their student ID. If you don’t have a Greenbrier East Student ID with you, it is $1.00 admission, Adults will be $2.00 admission. Wear Green and Gold – Let’s rock the house!!
Good luck to the Cheerleaders! Their competition is Saturday in Clarksburg. They will be led by Seniors, Devin McFerrin, Cassie Morgan, Morgan Boone, Haylee Roberts, Katie Smith, Amanda Morgan and Sarah Mabry.
Come out Monday night for the Boys Basketball game at home against Woodrow Wilson, 5:30 and 7:30. Let’s fill the house and show our support for Greenbrier East. We expect standing room only. We have the best fans in West Virginia.
Remember, please, please, please, when buying passes for the Greenbrier Classic Golf Tournament, pick Spartan Athletic Foundation as your charity. It doesn’t cost any extra and we benefit greatly from this.
My daughter, the lovely driver, got a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign. She came home and told the family. She kept arguing that she did slow down. My wife said, “It’s a Stop Sign, you are required to stop.” My daughter responded, “Stop, slow down, what’s the difference?” At that time, my other daughter, a freshman, started hitting her with a wooden spoon and said, “Tell me if you want me to stop or just slow down; See, there is a difference.”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, January 30 – Girls Basketball (H) Princeton, Cheerleaders @ Punky Garrett Competition in Clarksburg
MONDAY, February 1 – Boys Basketball (H) Woodrow Wilson
TUESDAY, February 2 – Boys Basketball (H) St. Albans, Girls Basketball @ St. Albans
THURSDAY, February 4 – Girls Basketball @ Mid Atlantic Classic and Boys Basketball @ Mid Atlantic Classic
SATURDAY, February 6 – Girls Basketball @ Mid Atlantic Classic and Boys Basketball @ Mid Atlantic Classic, Wrestling @ George Washington – MSAC Championships

ALUMNI UPDATE: Christy Webb (Class of 1978) Christy Webb was a letterman in girl’s basketball, volleyball and track during all three years of her Spartan career. In 1977, she became the first girl’s basketball player in Greenbrier East history to be named First Team All-State while being named to the All-State Tournament team. Christy was a medalist in the 100 low hurdles event at the State Track Meet. She earned a basketball scholarship to Potomac State College before gaining a scholarship to play basketball at West Virginia University. In 1982, she was the Mountaineers’ team captain. Today, she is employed as a Correctional Program Specialist at FPC-Alderson. She is also the mother of current varsity player Jesse Ford. She is one of the most loyal fans of Greenbrier East High School. Greenbrier East Athletics is proud to be associated with people like Christy. You were great with what you did and you are even greater by what you do. Thank You!

TRIVIA ANSWER: Boys Head Coach was Al Morgan and finished the season at 12-11. The Girls Head Coach was Hilton Tincher and they finished the season at 8-4. (The girls used to play in the fall.)

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..In closing, I’ll leave you with a quick note of thought. “Laughter has no foreign accent”. Go out and make someone laugh. It’s the language that we all understand.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

January 23, 2010

We have a lot of information this week with all the changes in schedules and hodge podge of information, so I will keep my opening (sermon, according to Mike) short. The weather has caused chaos lately and change is all around, sometimes good, sometimes bad. So, keeping it short, all I want to say is try to live life with the “Attitude of Gratitude”. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain!”

TRIVIA: Name the former Greenbrier East and Marshall University Basketball player who is currently a very successful attorney in the Huntington area. (HINT) The new phone books came out and he was on the cover with his magnet.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Hayden Roberts (Jr.) Boys Basketball – Hayden created a lot of the excitement for the South Charleston game. Hayden had 24 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while playing tenacious defense. Hayden has improved tremendously over the past two years and has slowly become the silent leader. Hayden is also successful off the court with a consistent 3.0 grade point average. Keep up the great effort Hayden.
Congratulations to Boys Basketball Team for their big win over Nitro. This could be the breakout game for a nice winning streak.
The Girls Basketball Team continued to stay on the winning side with an exciting victory over Parkersburg at Parkersburg. I know that it is hard to win there, but I am still trying to figure out the order of events that took place at the end of the game. Bottom line. We beat Parkersburg!
Tonight – 1/23/10 – The Girls Basketball Team is playing Beckley at the Armory 5:30/7:30 – BE THERE! With your support, we will come home victorious!
Our track team sign ups were this past week and we had over 100 student-athletes interested. We will succeed. We also had 35 girls sign up for softball. Spring is around the corner……….I hope!
VERY IMPRESSIVE!! Pay attention. The Girls Volleyball Team – Regional Champions – 3^rd in the State – finished as the fall sports team leader in G.P.A. (Grade Point Average) with a G.P.A. team average of 3.51. Wow! That is every girl on the JV and Varsity. The following girls had a 4.0 or above. Katie Fullen, Annie Smead, Emily Clemons, Annie Ickes and Melissa O’Sullivan. You do the math. You win with good people.
Congratulations to Shay Walker (Jr) of the Girls Basketball Team. Shay had 29 rebounds in our victory over Riverside. Shay is on pace to break the Greenbrier East school record for rebounds in a season.
South Charleston Boys Basketball was ranked #1 in the state and also mentioned in some national polls. However, I could not be more proud of our boy’s team in that loss. The excitement and energy that they brought to the game was impressive. The crowd (as always) was Big-Time.
A big Thank You goes out to the Spartan Athletic Foundation and the various teams that run the concession stand at all the games. Their loyalty and effort does not go unnoticed.
Thank you to the people who checked Spartan Athletic Foundation as their charity for the Greenbrier Classic Golf badges.
Remember, please, please, please, when buying passes for the Greenbrier Classic Golf Tournament, pick Spartan Athletic Foundation as your charity. It doesn’t cost any extra and we benefit greatly from this.
Congratulations to Jalen Walker (Sr.) who scored 42 points against Ripley. It was great to see two potential All-State First Team players go head to head. The Ripley player, Chase Fisher, is already signed with Marshall University and Jalen is getting contacted by numerous Division I schools. Good luck on your decision Jalen.
The wrestling team continues to succeed. They currently have eight wrestlers ranked in the top 16 in AAA. Jacob Sockriter, Nick Jerman, Josh Whitt, Aaron Shaffer, Davis Solak, Garrett Williams, Ethan Brooks and Tanner Hughes. Freshman, Michael Blevins, is also on track to qualify for the state tournament this year. Exciting times are ahead for the wrestling program.
My daughter, the lovely driver, got stuck in her seat belt and could not get out. So, she bought a life saving tool that will cut through a seat belt if she ever gets trapped again. I said, “Great, where do you keep it.” “In the trunk”, she responded. Oh brother!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, January 23 – Girls Basketball @ Armory versus Woodrow Wilson, Wrestling @ National Guard Duals
MONDAY, January 25 – Boys Basketball @ Nicholas County
TUESDAY, January 26 – Boys (Home) against James Monroe, Wrestling @ Parry McClure
WEDNESDAY, January 27 – Boys Basketball @ Capital
THURSDAY, January 28 – Freshman Boys Basketball (Home) against Princeton
FRIDAY, January 29 – Boys Basketball @ Lincoln County
SATURDAY, January 30 – Girls (Home) against Princeton, Wrestling @ Parry McClure Duals Tournament

ALUMNI UPDATE: Darryl Bartley (Class of 1971) Darryl Bartley is a member of a select group of people who have been Spartan Athletes and later became a member of the coaching staff. He attended Beckley College on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Glenville State where he played basketball and earned his teaching degree. Darryl began his teaching career in 1976 at the Maxwelton School. In 1979, he began his coaching career as head basketball coach at Clifton Forge High School. In 1980, he returned to Greenbrier County where he has coached basketball, baseball, track and golf. Today, Darryl teaches Special Education at Greenbrier East. His 1992 and 1999 golf teams finished as State Runner-Up. His 1994 team won the Class AAA State Championship. He has been selected as a multiple winner of the Coalfield Conference Coach of the Year Award in Golf and Baseball. He was selected as West Virginia Golf Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. Darryl Bartley is just a tremendous person.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Chad Barry, L.C. Attorney at Law, Class of 1992 - Chad did not make the team as a sophomore. However, through perseverance he made the team as a junior and started as a senior. He went on to play for Marshall University. Another successful Spartan story.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..In closing, I always finish up with some words of wisdom or points to ponder. So, I will leave you with one final note. During the next pro football playoff game that you watch on TV, take out two minutes during half-time (instead of watching that sixth Bud-Light commercial) and call that person, relative or friend that you’ve been meaning to call for months. Friendships should be treasured. (Heck, you can TiVo the commercials).

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

January 9, 2010

Happy Belated New Year! What a GREAT time to reflect and re-focus. Reflect on the past and look for areas of improvement. Also, re-focus as your goals become clearer. I used to have New Year resolutions, now I have New Year goals. They seem more challenging and give me a sense of accomplishment. The definition of a GOAL: A goal is a specific, measurable and time bound end toward which you direct specific effort until achieved. WOW! Sounds simple, but it’s not easy, especially if you set your goals high. So many times in Athletics and in life, we lose track of our goals and change with the crowd. Well, let’s work together and make this year “The Year of Accomplished Goals”. I want nothing but the best for the loyal fans and supporters of Greenbrier East High School. We are very fortunate to even have the opportunity to set goals and the resources to accomplish them. (There is greatness all around you). Enjoy the New Year and the journey as you reach your goals. As my favorite sister (she’s in town) says, “I am too blessed to be stressed.”

TRIVIA: Name the Team Manager for the Boys 1972 West Virginia State Basketball Championship Team.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Gaby Dugan (Jr.) Girls Basketball. Gaby was the sparkplug in the big victory over Lincoln County. The team won 57-46. Her ball handling skills, quickness and hustle was impressive. She also scored 6 points and was tough on defense. Gaby is a multiple state qualifier in cross country. She definitely put those skills to use as she weaved in and out of their press defense. Great Job Gaby! We are all very proud of your efforts.
Congratulations to the Boys Freshman Basketball Team led by Coach Neil Dixon. The Boys beat highly heralded Parkersburg to reach the finals and become Tournament champions. Come out and see the re-match this Friday (1-8-10) at 4:00 pm. In our gym. It’s a triple header with the Junior Varsity at 5:30 pm. and the Varsity immediately following. A great night of Boys Basketball.
The Girls Basketball Team continues to move up in the rankings with big wins over Spring Valley, Lincoln County and Riverside. They are definitely improving under the leadership of Coach Jim Justice.
The Girls Basketball game against Parkersburg was snowed out and will be rescheduled for January 19^th. at Parkersburg.
The Boys Basketball game against Parkersburg was snowed out and will be rescheduled for January 16as part of a fun filled basketball evening. Girls JV versus Hurricane at 4:30, Boys Varsity versus Parkersburg at 6:00 and Girls Varsity versus Hurricane at 7:30. Come out and get a rare opportunity to see the Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity compete in one evening.
Remember, please, please, please, when buying passes for the Greenbrier Classic Golf Tournament, pick Spartan Athletic Foundation as your charity. It doesn’t cost any extra and we benefit greatly from this.
The Boys Basketball Team let a game slip away from them at Huntington. However, it is nice to see Andre Sinclair back in action and the hot shooting hand of Jalen Walker. With everyone healthy now, this team will start to really come together.
The Wrestling Team was in Wheeling Park this past week wrestling the best of the best. Our top performers were Nick Jerman, Jacob Sockriter, Davis Solak and Ethan Brooks.
The Greenbrier County Wrestling Championships were snowed out. Hopefully, they will be rescheduled at a later date. We want this to be a community event. The youth teams, middle school teams and the high school teams of Greenbrier East and Greenbrier West will compete for the “County Championship Trophy”. Last year it was snowed out and this year it was snowed out. Maybe God is trying to tell us that everybody is a winner when it comes to Greenbrier County Wrestling. Hopefully, (and it will), this event will be a showcase of high school wrestling for the community to support. It will definitely be a fun filled and exciting evening for the whole community to enjoy.
My daughter, the lovely driver, got pulled over by a police officer….again. She was driving on Rte #60 in Caldwell. The officer told her that “she was speeding and clocked at going 60 miles per hour”. My daughter replied “I know officer, the sign read 60 East, so, I kept the car at 60 mph. He said “That’s the street name not the speed limit” “Oh, it’s a good thing you didn’t catch me earlier when I was on Rte #219” she said………. Oh brother!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, January 9 – Girls Basketball @ HOME against Huntington at 5:30/7:30 – Boys Freshman Basketball @ Logan
SATURDAY, January 9 – Wrestling @ Allegheny Duals Tournament 9:00 a.m.
MONDAY, January 11 – Boys Basketball @ Ripley
TUESDAY, January 12 – Girls Basketball @ South Charleston
WEDNESDAY, January 13 – Boys Basketball @ HOME against South Charleston 5:30/7:30
FRIDAY, January 15 – Boys Basketball @ Hurricane
SATURDAY, January 16 – Girls JV Basketball @ HOME against Hurricane at 4:30, Boys Varsity Basketball @ HOME against Parkersburg at 5:30 and Girls Varsity Basketball against Hurricane at 7:30

ALUMNI UPDATE: Scott Weikle D.O. (Class of 1991) Scott Weikle was a three-sport athlete over his Spartan career. In basketball, he was a two year starter and made the game winning jumper to beat Williamson in 1990. In football, he was a First Team All-State selection. In baseball, he was twice named First Team All-State. Turning down a chance to sign a free agent contract with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, Scott went on to play baseball at Furman University, where he was a relief pitcher and designated hitter. He was named to the All-Southern Conference Academic Team. In 2000 Scott graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He specializes in Internal Medicine and has a Practice at Carolina Emergency Medicine. WOW!!!! Another Greenbrier East Student-Athlete who continues to shine. He is Big-Time!

TRIVIA ANSWER: Nick Lutz. – He is still an avid fan of Greenbrier East while living in the Eastern Panhandle Area.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote ………….”The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.” Please have a GREAT New Year and be thankful for what you are blessed with throughout the year.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

December 26, 2009

Merry Christmas to everyone! I love this time of year. So, I want to relate a poem that keeps me grounded during this often hectic season.

The True Meaning of Christmas

In today’s day and time,
            It’s easy to lose sight,
            Of the true meaning of Christmas
            And one special night.

When we go shopping,
            We say, “How much will it cost?”
            Then the true meaning of Christmas,
            Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
            And ribbons of gold,
            We forget about the child,
            Born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
            In his big, red sleigh
            Never thinking of the child
            Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
            When we look into the night sky,
            We don’t see a sleigh
            But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
            Of that night so long ago,
            And of the child we call Jesus,
            Whose love, the world would know,

Merry Christmas and remember,
He was and is the greatest COACH of all!

TRIVIA: During this Christmas time, our thoughts go back to the birth of Christ. Name the first year that Greenbrier East had the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Also, bonus points if you can name the sponsor and what they called its members. Trivia (Part 2) Who runs the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Greenbrier East today?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Brittany Parker (Jr) Girls Basketball – Brittany scored 12 points in the 60-59 victory thriller over Spring Valley. With 7.9 seconds to go, Brittany hit the clutch free throw to win the game. She is starting to make a big impact as her focus and confidence continues to grow. As good as she is now, she will continue to improve through her hard work and determination. Great job Brittany!
Congratulations to the Girls Basketball Team. Wow! What an exciting victory over Spring Valley on Tuesday. This team is looking better and better and will be ready for tournament time.
The Boys Basketball Team and Wrestling Team were snowed out of their events. They will be rescheduled.
Thank you to all the fans who “weathered” the storm and made it to the girls basketball game. We definitely have the most loyal fans. Also, the Spartan Spirit collected money at halftime for Penny Pitch. It was a record collection. Just proving again what a giving community we have. (A big thank you to Paul Shortridge who donated his half and half winnings back to Penny Pitch)
Remember, please, please, please, when buying passes for the Greenbrier Classic Golf Tournament, pick Spartan Athletic Foundation as your charity. It doesn’t cost any extra and we benefit greatly from this.
Congratulations to Nathan Lilly (Sr) who was named to the West Virginia AAA All-State football team as an honorable mention. He was also selected to the Metro News AAA All-State 3^rd Team as a defensive back. Great Job Nathan.
My daughter, the lovely driver, wanted to sell her car. I told her that she won’t get very much money for it because it has over 250,000 miles on it. She said “Don’t worry dad, I have a friend who can turn the odometer back.” After a few weeks, I asked her if she sold the car yet. She said “No dad, why would I? It only has 40,000 miles on it.” Oh brother!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, December 29^th/30^th – Wrestling Duals @ Wheeling Park
WEDNESDAY, December 30th – Girls Basketball @ Home against Lincoln County 5:00 and 7:00
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, December 30^th/31st – Boys Freshman Basketball @ Parkersburg South
SATURDAY, January 2nd – Boys Basketball @ Home against Woodrow Wilson
SATURDAY, January 2^nd – Wrestling @ Home – Greenbrier Duals 10:00 a.m.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Speaking of “Old Man Winter” Ha! - Arthur Erskine ’71 – Arthur Erskine was a two-year football letterman for Greenbrier East. In 1970, he was second on the team with 111 tackles and received the Hustler Award by the football coaching staff. Arthur was selected to the Honorable Mention All-Southern West Virginia football squad, before playing the 1972 season as a cornerback at Concord College. He transferred to Salem College, but his football career ended there due to a neck injury. He has been a football coach in Eastern Greenbrier County for over 30 years. He served as president of the Greenbrier East Quarterback Club, President of the Spartan Athletic Foundation and is employed by Allegheny Power as Electronics Operations Manager. This Greenbrier East Hall of Fame member continues to work very hard behind the scenes to improve the overall athletics of Greenbrier East. The A in Loyalty stands for Arthur. Great Job, We are proud of you “Billy”.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The very first year of the school 1968-1969. Coach Bob Zopp was the sponsor and it was called the “Huddle Group”. They held many activities and had speaking engagements and groups throughout the area. There have been many people involved with FCA over the years, yet Coach Zopp’s influence on our youth continues to this day. Trivia (Part 2) Volleyball Coach Matt Sauvage does a tremendous job with our student-athletes on and off the court. They meet on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. Please come and join in.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..”The higher you go, the more support is needed to keep it up there”. Ask any architect. Thank you very much for your support of Greenbrier East Athletics.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

December 19, 2009

I love my dad! I am very lucky to have the greatest dad in the world. He is coming to visit me and my family this weekend and we are very excited. I was his favorite! However, if you asked my seven brothers and sisters, they would all say the same thing. He had that impact on all of us. My dad was a big influence on my athletic career. He introduced me to sports. You notice I use the word introduce. He did not push me, make me, force me or even pressure me to participate. I thank him for that and I learned a lot of life lessons through athletics. Again, I was lucky. Today, many coaches are the father-figure for a lot of athletes. Too many student-athletes spend more time with their coaches than they do with their dads. With practices, games, camps, tournaments, etc., the time difference is amazing. That is why it is so important to have the right person leading our student-athletes as a COACH. The influence they have on our student-athletes is often life lasting. Even as I write this article, I can hear voices of my old coaches in my head. However, the loudest, yet most encouraging and calming voice I hear in my head is that of my dad. Dad, I love you and thanks for everything!

TRIVIA: Name the year Spartan Spirit was first organized. For bonus points, name the charter members and the sponsor.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE(S) OF THE WEEK – Jacob Sockriter (Sr) Wrestling – Jacob has started the season with a 5-0 record and #5 ranking in the state. Last year, Jacob qualified for the state tournament and this year, he leads by example in the wrestling room. Hard work does pay off.
Congratulations to Spartan Spirit member Haley Cornwell (Sr). She was recognized on a national level for her outstanding research collaboration with WVSOM faculty member, Kristie G. Bridges. Haley’s contribution to the research team has been lauded as work equal to that of a medical student. Her research was on “Salivary Levels of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin”: A potential non-invasive biomarker of pre-diabetes. What a coincidence, me and some buddies were just talking about that. Ha! Haley is a great person. She will succeed.
Remember, Spartan Spirit will be taking up donations for Penny Pitch one more time before Christmas at halftime of the Girls Basketball game against Spring Valley Tuesday, December 22^nd. Bring your spare change and donate to this worthy cause. Your donations are greatly appreciated!
Happy Birthday Asbury! Tell me again about the time you and Ben Franklin rode bikes together. Ha!
Remember, please, please, please, when buying passes for the Greenbrier Classic Golf Tournament, pick Spartan Athletic Foundation as your charity. It doesn’t cost any extra and we benefit greatly from this.
Another big thank you to the fans. Our crowds have been “proud and loud”. We appreciate your support and the student-athletes constantly tell me how much they appreciate it. Keep it up.
Congratulations to the girl’s basketball team with a big win over Mercer Christian. Let’s come out and support them on December 22^nd against Spring Valley at home.
Boy’s basketball will be happy to get Andre Sinclair back into action. Andre has been declared healthy and ready to lead the Spartan boys. Andre is a true scholar-athlete.
Congratulations to the wrestling team. They had big wins over Richwood, Meadow Bridge, Nicholas County and Fayetteville. Jacob Sockriter, Nick Jerman and Davis Solak all went 5-0. The team is working harder than ever. I am proud!
The football team had four football players recognized on the All-Mountain State Athletic Conference Team. Nathan Lilly was named 2^nd Team, Kolten Renick was named Special Mention. Also Tyler Freeman and Clay Ayers were named to the Honorable Mention Team. The future looks bright.
We are so proud of our cheerleaders. During the National Anthem at our basketball games, the cheer team does sign language for the anthem. Many people have come to me with compliments about their classy performance. Again, great leadership prompts future leaders.
My daughter, the lovely driver, was at it again this week. Because of the terrible weather and all the snow, I told her to go out and get the snow tires from the garage. After quite a while, she came back and said she could not find them. “They were there last winter”, I said. She said, “Maybe the snow tires melted over the summer, you know it did get pretty hot.” Oh brother!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, December 19^th – Girls Basketball @ Parkersburg
TUESDAY, December 22^nd – Girls Basketball Home against Spring Valley
TUESDAY, December 22^nd – Wrestling Quad @ Parry McClure

ALUMNI UPDATE: Rick Boone ’72 – Rick Boone is the definition of student-athlete. A three year football and baseball letterman for the Spartans, he was also GEHS Student Council President in 1971-1972 and Vice President in 1970-1971. He went on to West Virginia Tech where he was a four-year football letterman from 1972-1975. In 1975, Rick was selected as a First Team All-West Virginia Conference pick, playing offensive line and place kicker. A team captain, he was chosen as the A.W. Orndorff Award winner, in 1975-1976, as the most outstanding senior athlete at WV Tech. Last we heard, Rick is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CAM Holding, LLC in Pikeville, Kentucky. Another Hall of Famer who participated in multiple sports.

TRIVIA ANSWER: It was organized for the 1970-1971 school year. The sponsor was Al Morgan and the purpose was to serve athletics. The charter members were: Pam Wallace, Samme Gee, Patricia Clay, Carolyn Ingram, Jamie Persinger, Kathy Hizer, Libby Meadows, Lucy Starcher, Julie Van Metre, Gloria Flack, Emily Tuckwiller, Connie McDowell, Jeanne Ingram, Jennifer Whited, Susie Crickenberger, Mary Mohr.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..”Adversity makes some men break; Adversity makes other men break records.” Go out and make history, don’t just be part of it.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

December 12, 2009

Many times in athletics and in daily life, our efforts are not appreciated. We are discouraged, put down and even attacked by people who have other agendas. I hear this many times as I talk with our coaches and student-athletes. Heck, I even hear myself sometimes. Don’t be denied by others. Have the courage of your convictions and continue to pursue your dreams. In so many words, “PRESS ON!” Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. So, get out there and fight your fight and PRESS ON!!

TRIVIA: It was 35 years ago September 13, 1974. What famous incident happened in Greenbrier East football history that is still talked about today? Well, not everyone still talks about it, but I like to mention it because of his loyalty to the school.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE(S) OF THE WEEK – Ethan Brooks (Soph) Wrestling – Ethan has really stepped up this year with his leadership skills. Wrestling at 215 lbs., he has become a dominant force. His extra workouts (yes, I checked the rule books – you are allowed to get better on your own) have increased his ability tremendously. After placing at the Jr. States Wrestling Tournament last year, Ethan hopes to be on the podium in Huntington this season. Good luck Ethan!
A lot of fun was had by Lanti Cole (Sr), Amanda Alleyne (Sr) and Taelor Curry (Sr). All three girls were selected for the North-South AAA All Star team. It was a great experience with a lot of enjoyment as they represented Greenbrier East with class.
The boys basketball team looked good in their last scrimmage against Pocahontas County – Come out tonight at home and support them in their season opener against Cabell Midland.
The wrestling team was rained/snowed/sleeted/cold out of their quad at Covington. They will open up at Richwood.
I plan on living forever. So far, so good.
Stop by the Spartan Shop and do your Christmas Shopping. Show your pride and loyalty while spreading goodwill.
If you don’t think time flies by, ask a parent of a senior athlete. Please come out and support our student-athletes – Yesterday is gone!
My daughter, the lovely driver, got into another car accident. After a lengthy discussion on responsibility and expenses. She turned to me and said, “Dad, it doesn’t matter how much you paid for the car, they all look the same after a wreck.” Oh brother, I better change my strategy.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, December 12^th – Boys Basketball Season Opener - Home against Cabell Midland – 4:00, 5:30 & 7:30
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships
TUESDAY, December 15^th – Boys Basketball @ Spring Valley and Girls Basketball - Home against Meadow Bridge
TUESDAY, December 15^th – MSAC Meeting
FRIDAY, December 18^th – Boys Basketball @ Huntington
SATURDAY, December 19^th – Girls Basketball @ Parkersburg

ALUMNI UPDATE: Mark O’Brien (Class of 1989) As a sophomore, Mark was a member of one of Greenbrier East’s worst football teams in regards to winning records. Two years later, he was the leader of the most successful football team in school history when Greenbrier East took a 12-0 record into the 1988 State Championship game. Mark was 1^st Team All State and broke the school record for most rushing yards and touchdowns in a single season. In track, he was a two year state champion in the long jump while breaking the school record in that event. This Hall of Famer is still loyal to the Spartans. Last time we checked, Mark lived in South Carolina where he owns and operates a tractor-trailer business.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Joe Sharp kicked the very first extra point at the New Spartan Stadium. He could not remember who scored the touchdown. He said the touchdown was incidental. Ha! (For those of you with great memories, it was a pass from Frank Freeman to John McCutcheon). Joe Sharp also had a 33 yard field goal and made 17 extra points in his career. Joe continues to do those EXTRA points for all of Greenbrier East Athletics. We love ya Joe!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..”You can’t fall flat on your face unless you are going forward.” So, don’t let minor set backs stop you from success. Move forward!

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

December 5, 2009

As the new winter sports season begins, I get excited for the student-athletes. They are eager to compete. They are eager to win and they are also eager to please their coaches, family and fans. However, when I get the chance I try to remind these student-athletes to have FUN! After all, isn’t that why you’re playing high school sports, to enjoy it. Pressure is self inflicted. The only pressure you have is the pressure you put on yourself. Sure, winning is fun, but so is the challenge. Hard work, confidence and inner arrogance are prerequisites for success, but the feeling you should develop the most is to HAVE FUN!

TRIVIA: Name the first year that the Greenbrier East Boys Basketball team won a Regional Championship.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE(S) OF THE WEEK – Amanda McGuire and Erica McGuire – These twin sisters led the Lady Spartans to their season opener victory. These girls are tremendous athletes on the court and tremendous students off the court. They scored 7 points and 9 points in the victory. Their current grade point averages are 4.111 and 4.125. I will not tell you who has which one because I am sure the sibling rivalry has already begun. Two wonderful girls that are a joy to be part of our athletic program. Trust me – These two will succeed!
Congratulations to the Girls Basketball team. They started the season in tremendous fashion by beating James Monroe 72 to 34 in the season home opener.
Did you ever have a friend who was always there for you, a friend you can always count on? Well, that’s how I feel about this community. They are ALWAYS there for us and we can ALWAYS count on them. This past Tuesday, we had a fan appreciation game sponsored by Coach Jim Justice and his Girls Basketball team. Our goal was to get over 1000 cans of food or non-perishable items. Need I say more, the community came through (as always) and at last count, we had over 1400 items. Wow! Thank you to everyone. Your kindness will be greatly appreciated by the needy and less fortunate.
The Boys Basketball team led by Coach Jerry Bradley, James Keys, Neil Dixon and Bimbo Coles had a great opening season scrimmage against Covington on Thursday. The team won and looked ready to go. It will be a fast-paced hustle in your face style of ball this year. We are excited.
The Wrestling team led by Coach Pickenpaugh (West Virginia Teacher of the Month), Morse Reese and Wes Lilly had a scrimmage against Independence High School. Independence is the defending Coafield Conference Champions and top ten team in the state. Led by seniors, Andrew Zimmerman, Josh Whitt and Jacob Sockriter, the team looked tremendous with its technique and conditioning. Again, look for multiple place winners at the state tournament this year.
The tribute to Coach Jim Justice before the Girls Basketball game was very appropriate. Announcer Fred Persinger and Mr. Jeff Bryant thanked Coach Justice for the new floor. “Coach Jim Justice Court” It is by far the best in West Virginia…..as is Coach Justice. Thank you Mr. Justice for being a part of our community. You have helped so many people in a positive way.
Congratulations to the Girls Soccer Team All-State Selections. Courtney Harrah and Brandi Johnson were 2^nd Team selection while Kayla Yates was Special Honorable Mention. All three of these girls were instrumental in the success of the team.
Those interested in looking for some indoor soccer workouts over the winter months, please see Coach Tom Karrs or Don Wise.
The Spartan Spirit Group has been a huge help with the athletic program. They are part of our “Support Group”. As I have said, I try to talk with different college athletic directors throughout the year. They almost all agree that a support group must be in place. People who are loyal to the mission. These girls are tremendous.
Speaking of the Spartan Spirit Group, please take notice at the half times of our boys and girls basketball games. Our Spartan Spirit Group will be collecting money for the Penny Pitch. Just another example of great people helping a good cause.
The Volleyball Team finished the season at 3^rd in the State. Along with that came some other top honors. Amanda Alleyne (Sr) was 1^st Team All-State (second time), Lanti Cole (Sr) was 2^nd Team and Brittany Alleyne (Soph) was Special Honorable Mention. All three of these girls are big-time! Great job to the whole team.
My daughter, the lovely driver, drove her car to Beckley to go shopping. When she came out of the mall, she saw a person break into her car and drive off. Naturally she reported it to the police. “What did he look like”, the sergeant asked. “I don’t know” she replied, “but I got the license plate number!” Oh brother, what am I doing to do with her.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Lewisburg Elks Hoop Shoot in Greenbrier East gym from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
FRIDAY, December 11^th – Girls Basketball @ Cabell Midland
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Boys Basketball Season Opener @ Home against Cabell Midland – 4:00, 5:30 & 7:30
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Boys Basketball @ Home – Opener against Cabell Midland

ALUMNI UPDATE: Karen Goodall – Class of 1972 – Coach Karen Goodall is a pioneer of women’s athletics at Greenbrier East. In 29 years here, most of those without the help of any assistants, she has been the head coach of Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Girls Track, Softball and the Cheer teams. Karen played an important role in the creation of the Softball program getting started in 1988. Her Volleyball and Girls Basketball teams made State Tournament appearances in 1985 – 1986 and 1987. She was Coalfield Conference Coach of the Year in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 and 2000. Her overall coaching record was 345 wins, 152 losses with a winning percentage of .694. This Hall of Fame member is still an active supporter of all of our sport teams. Not that’s loyalty!

TRIVIA ANSWER: 1969 – The first year of the school. They went on to win the Regional Championship from 1969 to 1973 under Coach Al Morgan.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote ……………..” The most important thing in life what you do………….for others!” Leave a legacy, plant a seed, influence the future.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

November 28, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving! I was going to write my article this week on all the things that I am thankful for. However, the editor only allows 1,000 words and I am too blessed and thankful to fit them in so few words. After all, Thanksgiving is a word of action. “Giving” – What more can you do for a person than to give. Give your time, your love, your help, your support, etc. Remember, you get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself. “Thanks” The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intentions. Again, Thanks is a word of action. Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone. So, as you reflect and enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend, the Greenbrier East Athletic Department and Spartan Athletic Foundation would like to “Thank” everyone for what you have done for us. The time, effort, support and loyalty that you have “given” to our student-athletes have created life long memories. It is because of our giving community that these student-athletes get the opportunity for greatness. I personally want to thank everyone…….1,000 times!

TRIVIA: This past week for Veterans Day, we had alumnus Admiral Jay Bowling, ’73, return to talk about his career in the military. His leadership skills were obvious by his credentials. While at Greenbrier East High School, what sport did this honored Veteran compete and excel in?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – With no high school athletic events this past week, I walked the halls to hear about other great news. Wow, this week’s student-athlete of the week is impressive. Megan Lenherr (Sr). Megan competed in the JAG National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. JAG – Jobs for America’s Graduates – holds their National Student Leadership Conference annually. Megan took 2^nd place in the NATION with her speech on “The Value of JAG and Careers” There were over 400 student representing 21 states at this event. She received a standing ovation as she talked of her struggle and overcoming adversity to be where she is today. Megan is BIG-TIME. We are so proud of her. Congratulations to Megan. Please continue to use those leadership skills as President of the GEHS Career Association Club. We need more leaders like you. Megan plans to attend Hollins University and major in creative writing and become a writer/inspirational speaker. She will succeed.
Girls Basketball Season Opener against James Monroe on Tuesday, December 1^st has a special promotion. Bring a non-perishable or canned food item and get in free.
The new gym floor looks beautiful. You will be impressed. Greenbrier East is raising the standards for high school athletics and our student-athletes are proud of their “home”.
NEWS FLASH – This just in! The first 500 students and/or faculty to bring in a non-perishable or canned food item to the Athletic Director’s Office on Monday or Tuesday will receive a gold shirt to show their pride for Greenbrier East Athletics to be worn at the Girls Basketball home opener on Tuesday.
Don’t forget to stop by the Spartan Shop at Greenbrier East High School. We have a lot of new apparel, shirts, hats, yard signs, key chains, car window decals, etc. Do your Christmas shopping here.
All-Sports season passes are now available for the winter and spring sports. You can attend all the events for girl’s basketball, boy’s basketball, wrestling, baseball, track (boys and girls), softball and tennis (boys and girls) for only $75 for adults and $35 for students. That’s over fifty home events you get to see with your season pass. Please stop by the Athletic office for your pass.
My daughter, the lovely driver, locked herself out of her car the other day while it was freezing cold. She looked through the garbage and found a wire hanger. She went back to the car in the cold to try to open the lock. She shoved the wire through the slightly opened window and her sister kept yelling, “Move it to the right….more to the left….Higher! Lower!” Finally her sister said, “What’s taking so long?” To which my daughter, the lovely driver, replied, “It’s easy for you to say, you’re sitting inside a warm car.” Ha!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY, December 1^st – Girls Basketball @ Home – Opener against James Monroe 5:30/7:30 – Free admission with a canned food or non-perishable item
WEDNESDAY, December 2^nd – Girls Basketball (Freshman) at Parkersburg South
FRIDAY, December 4^th – Girls Basketball @ Home – Mercer Christian 5:30/7:30
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Boys Basketball @ Home – Opener against Cabell Midland

ALUMNI UPDATE: Ralph “Chink” Ballard (1973) was a three year varsity letterman as point guard for the basketball team. All three years, they reached the State Tournament including a 1972 State Championship. Chink was also 2X All-State Honorable Mention and started for the West Virginia University freshman basketball team. He currently resides in Charleston where he owns and operates a mining and construction company. He is also a valued supporter of the Spartan Athletic Foundation.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Wrestling. Jay Bowling led the team in most points scored his junior and senior year. He led the team with most wins per season his junior and senior year. (Senior year he was 16-0-1) He finished his high school career as the All-Time win leader. He also led the team in pins, takedowns and reversals while capturing the Fred Staunton Most Valuable Wrestler Award. Jay is truly a hero who established his leadership skills on the mat. He is a star by what he did. He is a superstar by what he is still doing. Wow – Impressive!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote ……………..” Procrastination is attitude’s natural assassin, There’s nothing so fatiguing as an uncompleted task” So, with that said, after you finish this article, go to the phone and call your dad, mom, child, sibling, friend or whomever and tell them that you are thankful for their presence in your life. I know that you’ve been meaning to do it. Again, Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

November 21, 2009

As the fall sports for Greenbrier East High School come to an end, it gives me time to reflect on all the positive things that are happening for our community. I will try to give my “TWITTER” version of the 8 sports and some highlights.

Golf – Three boys qualified for the state tournament. Our successful tradition continues! Coach Mitch Morgan stepped down while on top and Mark Adams filled in nicely.

Boys Soccer – Don Wise and Hugh Clement-Jewelry stepped in this year and continued the progress of the already successful boys soccer program. As I have preached all year long, our soccer programs are in great shape.

Girls Soccer – Sectional Finalists, led by Dr. Tom Karrs (Coach of the Year) and Andrea Karrs. The number of players participating this year was impressive. With this leadership, I expect only great things to happen from this moment on.

Football – New Coach Baker and his staff (3 new coaches) started off on a 2 – 0 record and a big win over Beckley. The team is already in the weight room preparing for next year. With a full year of preparation (Aaron was hired one month before the season began) I see nothing but great things for these kids and our community.

Volleyball – Greatest Team ever! 3^rd in the State – I am happy and proud!

Girls Cross Country – Regional Champions! Individual Regional Champion – Highest team place in over ten years.

Boys Cross Country – Regional Runner Ups! Seven boys at the State Tournament – Continuous improvement – Great Job.

Cheerleading – Talk about dedication and time commitment, they have another whole season to compete, train and practice. The leadership and loyalty by Christi O’Neil Lynch, Debbie Rutherford and Sherri Lilly makes this an Athletic Director’s dream.

Fans – NOBODY BETTER! Regional Sportsmanship Award!

Community – There is no place that I would rather throw my heart and soul into. You people are great! Thank you!

TRIVIA: With boys basketball starting, we are very lucky and honored to have Bimbo Coles assist this year. Everyone is aware of his All-State honors in Football (2x) and Basketball (2x). He was also drafted in another sport. Can you name the team(s) that drafted him?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Brittany Fisher (Sr.) – Volleyball – Brittany is a starter on the Greatest Volleyball team in Greenbrier East history. She was also a team leader with her pleasant personality, determination and tough tournament play. She currently has a 3.5 G.P.A. and plans to play Volleyball for a West Virginia college. Another example of how success seems to follow good people. Beautiful. End of Message.
Special Note: The names listed last week under Athlete of the Week were all the seniors of our fall sports, many of which are currently involved in our winter sports.
One last time – A big Congratulations to the Greenbrier East Volleyball team for finishing 3^rd in the state. Wow! Great job! Also, extra congratulations to Coach Michael Sauvage and Jenna Brown who were named Mountain State Athletic Conference Coaches of the year.
Football team workouts began on Monday. The numbers are getting bigger and so are the student-athletes. The common denomination for success is hard work.
Girls Basketball is off to a great start. This could be the highest number of student-athletes trying out in many years. You know they will succeed.
Boys Basketball has the tremendous nucleus coming back from last years Regional finals game. It will be an exciting year with their quickness and running style.
The Wrestling team has been working harder than ever. This could be the year to break the school record of 9 state qualifiers and have multiple state place-winners. The support staff has been put in place. The opportunity to succeed is there.
The main gym floor is getting a new finish put down. It looks BEAUTIFUL. I want to thank the sports teams, classes and others who have been inconvenienced. Your patience is appreciated. It’s overcoming these minor adversities that make you a better person, team and program. I can not name one successful person who has not endured a little adversity for the success of the total program.
The Spartan Athletic Foundation is a proud participant in the Greenbrier Classic “Badge for Charity” program. If you are buying passes (badges) for the PGA Golf Event next year, Please mark Spartan Athletic Foundation as your charity of choice. It’s a win/win situation for the whole community.
Did you even think of how deep the ocean would be if there weren’t any sponges in there? Ha!
A big thank you goes out to Fritz’s Pharmacy. Fritz Glasser is the type of person who helps out behind the scenes. His commitment and loyalty to the school and student-athletes is greatly appreciated. Loyalty is the first quality I look for in any employee, friend, athlete or coach. I am honored to call Fritz my friend. Thanks, Fritz.
My daughter, the lovely driver, really did it last week. This could be her worst yet. I got a call from the police to come home because there was an accident; there was a car in our living room. When I arrived, I saw my daughter with the officer and asked her, “How in the world did you get the car in the living room?” She said dad it wasn’t easy, but I turned left from the kitchen. Oh brother!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY, November 24^th – Girls Basketball Scrimmage at Blacksburg, Va.
WEDNESDAY, November 25^th – Girls Basketball Freshman Scrimmage at Pikeview
THURSDAY, November 26^th – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
MONDAY, December 1^st – Girls Basketball @ Home – Opener against James Monroe
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Boys Basketball @ Home – Opener against Cabell Midland

ALUMNI UPDATE: Missy Krystynak – Head Coach of Eastern Greenbrier Middle School Cross Country – I went to the Cross Country Banquet the other day and it was wonderful. Missy is truly a great coach. Her passion and love for her athletes and commitment really showed. It was obvious by her kind words and emotions that she wants what’s best for each and every student – She is the best! Thank You!

TRIVIA ANSWER: Bimbo was also drafted in major league baseball by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1986 and the Anaheim Angels in 1990, even though he had not played in four years. Wow! Talk about talent.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..”If you were ever arrested for being a fan of Greenbrier East Athletics, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

November 14, 2009

The Greenbrier East Volleyball Team won the Regional Championship. That’s forever! Move over Girls Cross Country. Isn’t it nice to finish out the fall sports with back to back Regional Championships and state berths. Winning is fun! It also gives lifelong memories and a sense of pride that hard work and dedication equals success.

At the Volleyball Regional Championship after we beat Beckley and the crowd was going crazy with smiles and excitement, the public announcer blasted out “May I have your attention”. Expecting to hear the presentation for the trophies and awards, everyone quieted down to listen. At that time when I thought I could not feel any better, I heard these words. On behalf of Nicholas County School System and the West Virginia Secondary Schools, at this time we would like to congratulate the “fans” of Greenbrier East High School for their sportsmanship and class. Wow! It was the trifecta winning with class and sportsmanship. Life was good! I want to thank the fans who drove to the game or took the fan bus. Your presence was very important and a big part of our success. THANK YOU! Winning with class is success. Class is something that’s hard to define, but easy to recognize. It’s being a good person, always taking responsibility and showing consideration for the consequences your actions have for others. It’s having humility, poise, confidence and above all, tremendous pride. I am PROUD to be a fan of Greenbrier East Athletics.

TRIVIA: We currently have two volleyball players on the Regional Championship team who both have sisters playing athletics in college. Name the two players and the sisters in college. Bonus: Name the college and sports they play.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Mary Warner, Josh Whitt, Erin Senter, Jacob Sockriter, Mary Kellen Curry, Sam White, Hunter Gadomski, Travis Butts, Timmy Gwinn, Brent Robertson, Nathan Lilly, Ethan Mounts, Josh Morgan, Austin Ramsey, Derek Thomson, Sean Reed, Daniel Boswell, Aaron Hanna, Logan Kaptis, Isaiah Hanna, Brandy Johnson, Courtney Harrah, Rachel Messer, Kelsey Forren, Kayla Yates, Connor Kenaston, Chris Harrah, Levi Woodzell, Cassie Morgan, Sarah Mabry, Katie Smith, Devin McFerrin, Haylee Roberts, Amanda Morgan, Morgan Boone, Emily Clemons, Annie Smead, Lanti Cole, Amanda Alleyne, Jillian Teubert, Taelor Curry, Brittany Fisher and Kali Hill
A big thank you to all the elementary students from White Sulphur Springs. The students made a beautiful poster for the Regional Champion Volleyball Team wishing them good luck for the State Tournament. Thank you to everyone involved, it was a wonderful act of kindness.
Dr. Tom Karrs was honored at the West Virginia State Soccer Championship for being named National High School Coaches Association’s State Coach of the Year.
Along with winning, top honors and awards are given. Congratulations to Amanda Alleyne and Brittany Alleyne for being named 1^st Team All MSAC. Lanti Cole was named 2^nd Team All-MSAC. However, the top honor goes to Matt Sauvage who was named Coach of the Year. Big honors for big time accomplishments!
My daughter, the wonderful driver, had no incidents this week because her car ran out of gas. She found out the E not only meant Empty, it meant Eventful as I had to go pick her up with three friends of her in the car.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, November 14^th – Volleyball State Championship Game @ Charleston Civic Center
TUESDAY, November 17^th – Spartan Athletic Foundation Meeting @ Gbr. East Athletic Office
MONDAY, December 1^st – Girls Basketball @ Home – Opener against James Monroe
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Boys Basketball @ Home – Opener against Cabell Midland

ALUMNI UPDATE: Joe Heath, Class of 2000, was a 2x State Wrestling Champion, 3x State placer and High School All-American. Joe is currently helping with the wrestling program and a big part of the new facilities’ success. He has 3 boys (twins) Landon Garrett Heath and Levi Jesse Heath and Dalton Heath. Joe is becoming very active in the community.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Lanti Cole and Taelor Curry are currently seniors on this years team. Lanti’s sister Courtney plays soccer for West Virginia Wesleyan while Taelor’s sister, Ali is a member of the track team for West Virginia Wesleyan. Courtney was an All-State soccer player for Greenbrier East. Ali was also All-State with a high place finish in the high jump.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “Measure a person by the opposition it takes to discourage him” When you have a positive goal to reach, there will be many obstacles to overcome. The champions overcome these oppositions one at a time while staying focused on the goal. The others fall short and become discouraged. Please take one moment this week and help a person overcome adversity. You will both be better because of that act.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

November 7, 2009

The girls volleyball team is on its way to the Regional’s! One more win and they are at the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT. After watching the volleyball sectional tournament on Thursday, I left that evening realizing that “I believe in people”. Sure, it’s the team or the school that gets the credit when they win. However, you win with people who know how to win. Often times, it’s a gift but many times it can be learned. Winning is an attitude, a way of life, a belief. When you have each individual person believing they are a winner, that’s when you have a winning team, a winning program, a winning school. We have those winning people on the volleyball team. I believe in these people; Brittany Fisher, Brianna Miluk, Emily Clemons, Lanti Cole, Annie Smead, Jillian Teubert, Taelor Curry, Kali Hill, Amanda Alleyne, Brittany Alleyne, Izzy Rogner, Makaila Dodd, Barbara Lee Ford, Annie Ickes, Tiffani Walton, Ashley Seldomridge, Katlyn Fullen and Matt Sauvage.

Remember, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent” . Good luck to our girls – Believe in yourself………because we believe in you.

TRIVIA: Cross Country has had two state champions – Bridget Krystynak in 1988 and Andy McClintic in 1992. Name the man who coached both of them.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Mary Warner (Sr.) Cross Country – Mary is a state qualifier in Cross Country and Track. She finished up the Cross Country season with her personal best. As a 4 x regional runner in Cross Country, she plans to attend and compete in cross country and track at the University of Charleston upon graduation. Another case of a great person getting better.
Congratulations to the Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams at the State Tournament. The Boys finished in 12^th place while the girls captured 11^th place. Both teams were led by freshmen. Trey Cochran and Marissa Miluk – Great job student-athletes and coaches. The future looks bright.
Congratulations to the volleyball team. They are headed to the Regionals on Saturday at Nicholas Country at 2:00. They will be playing George Washington (The school, not the person)
The winter sports have arrived – Boys basketball, girls basketball and wrestling will all be in full swing come next week. Recharge your batteries because it will be a fun filled season.
Congratulations to the cheerleaders. Amanda Morgan (Sr) won 1^st team All-MSAC Conference honors. Also with honors are Haley Roberts (Sr) 2^nd team All-MSAC and Alyssa Mayo was honorable mention.
It is very interesting and rewarding to listen to the fall season coaches as they reflect and evaluate their past season performances. Like I said, I believe in people and we must surround ourselves with successful people. As my father would often tell me, “Lead, follow or get out of the way, we got things to do.” God put me on this earth to get stuff done and I am so far behind, I’ll never die.”
Girls Basketball, 9^th Grade Boys Basketball and Middle School Wrestling begins on November 9^th
Boys Basketball and Wrestling begins on November 16^th.
Greenbrier Wrestling Club – Sign ups are November 9^th, 10^th and 12^th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Greenbrier East High School Wrestling Room.
My daughter, the lovely driver, wants me to replace the headlights in her car with strobe lights, so it looks like she is the only one moving. (where does she come up with these ideas?)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, November 6-7 – Boys/Girls Soccer State Championships
SATURDAY, November 7^th – Volleyball Regionals @ Nicholas County 2:00 - Regional Cheer Competition
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, November 13^th& 14^th – Volleyball State Championship
TUESDAY, November 17^th – Spartan Athletic Foundation Meeting @ Gbr. East Athletic Office
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships

ALUMNI UPDATE: Andy McClintic – 1993 – Hall of Fame member, inducted in 2002. Graduated from Princeton University and is currently an attorney in Charlottesville. The more I read and hear about this guy, the louder I say, “Wow”. This guy is big-time. Princeton graduate, 4 x 1^st team All-State, Hall of Famer, Attorney with a degree from the University of Virginia. Pay attention to this – Andy received the Rosengarten Outstanding Freshman Award for Cross Country at Princeton and the “1916 Cup” symbolizing the Princeton graduating athlete with the highest grade point average. We are all very proud to say he’s one of ours.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Bedford McClintic. Andy’s father and longtime principal at Frankford Elementary. He is still at Frankford and Cross Country is still winning.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “My brother gets mad at me for often quoting people he is not familiar with like Shakespeare, Roosevelt, Emerson, Normal Peale, etc. Well Kenny, here is a poem from your favorite author.

You have brains in your head.
            You have feet in your shoes.
            You can steer yourself in any direction you choose
            You’re on your own
            And you know what you know.
            You are the guy
            Who’ll decide where to go.

                    By Dr. Seuss

Sorry Kenny, the Mountain Messenger won’t let me print that picture that goes with it. Ha!

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

October 31, 2009

This past week, I was a nervous wreck as my daughter Marissa prepared for the Regional Championship in Cross Country. Next week, it will begin again as my other daughter Brianna prepares for the Regional Championship in volleyball on Greenbrier East’s greatest volleyball team ever.

As the Regional Championships got closer, the more nervous she got. She had never won a race before. This was her first year running. Coach Lilly kept her calm and confident. Many, many, many emotions were in the equation. Finally, I talked with Marissa and told her to go for it, take a risk.

When you are properly prepared, both physically and mentally, you are ready to compete. Now is the time when practice pays off. Let your instincts take over. If you have worked as hard as you should have, you’ll be ready. If you have confidence in your ability, you’ll know every step instinctively, because it is something you have performed many times successfully in practice and in your mind.

Take your best shot. Go with your strength. Then you won’t have to spend the next day thinking of what you should have done or what might have been.

The following is a poem I share with my daughters during times of indecision.

RISKS (Author Unknown)

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their attitudes, they are a slave, they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

I love my daughters and I am very proud of ALL of them.

TRIVIA: With the girls Cross Country Regional Championship and the boys runner-up finish, both teams qualified for the State Tournament. Name the two Greenbrier East student-athletes who won state championship titles in Cross Country for the Spartans. Hint: one boy and one girl

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Marissa Miluk (Fr.) Cross Country – Regional Champions! Marissa and her teammates led Greenbrier East to the Regional title. Marissa was also 2^nd team All-Conference. She is the first freshman in Greenbrier East history to win a regional championship. Great Job….now go clean your room.
The Volleyball team beat Greenbrier West and James Monroe this past week for “Senior Night”. It was an emotional night in front of a packed gymnasium. For the senior presentations, it was standing room only. A fan asked me at the match if I expected such a big crowd. I responded, “Of course, this is Greenbrier County and we love and support our athletes” (especially when we are the best in the state).
Much more credit needs to go to Major Pickenpaugh (boys) and Wes Lilly (girls) for their efforts with the Cross Country Programs. Its funny when other athletes get punished, they have to run; when our runners get disciplined, do they have to play football, basketball, tennis or something? Just a thought.
Girls basketball has a meeting Sunday, November 1^st at 7:00 p.m. in the Drivers Education room. Players and parents should attend. This is for 9^th grade girls.
9^th Grade Girls Basketball season begins Monday, November 2^nd.
Girls Basketball, 9^th Grade Boys Basketball and Middle School Wrestling begins on November 9^th
Boys Basketball and Wrestling begins on November 16^th.
The heating and cooling system is being installed in the new wrestling facility this week and the mats will be delivered soon. We are very close to finished. Thank you to all the people who stepped up at the end to help complete this project.
WOW – “I have arrived” (if I can quote Dr. Tom Karrs) Greenbrier East hosted the Boys and Girls Soccer Regionals on Tuesday. I am truly amazed at the quickness, conditioning and athletic skills of those athletes. Their effort in hours of pouring rain epitomized that of the amateur athlete. I was proud of both teams. Also, a big thank you to Tom Karrs and Don Wise for their help and support to pull off a successful regional event. Thanks!
Greenbrier Wrestling Club – Sign ups are November 9^th, 10^th and 12^th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Greenbrier East High School Wrestling Room.
On a side note, this year’s middle school wrestling team is currently ranked in the top 5 in the state with 2 current Junior State Champions on the team and several state place winners. Good luck Coach Withrow. I would brag more about them but I am too busy working out and getting in shape.
The other day I was busy as can be and running around and it was hectic. No sooner than I said, “If this keeps up, I am going to go crazy”, my (loving) daughter responded…….”I’ll drive you!” Ha!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, October 31st – Cross Country State Championships Boys and Girls @ Cabell Midland - Volleyball MSAC Tournament @ Riverside and George Washington
SUNDAY, November 1st – Pee Wee Football “Super Bowl” HOME – 9^th grade girls basketball meeting 7:00 p.m. in the Drivers Education room – Parents and players must attend
MONDAY, November 2^nd – Football (JV) @ Shady Spring
THURSDAY, November 3rd – Volleyball Sectionals @ Woodrow Wilson 5:30 p.m. – The State Tournament Trail begins!
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, November 6-7 – Boys/Girls Soccer State Championships
SATURDAY, November 7^th – Volleyball Regionals @ Nicholas County 2:00 - Regional Cheer Competition
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, November 13^th& 14^th – Volleyball State Championship
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championships

ALUMNI UPDATE: Norman Glasser was a pivotal player on the 2002 State Tournament boys basketball team. He is currently back home after graduating from college and working in Greenbrier County. His father, Fritz, is one of Greenbrier East’s most loyal and supportive boosters in the state. If you watch Fritz at those early morning pick up games, you can see where Norman got his fierce rebounding skills.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Bridgett Krystynak was the girls state champion in 1988. She was also a 3X 1^st Team All State Athlete. Andy McClintic was the 1992 boys state Cross Country Champion. Andy was also a 4X 1^st team All-State athlete. Those are some big time honors for Greenbrier East. Also, let’s not forget Aleacha McClintic who was a 3X Regional Champion for Greenbrier East and our most recent before this year. Greenbrier East has a rich tradition of champions in Cross Country and numbers will grow.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do.” It’s simple, but it’s not easy.

God Bless
Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

October 24, 2009

Winning and losing are big parts in athletics. Often times, the end result is only a footnote of the impact it has on a student-athlete. Through my readings, writings and experiences, I often think of athletics as a means to the end. Athletics, to me, demands the utmost expression of the best discipline and courage in an individual and the driving out of fear, hesitancy and laziness.

Since man is naturally bent toward laziness, fear of the unknown and self indulgence, he needs a way of changing these trends. Athletics has been such an arena for many grateful individuals, each one striving to rid himself of the harmful habits of men around him and the cowardly characteristics within him, and each one striving to mature the God-given abilities hidden within.

Athletics cannot change the nature of people, but it can bring out the qualities that are intended to lead others, encourage others, challenge others, entertain others, and direct others. I am thankful to God for athletics and its maturing affects in the lives of many young people. If you believe in yourself, have dedication and pride and never quit, you’ll always be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.

TRIVIA: Who did the Greenbrier East football team defeat for it’s first-ever football playoff win?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Garrett Hinkle (Sr.) Football – Garrett was named McDonald’s Player of the Game and $25 was donated in his name to Spartan Athletic Foundation. Garrett is a multiple winner of the McDonald’s player of the game. Garrett plans to play college football and has started for three years here at Greenbrier East. We will follow his success in college. Great job Garrett.
Honors keep coming in for the #3 ranked volleyball team. Amanda Alleyne has been nominated by the ESPN – Rise program as a top player in the region. Also, many of our other seniors continue to be contacted by college coaches as they prepare for their future. It’s exciting but, KEEP FOCUSED! Oh yeah, by the way, they won another tournament in Riverside with Lanti, Amanda and Brittany being named to the All-Tournament Team.
Move over volleyball, you’ve got company. The boys and girls Cross Country teams both qualified for the State Championships. The boy’s team (Tray Cochran, Mason Haynes, Nick Jerman, Garrett Williams, Jacob Sockriter, Josh Whitt and Kyle Diem) qualified for the state tournament with a runner-up finish. The girls Cross Country team qualified for the state by being the REGIONAL CHAMPIONS. That’s right – Champions! Their team consists of (Gaby Dugan, Mary Kellen Curry, Mary Warner, Marissa Miluk, Sophie Kemp-Sherman, Kaitland Boggs and Taylor Dowdy). Great job girls!
Congratulations to Marissa Miluk for being the individual REGIONAL CHAMPION. We are very proud of you. Great job Marissa!
Greenbrier Wrestling Club sign ups will be November 9^th, 10^th and 12^th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Greenbrier East Wrestling Club. There will be open mats following. More information to follow.
Congratulations to the Girls Soccer Team for their sectional victory over Princeton. They will play for the Sectional Championship on Saturday at Beckley. Good luck Girls. The boys lost a close game (3-2) to #15 ranked Princeton to finish their season. However, their success and class was shown on and off the field this year. We are lucky to have Don Wise and his staff working with our student-athletes.
Congratulations to Nathan Lilly and Amanda Morgan for being named Homecoming King and Queen, also to Kole Withrow and Desirae Dunbar for being named Little Mr. and Miss Spartan. We are proud of everyone involved with these events.
My daughter the wonderful driver, went to a friend’s house that had a circular driveway…..she could not find her way out.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, October 24th – Volleyball @ Huntington Tournament
MONDAY, October 26^th – Football (JV) @ Home against Princeton 6:00
TUESDAY, October 27^th – Volleyball @ Home – SENIOR NIGHT – Tri-Match (JV & Varsity) - Girls and Boys Soccer Regional Tournament @ Home – Teams to be announced 5:30/7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, October 29th – EGMS Football against Bluefield 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, October 30th – Football @ Home – SENIOR NIGHT and YOUTH NIGHT against George Washington 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, October 31 – Boys and Girls Cross Country State Championship – MSAC Cheer Competition
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, November 6^th & 7^th – Boys/Girls Soccer State Championship
SATURDAY, November 7^th – Regional Cheer Competition
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, November 13^th& 14^th – Volleyball State Championship
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship
SATURDAY, December 12^th – Cheerleading State Championship

ALUMNI UPDATE: Neil McClung, Class of 1985, was a 3 year starter in basketball for Greenbrier East (A high honor in the 80’s). Neil was on the State Semi-final team that was ranked #2 in the state, (lost to eventual state champions – Stonewall 65 – 61). Currently, Neil is still helping us produce winners as he is a personal trainer with Greenbrier Valley Physical Therapy. He works with a lot of our current student-athletes. Another great example of our past helping our present student-athletes prepare for the future. Thank you Neil.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Our first playoff win ever was over our next week’s opponent, George Washington 15 – 0 in the 1988 Class AAA quarterfinals.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “Laughter has no foreign accent” Go out and make someone laugh. It’s the language that we all understand.

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

October 17, 2009

I will make my opening comments quick and to the point. Greatness is all around us! It’s easy to be great because great people will help you. What is fantastic about all the conventions and seminars that I attend, the greatest people will come and share their ideas, their methods and techniques with everyone else. They don’t hold back.

When in college working on his Master’s thesis on scouting and defensive football, George Allen wrote up a thirty page survey and sent it out to the greatest coaches in the country. Eighty five percent answered it completely.

Great people will share. Great people will tell you their secrets. Look for them, call them on the phone, buy their books, read about them on the internet, and go where they are and get around them, and talk to them. It is easy to be great when you get around great people. This is what we need to take advantage of in Greenbrier County. We cannot accept mediocrity when there is greatness all around us. It is definitely simple to be great…..but it is not easy! We will succeed!

TRIVIA: Who won the first game ever played in football between James Monroe and Greenbrier East? After the first eight years (started in 1994) what was the series record?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Levi Woodzell (Sr.) Boys Soccer – Levi is one of our Captains this year on the team. He is a starting defender and is a three year starter. Levi is an all around good student and athlete and is an asset to the boys soccer team. Keep up the great job Levi.
Both soccer teams are prepped and ready to go for the Sectionals next week. Stop by and pay tribute to both teams this week at Greenbrier East. If rankings mean anything, we could have both teams in the Regional Finals (the match to go to the state championships).
Congratulations to the boys and girls cross country teams. The girls finished 5^th place at the M.S.A.C. tournament. The boys team was hit with the flu and finished 9^th. Both teams will compete and SUCCEED at the Regional’s (State Tournament Qualifier) on Thursday. Side note of congratulations to Marissa Miluk for receiving 2^nd Team All M.S.A.C. Tournament honors. Big time award for a big time person.
Tremendous television coverage for the #3 ranked Greenbrier East Volleyball team. After winning the Home Tournament last week, Channel 59 stayed to tape and interview the coach and some players. That is the type of exposure our student-athletes need. Also, Lanti Cole (Sr) was named Student-Athlete of the week by the media. Another case of recognition that rewards hard work and effort. Great job girls! Remember, “Anyone can start a race……people come to see the finish line.” You will SUCCEED!
Girls interested in playing basketball for Greenbrier East this year, please sign up in the main office. There will be a parent meeting (to be announced).
The wrestling facility is almost complete thanks to tremendous people. Look for other major capital improvements for the athletic programs.
I can’t emphasize the importance of parented support when it comes to successful athletic programs. Who is more vested into their child’s sport than their parents? That is why it boggles my mind that coaches do not implement the valuable attributes of parents. Here at Greenbrier East, we are very lucky to have their support.
The Spartan Shop is up and running! Get all your Greenbrier East apparel at the school. It is growing everyday with different items.
We are really excited with the progress of our athletic web page. However, you can still follow our success on qbclub.org. Jeff Campbell and WRON do great things for Greenbrier East Athletics.
The other day my daughter was driving and got pulled over by the police (shocking, I know). However, the officer said she was weaving and not going straight. She told the officer it was not her fault. She said the tires must have gotten dizzy from spinning around so fast……Oh brother!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, October 17th – Girls Soccer – Home against St. Albans 3:00 p.m., Boys Soccer @ Princeton, Volleyball @ Riverside – Tournament. Volleyball (JV) at Capital - Tournament
MONDAY, October 19^th – Football (JV) @ James Monroe
TUESDAY, October 20^th – Volleyball @ Independence Tri-Match
THURSDAY, October 22^nd – Soccer Sectionals @ Home – Girls Soccer 5:30 against Princeton – Boys Soccer against Princeton 7:30 – Cross Country Regional Championships @ Charleston
FRIDAY, October 23rd – Football @ Princeton
SATURDAY, October 31 – Boys Cross Country State Championship – Girls Cross Country State Championship – Cheer Team State Championship
SATURDAY, November 7^th – Boys Soccer State Championship – Girls Soccer State Championship
SATURDAY, November 14^th – Volleyball State Championship
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship

ALUMNI UPDATE: Charles Eary, Class of 2007, a 3 time state wrestling qualifier is succeeding at Concord University and still helping with Major Pickenpaugh with the cross country and wrestling teams. Loyalty is a big part of Charles. Thank You!

TRIVIA ANSWER: Greenbrier East won the first game in 1994 at James Monroe 27 – 0. After the first eight years, the series was tied 4 – 4. Now, that’s a rivalry. However, recently James Monroe has picked up a lot more victories. THAT WILL CHANGE!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “I will prepare and some day my chance will come” How true! Sometimes, it takes a long time to become an overnight sensation.

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

October 10, 2009

They say that the two most important words in fundraising is THANK YOU. Our First Annual All-Sports Fundraiser last Saturday was a huge success. Therefore, I must say THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible. However, as I reflect on all the effort, time, patience, organization, phone calls, typing, commitment and loyalty put into this event, I feel that the two most important words for our fundraiser was Darla Fisher. People have no clue on how much she has done for Greenbrier East Athletics. When I say “Thank You, Darla Fisher” am I being redundant? Here are some other important words in Greenbrier East Athletic fundraising. Martha Hilton, Dr. Dick Marshall, Gary Aide, Aaron Toothman, Arthur Erskine, Gail Swarm, Colleen Walton, Solak family, Donald Parker, Laura Langley, Debbie White, Randy Fogus, Cathy Sawyer (GVT), The Greenbrier, Lewisburg Elks Club, Moe, Holly Hughes, Jaycees, Gillespie’s Flowers, Nancy Hanna, Drew Dowdy, Shea Family, Randy (WV State Fair), WRON, Mike Kidd, Jeff Campbell, Tony Caridi, Mr. McGinnis, Michael Parker, Austin Ramsey and many, many more. Hopefully, (I know that it will) this annual event will become a staple in the community; a community event that is a “must be there” fundraiser with all the wonderful auction item, door prizes, music, food and good friends. A lot of people left the event with a smile on their face and that’s what it’s all about when you do a “fun”draiser.

TRIVIA: This past week Greenbrier East sent three golfers to the state golf championships to continue our proud tradition of winning golf. The first three years of golf at Greenbrier East (1969/1970/1971). The teams did very well. Can you name their state placing?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Kari Still (Jr.) Girls Soccer – Kari has really stepped up for the girl’s team. She has played all four positions this year, forward, mid field, defense and goalie. This type of unselfish act is a direct reflection of the success and teamwork for girl’s soccer. Keep up the great job Kari.
Congratulations to Skeeter Hanna, Daniel Boswell and Joe Lynch for their success at the State Championship. Also, a big thank you to Coach Mitch Morgan and Mark Adams for your efforts in getting them there. The future looks bright for the Greenbrier East golfers. Next year’s high school season begins now! Also expect college success for our seniors. Look for Logan Kaptis competing on a college team near you.
I have found that in coaching “For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.” Ha!
Congratulations to the Boys Soccer team on their successful week and the win over Oak Hill on Senior Night. Extra Kudo’s to seniors, Levi Woodzell, Connor Kenaston and Chris Harrah. Their leadership will be valued come tournament time.
The Girls Soccer Team, ranked high in the state, tied top ranked Winfield, almost winning on a penalty kick.
Girls and Boys Cross Country continue to improve as their times are dropping. Coaches Pickenpaugh and Lilly will have them peaking when it counts.
The Little Miss Spartan and Mr. Spartan was a huge success. I can’t say enough about Christi O’Neil Lynch and Debbie Rutherford – They are down right tremendous people.
Greenbrier East Volleyball dominates! How often do you hear that about our sports? Well, get used to it! I checked the rule books and we are allowed to WIN, Be STATE CHAMPIONS and DOMINATE…….every sport. Yes, it does not say anywhere in the rule book that you can not be GREAT………You win with good people and Greenbrier East has great people!
Every time I mention Kenny Baker, the voice of Greenbrier East football, another story comes out about his loyalty and devotion to the youth of Greenbrier County. Many thanks are overdue. Thanks Kenny!
My teenage daughter got pulled over (again) by a police officer for running a stop sign. The officer asked her, “Didn’t you see the stop sign?” Her response was, “Yes, but my dad told me not to believe everything I read.”…… Now she’s getting me in trouble!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, October 10th – Girls Soccer – Home – 12:00 South Charleston – (Side Note) Marissa Miluk will be singing the National Anthem. – Boys Soccer – Home – 2:00 – Pikeview – Varsity Only
SUNDAY, October 11^th – NCSA, Women’s College Softball – Home – West Virginia Mountaineers vs Virginia Cavaliers – Triple Header 11:00/1:00/3:00 at the Greenbrier East Softball Field.
TUESDAY, October 13^th Girls Soccer – Home – Midland Trail 6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, October 15^th Girls Soccer – Home – 6:00 - Senior Night – Boys Soccer at Woodrow Wilson 5:30/7:30
FRIDAY, October 16^th – Football – Home – James Monroe 7:30 – Homecoming
SATURDAY, October 31 – Boys Cross Country State Championship – Girls Cross Country State Championship – Cheer Team State Championship
SATURDAY, November 7^th – Boys Soccer State Championship – Girls Soccer State Championship
SATURDAY, November 14^th – Volleyball State Championship
SATURDAY, December 5^th – Football State Championship

ALUMNI UPDATE: Erin Asbury and Katie Keaton, Class of 2009 – Both stopped by school this past week to say hello. They are currently enrolled at Concord College and succeeding. They were both award winning student-athletes last year. They came back to Greenbrier East to thank the people who helped them succeed. Another great example of Greenbrier East products displaying the virtue they learned here.

TRIVIA ANSWER: 1969 – State Runner Up – 1970 – State Runner Up – 1971 – State Champions. Here are some names of those lettermen. Mike Wylie, Dave McClung, Gary Dent, John Taylor, John Deitz that played on the 1969 and 1970 runner up teams. The 1971 State Championships Team was John Taylor, John Deitz, William Hatcher, Kemble Legg and Ralph Saville. All those years were coached by Jay Dyche. See, we are allowed to DOMINATE!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “Did you ever notice that MEntal toughness begins with ME? Everyone has it. SoME use it!

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

October 3, 2009

It was announced last week at the W.V.S.S.A.C. that Dr. Tom Karrs was named West Virginia State “Coach of the Year’ for boys soccer last year. Sure, I could have thrown this little tidbit into my hodgepodge of information, but these awards are special. Dr. Tom Karrs is special. He will be recognized and honored this year at the West Virginia Soccer State Championships. He is also the regional choice for the National High School Coaches Association, honor of being “National Soccer Coach of the year”. He’s got my vote! They say if you want to be successful, just surround yourself with successful people. Well, Tom is a big part of that successful program we are establishing with Greenbrier East Athletics. Character, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Unselfishness and Class are the words that jump out at me when I hear the name “Coach Tom Karrs”. It is an honor for me to work with him. Our community is blessed to have a person of such high quality and standards represent Greenbrier East High School throughout the state. (Trust me; I have seen a lot of coaches). So, the next time you see Coach Tom Karrs, Thank him and congratulate him for helping our student-athletes on not only their soccer skills but life skills. It is moments like this that remind me how lucky I am to be associated with greatness. Congratulations Coach Karrs! The whole state and your peers recognized your commitment and effort. Your community and friends always knew it!

TRIVIA: The Girls Cross Country Team just won the Greenbrier East Invitational on Wednesday. They had four girls finish in the top 10. However, in the history of this event, they have only had one girl ever win the individual title. Can you name her?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Lanti Cole (Sr.) Volleyball – Named All-Tournament Team this past week. She is also the team captain and has a 97% serve receive ratio. Volleyball is by far the ultimate “team” sport and Lanti is definitely a big part of the team’s success.
Volleyball is now ranked 3^rd in the state. That is big time – Their home tournament championship over top teams like Beckley, Huntington and then ranked #3 Ripley was a treat for all the fans. It was exciting and the crowd loved it. Also, congratulations to Lanti Cole, Brittany Alleyne and Amanda Alleyne for making All-Tournament Team.
The Golf Team finished tied for 2^nd place at the Regionals and has to go into a playoff format for the qualifying sport. Princeton beat them by one stroke. However, Aaron “Skeeter” Hanna, Daniel Boswell and Joseph Lynch all qualified as individuals. Great Job!
Congratulations to the boys soccer team beating James Monroe and Riverside this past week to continue their winning streak.
Congratulations to the girls soccer team for their victory over Oak Hill on Thursday.
Congratulations to the JV Volleyball team who won big at Oak Hill also.
My daughter took her car into the shop to have her brakes fixed. They told her that they could not fix the brakes. So she asked them if they could at least make the horn louder.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, October 3^rd – TONIGHT – First Annual All-Sport Fundraiser sponsored by Spartan Athletic Foundation at West Virginia State Fairgrounds, $5.00 admission - $500.00 main prize – Door Prizes – 50/50 – Live Auction Items – Silent Auction Items – Music – Food – Fun – Friends – Be there! Tickets will be sold at the door!
TUESDAY, October 6^th – Volleyball – Home – Quad Match (JV & V) 6:00 – Golf at State Tournament – Boys Soccer at Princeton
WEDNESDAY, October 7^th – Golf at State Tournament
THURSDAY, October 8^th – Boys Soccer @ Home against Oak Hill 5:00/7:00 – Volleyball at James Monroe 6:00
FRIDAY, October 9^th – Football @ Home against Spring Valley – Youth Night and Miss Spartan Night – Tribute to Kenny Baker.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Congratulations to Scott Dixon, Class of 2004. It’s great to see one of our Spartan Heroes reach their goal. Scott graduated from West Virginia University in December of 2008 with a degree in Exercise and Physiology. He was recently accepted to the internationally recognized West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine right here in Lewisburg. This is another case of a Greenbrier East student from a great family succeeding and making a positive impact on our community and society. We are proud of you Scott.

TRIVIA ANSWER: One of my favorites, Caroline Stout, Class of 2006. She won the meet while also competing in soccer and just about everything else. After graduation and competition at Concord College, she plans to get married in May and get accepted to medical school. She is by far one of Greenbrier East’s best!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “When you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” Stay focused! Stay on task!

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

September 26, 2009

How can I help? I have heard these words so many times. Remember, I live in a community that is very loyal, passionate and supportive of their student-athletes. So, I am going to tell you how everyone can be part of a successful event. The ‘1^st Annual Greenbrier East All-Sports Fundraiser’ sponsored by the Spartan Athletic Foundation is an event that will benefit all 17 sports. Yes, 17 sports. Next Saturday night on October 3^rd from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds in the Cecil Underwood building, we will be having a fundraiser that will have over 17 tables of silent auction items, 50/50 raffles, door prizes, music, free hot dog and beverage, unique and special ‘live’ auction items, fun with family and friends and oh yeah, a chance at winning a $500 main prize. How can I help? *Buy a ticket for $5.00 and come out and have an enjoyable evening with the chance of bidding on some wonderful items. *Donate an item to support the sport of your choice. Can’t afford either one, then donate your time (everybody wakes up with 24 hours a day, so we are all equally rich with time) to set up the event or serve hot dogs, beverages, etc. We can always use people willing to serve others for the sake of a good cause. We want this to be a ‘big “Save the Date” annual event’ to help all our student-athletes. Sometimes when you want to be part of a successful program, you have to create it. Things are going great for Greenbrier East Athletics and we want to share the enthusiasm with everyone. So please, please, please take one day out of your hectic life and enjoy yourself on Saturday, October 3^rd while contributing to the betterment of out student-athletes, which in turn will reflect the mood of the whole community.

As a prominent president once said, “Ask not what Greenbrier East Athletics can do for me, but ask what can I do for Greenbrier East Athletics.” It is at that moment where all our lives will be impacted in a positive way. Thank you in advance.

TRIVIA: Name the date of the 1^st Annual Greenbrier East All-Sports Fundraiser and also the birthday of “Chubby Checker”.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Marissa Miluk (Fr.) Cross Country – Marissa finished first for the Greenbrier East girls Cross Country team and 24^th overall at the Chick-Fil-A Invitational in Mineral Wells, WV. She was named “Performer of the Meet” by the tournament director and recognized on RUNWV.com. Congratulations to Marissa. She must have gotten her running gene from her mother. Heck, it took me years to catch her.
Girls Soccer – Wow! – 13^th in the State. Beat state ranked (3^rd) Pikeview, Pocahontas, Nicholas County and Princeton recently. It’s amazing when teamwork is used properly how well these girls can succeed. Courtney Harrah, Brielle Coles, Margaret Ramsey, Kayla Yates and Kelsie Forren all scored goals against Nicholas County winning 5 – 1.
Boys Soccer is on another winning streak after beating Nicholas County 8-0. They will be ready when it counts.
Volleyball – 5^th in the state – What more can I say – Take time to come out and watch them on Saturday September 26^th (Home) all day – They are currently 16-3-3 and getting better.
Golf Team – 3^rd in the Mountain State Athletic Conference Championships. Congratulations to Logan Kaptis and Aaron (Skeeter) Hanna for making 1^st team All-Conference. Good luck at Regionals.
The football team has been ranked #12 and #16 the past two weeks and is still at a qualifying berth for the play offs. Keep it up!
Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. Hang on- We will succeed.
My daughter has decided to sell her beat up old car to pay for all her speeding tickets and accidents. She asked me, “How can I double the price of my car?’ I said, “Fill it up with gas.”
With winter just around the corner, my daughter went to buy some long underwear. The clerk asked her how long she wanted them. She said, “At least until spring.” Ha!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, September 26^th – HOME – Tournament 9:00 a.m. – Girls Soccer @ Charleston Catholic – Boys Soccer – HOME – Princeton 1:00/3:00
MONDAY, September 28^th – JV Football – HOME – 6:00 against Bluefield
MONDAY, September 28^th – Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Jeff Thomson- 3:30 to 6:00 in GEHS cafeteria
TUESDAY, September 29^th – Girls Soccer – HOME – Woodrow Wilson 6:00 – Boys Soccer @ James Monroe
WEDNESDAY, September 30^th – Cross Country – Spartan Invitational – HOME – 3:30 – EGMS Football – HOME – 7:30
THURSDAY, October 1^st – Boys Soccer – HOME – Riverside 6:00 – Girls Soccer @ Oak Hill – Volleyball @ Independence (JV Only)
FRIDAY- October 2^nd – Football @ Allegheny, Va
SATURDAY, October 3^rd – SAVE THIS DATE – First Annual All-Sport Fundraiser sponsored by Spartan Athletic Foundation at West Virginia State Fairgrounds, $5.00 admission - $500.00 main prize

ALUMNI UPDATE: Nancy Hanna, Class of 1985 – Nancy is a big help with the new “Spartan Spirit” Her high standards and praise from the classroom carry over with her leadership role is helping our Spartan Spirit. Her class and enthusiasm is exactly the image we want for this group. Another case of “The Past helping the Present prepare for the future”. Thank you Mrs. Hanna.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Saturday, October 3^rd – Be there! – West Virginia State Fair from 6:00 to 9:00 – Good times and great bargains!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. The only thing needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. Therefore, when you see or hear things that are wrong, Do something. In the long run, it’s for everyone’s good.

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

September 19, 2009

My job(s) often give me the opportunity to meet tremendous people. I am very lucky. However, many times I cannot meet the expectations of everyone and fulfill everyone’s dreams. It is at those moments that I look at the following phrase to put me back on the right path. Let me share it with you.

Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership
1.   People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3.   If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4.   The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5.    Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6.     The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7.     People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8.     What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9.     People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

TRIVIA: 1985 was a successful sports year for Greenbrier East High School. Name some of the top award winners.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Taelor Curry (senior) Volleyball – Taelor was named All-Tournament Team and was the true leader in our Nicholas County Tournament Championship. She had 28 kills and 13 blocks in her effort. Also, she helped the team with 4 kills, 2 assists and 4 blocks in our 3-0 win over Shady Spring. Another great reason for the success of volleyball is Taelor Curry.
Congrats to the Volleyball Team for their tournament championship at Nicholas County (14 teams). All-Tournament honors went to Lanti Cole, Taelor Curry and Brittany Alleyne.
Congrats to the Volleyball team for winning their Tri-meet in Charleston. They are currently ranked in the top 5 in the state. Book your hotel rooms for the State Championship in Charleston in Charleston on November 13^th and 14^th.
Good luck to the Golf Team at the MSAC Championship this Tuesday. The team is led by seniors Logan Kaptis, Daniel Boswell and Aaron Hanna.
Great job by Interim Head Golf Coach Mark Adams and his golfers for winning Thursday over Princeton. Logan Kaptis was the medalist with a 37.
A big thank you goes to Mr. Hall and Mrs. Dixon. Their students have helped tremendously with the marketing, advertising and accounting for the new “Spartan Shop”. Stop by the school and see all the new apparel.
If it wasn’t for John Mooney, I would not be here in Greenbrier County…….Thanks John.
Many times, successful things happen because of people who work harder then anyone, yet get little recognition. Rita Honaker is one of those people. Any success that we may achieve is a direct reflection of her work ethic. Rita is always there to help me. Thank you Rita!
Coach Wes Lilly is on his way to having a state qualifying team in his first year as Girls Cross Country Head Coach. Good things happen to good people.
We have over 50 tremendous auction items for our October 3^rd All Sports Fundraiser already. Many items are priceless and unique. Be there!
Congratulations to the JV football team with a 40-8 victory over Nicholas County. Great job by Coach Bright and Coach Sams.
My daughter was in a car accident (again). When the police officer, trying to figure out her speed, asked her what gear she was in at the moment of impact. She responded with, “Green sweatpants, T-shirt and Nike shoes”……..Someday she will understand that’s not what he meant.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, September 19^th – Boys Soccer @ Home against Winfield 1:00/3:00 – Girls Soccer @ Home against Pikeview 11:00 a.m. – Volleyball at Cabell Midland Tournament
MONDAY, September 21^st – Football (JV) at Greenbrier West
TUESDAY, September 22^nd – Golf at Mountain State Athletic Conference Championships.
THURSDAY, September 24^th – Girls Soccer at Princeton
FRIDAY, September 25^th – Football at Hurricane – Volleyball(JV) @ Home Tournament
SATURDAY, October 3^rd – SAVE THIS DATE – First Annual All-Sport Fundraiser sponsored by Spartan Athletic Foundation at West Virginia State Fairgrounds, $5.00 admission - $500.00 main prize

ALUMNI UPDATE: Emily McDowell, Class of 2008 – Emily is currently enrolled at New River College and is helping with the volleyball team. It is not a coincidence that her successful ways on the court and field followed her into coaching. She will be deciding on a four year college soon. Another great person helping to ‘give back’ to Greenbrier East.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Dedication Award – Danny Seams/Tracy McCrory – Citizenship Award – Rusty Myles/Gloria Sessions – Best All Around Athletes – Danny Seams/Tina Boone – Fred Staunton Award – Chris Collins – Al Morgan Award – Doug Doda

Some of these names I still hear in the community. Time flies.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. I have never heard a person on their deathbed say, “I wish that I would have spent less time with my family.” Take a moment and hug your child or spouse and enjoy the moments.

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

September 12, 2009

We beat Beckley! Those were the words that I heard throughout the past week. I also kept hearing the words, “We haven’t beaten them in over ten years!” Well, maybe it’s my mindset or the way that I look at things, but let’s take a look at it from my viewpoint. We (yes, “We” – this school belongs to the community) have eight fall sports. So far this year, Golf beat Beckley, Boys Cross Country beat Beckley, Girls Cross Country beat Beckley, Volleyball beat Beckley and football beat Beckley. Girls Soccer will play Beckley here at home on Tuesday, September 29^th, Boys Soccer will play Beckley at home on Thursday, September 17^th and the Cheer team will compete against Beckley on Saturday, October 31^st. So, as you can see, I tell people, “We beat Beckley” so often around here that I get accused of stuttering.

As far as the phrase, “We haven’t beaten Beckley in football in over ten years.” Well, again, my perspective kicks in. I look at it as Aaron Baker and this coaching staff has NEVER lost to Beckley.

Don’t get me wrong, Beckley is a great school and has tremendous student-athletes, coaches and leaders in their community. All I am saying is that I am just PROUD of us. (There I go again) using the word us, (the student-athletes, coaches, school administration and the community.)

So, again thank you to everyone who attended our home opener football victory over Lincoln County and also to those who drove to Beckley as we won again. Your loyalty and support does not go unnoticed. And remember later this season when you hear the words, “We made the playoffs for the first time in over ten years”, smile to yourself and say, “This coaching staff has always made the playoffs."

TRIVIA: There have only been four years in the history of Greenbrier East football where we were undefeated at home. Can you name them?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Clay Ayers (sophomore) Football – Clay was 12 of 20 in passing for 200 yards with 3 touchdowns in the victory over Beckley. He also rushed for 107 yards on 7 carries, including a long 77 yard run to set up a touchdown. Also, McDonald’s will donate $25.00 to the Spartan Athletic Foundation in the name of Clay Ayers.
With all the sickness and flu-like symptoms going around, I stopped by the nurse’s office and put of a sign that read, “The only thing that is contagious around here is WINNING!”
The Golf team was off this past week. We are hoping Coach Morgan gets healthy soon.
Congratulations to Kayla Yates for Girls Soccer. Kayla was named the West Virginia Daily News Senior Girls Soccer player of the week. This girl is a true leader on and off the field. We will be following her success well beyond college.
After these past two heart-stopping victories, a big Kudos must go out to our Defensive Linemen. Congratulations to Jake Harper, Drew Dowdy, Garrett Hinkle and Austin Ramsey. Keep up the great work! We are proud of you!
Congratulations to Amanda Alleyne and Lanti Cole for making the Volleyball All-Tournament Team in Beckley last week. Trust me, those won’t be the only accolades those two seniors and the team will receive this year.
The Boys Soccer team had a big win over South Charleston winning 2-1 on Thursday. Again, look for things to happen come tournament time.
The Boys and Girls Cross Country meet was rained out (flooding and lightning) last week. However, they still went out to eat to keep the Athletic Director’s daughter happy. (Job Security)
Next week, I will start to list some of the items we have for our October 3^rd, First Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Fundraiser.
The Volleyball team is currently ranked 6^th in the state and moving up.
My daughter was complaining again about her car. She said, “Dad, please buy me something cool that goes from 0 to 100 in less than four seconds…….So, I bought her a scale.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

FRIDAY, September 11^th – Football at Bluefield
SATURDAY, September 12^th – Boys Soccer @ Home against Nitro 2/4 pm – Volleyball at Nicholas County
MONDAY, September 14^th – EGMS Soccer @ Home 5:30 – Football (JV) at Nicholas County
TUESDAY, September 15^th – Girls Soccer @ Home against Princeton 5:30/7:30 – Volleyball at Charleston Civic Center (Tri-Match)
WEDNESDAY, September 16^th – EGMS Football @ Home 7:00 – Girls Soccer at Pocahontas.
THURSDAY, September 17^th – Boys Soccer @ Home 5:30/7:30
FRIDAY, September 18^th – Football @ Home against Nicholas County – Meet the Spartans Cross Country Team and Band Reunion Night- Volleyball at Cabell Midland (JV)
SATURDAY, October 3^rd – SAVE THIS DATE – Annual Athletic Fundraiser at West Virginia State Fairgrounds, $5.00 admission - $500.00 main prize

ALUMNI UPDATE: Dr. Jessica Perkins, Class of 1999 – She was the Heart and Hustle award winner for the girls basketball team her senior year. Since then, she has graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a BS Degree in Psychology along with various other honors. She was then accepted into the Doctorate program earning her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy. She is currently employed by Greenbrier Valley Physical Therapy Department at Greenbrier Valley Hospital. Dr. Perkins is another great example of a Greenbrier East Student-Athlete making us proud.

TRIVIA ANSWER: 1970 – Coach Bill Zopp, 4-0-1, 1975 – Coach Bill Zopp, 5-0, 1988 – Coach Homer Criddle, 7-0, 1997 – Coach Bob McClintic, 6-0. With our community support and a packed house, I will expect to see many more teams added to this statistic.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “A parent is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

September 5, 2009

WOW! What a great football game on Friday night. Better yet, what a great community event last Friday night at Spartan Stadium. The tremendous crowd and show of support for our student-athletes was phenomenal. This awesome display of community spirit and pride is just a small example of how dedicated and loyal this community is to its youth. So, at this time, I want to thank you for all that you do to help our student-athletes enjoy their high school experiences while reaching to set even higher goals.

I love exciting football games, but c’mon now. My nerves were shot after that victory. How about these highlights and it was only the first game. Biggest crowd in over ten years, goal line stance, hail mary pass on the last play of the game, stopping a two point conversion in the last 40 seconds of the game, on side kick recovered by Lincoln County, the rain storm missed us, over 75 “Gold Seats” were sold, 2 touchdowns scored, 2 extra points kicked (very big). I could go on and on about the thrilling victory for our first year head coach and alumni, but most of you were at the game. Greenbrier County fans are tremendous! As I have said in the past, “Sometimes when you want to be part of a successful program, you have to create it!” Well, the community is doing their part and it is only going to get better. So mark your calendars for Friday night September 18^th at 7:30 at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans will play Nicholas County and it is “Band Reunion Night” and ‘Nobody does it better.’ Get there early or reserve a “Gold Seat” to see the action and enjoy this community event.

TRIVIA: Name the only two coaches to win in their first games as the head coach of Greenbrier East High School Football team.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK – Nathan Lilly (Sr) Football – Nathan scored two touchdowns in the 14-12 victory over Lincoln County. Nathan gained close to 100 yards rushing and was instrumental in the final play of the game. He was also honored by McDonalds and $25 was donated in his name to the Spartan Athletic Foundation.
Congratulations to the Golf team as they continue to succeed. They beat Princeton, Bath County, Shady Spring and Beckley at the Greenbrier course. Daniel Boswell was the medalist with a 74. Logan Kaptis and Josh Carter finished behind him with 78’s.
Congratulations to the following soccer boys who were named “Man of the Match”. Adam Walton (jv) and Rhys Rogers (V) at Hurricane. Harris Sams (JV) and Hayden Roberts (V) at Oak Hill. I am impressed with this program. Look for great things at the end. When it counts!
Congratulations to Kelsey Forren for being named West Virginia Daily News Senior Girls Soccer player of the week. Great job by a great person!
The volleyball team looked impressive in its scrimmages and will be a force this season.
Congratulations to the Cross Country Teams. Currently they have two boys and three girls in the WV Run State rankings. Good job, Mason, Josh, Jacob, Marissa, Gaby, Mary Kellen, Sophie and all the other student-athletes who make us proud.
A big thank you to The Bear 103.1- WRON FM for their live broadcast and free radios. We cannot thank them enough for their support and recognition. Thanks Jeff Campbell and Mike Kidd.
My daughter had to read the manual that the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you, because of all of her driving violations – She thought it was a mystery novel.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, September 5^th – Boys Soccer at Spring Valley; Girls Soccer at Spring Valley; Volleyball at Woodrow Wilson tournament
MONDAY, September 7^th – Football (JV) @Home against Woodrow Wilson 10:00 a.m.
TUESDAY, September 8^th – Volleyball at Shady Spring
THURSDAY, September 10^th – Boys Soccer at South Charleston
FRIDAY, September 11^th – Football at Bluefield
FRIDAY, September 18^th – Football @ Home against Nicholas County – Meet the Spartans Cross Country Team and Band Reunion Night
SATURDAY, October 3^rd – SAVE THIS DATE – Annual Athletic Fundraiser at West Virginia State Fairgrounds, $5.00 admission - $500.00 main prize

ALUMNI UPDATE: Congratulations to Emily and Katie Meadows, Class of 2009. Both girls made the West Virginia University Cheerleading Squad (Blue Team). That is the highest team level that a freshman can achieve. They will be cheering at all the W.V.U. lady basketball games, along with special events, community events, hospital visits and many more activities. We are very proud of Emily and Katie. Another example of Greenbrier East products continuing to make a positive impact in our society. Also, big-time Kudos goes to Coaches Christi-O’Neil-Lynch and Debbie Rutherford for the guidance and commitment to Emily and Katie and all the team members throughout the years. Being on a Division I major sport cheer team is Big-Time – WOW!

TRIVIA ANSWER: Homer Criddle won his first game as head coach in 1984. (8-7 victory over Woodrow Wilson) They went on to be Coalfield Conference Champions and made the playoffs. Bob McClintic won his Greenbrier East coaching debut with an 18-7 victory over Princeton in 1996. That team also won the Coalfield Conference and made the playoffs (Hopefully there is a trend here).

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed, “Don’t let fear hold you back from your goals.”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

August 29, 2009

PRIDE! It is a word thrown around a lot in sports. I even hear and use it myself. SPARTAN PRIDE! Pride is something that has to be developed. The better person you are, the harder you work, the greater your sacrifice, the more pride you will have.

Are you proud of yourself? If not, why not? Eliminate the negative elements of your life and push toward the positive, toward a goal. Strive to become the best person, the best student, the best athlete you can become.

You won’t gain any pride by a half-hearted performance. The level of your pride is, therefore, directly proportional to the extent of your effort.

There never was a great athlete who was a good loser. A good sport, yes, but not a good loser. Good losers lose often; maybe that’s why they’re good at it.

When two athletes have:
Equal natural ability,
Equal preparation,
Equal conditioning,
Equal concentration,
Equal reaction to pressure,
Who will have the edge? Who will win?

The answer is simple – the athlete with competitive greatness – the athlete who is at his very best when his very best is needed – the athlete who loves a hard battle – the athlete who refuses to lose – the athlete who has the most pride. No matter what happens to you – never let them take away your pride.

TRIVIA: A big part of a successful school begins at the top. We are very lucky to have a great leader like Mr. Jeff Bryant. Can you name the first three principals for Greenbrier East?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Wow, This past week I only worked half days, (12 hours each day). This job can become a lifestyle.
Congratulations to Mason Haynes who led the Boys Cross Country team to a runner up finish at Oak Hill.
Congratulations to the undefeated Girls Cross Country Team. They won the Oak Hill Tournament (12 teams). Top four Greenbrier East girls were Gaby Dugan, Sophie Kemp, Marissa Miluk and Mary Kellen Curry. Great Job Girls!
Congratulations to the Boys Soccer team. Individual “Men of the Match” players were Hayden Roberts(vs Oak Hill), Connor Kenaston and Chris Harrah (at Oak Hill), Spencer Hanna (at Ripley) and Rhys Rogers (vs George Washington). I am so excited for the direction that Don Wise and Hugh Clement-Jewelry has this team going. I am proud to be associated with Greenbrier East Soccer.
Get well soon Jerry. I miss your input and trivia.
Congratulations to the undefeated Girls Soccer Team. The numbers are up and so are the expectations.
Every year in athletics, our student-athletes must get a physical examination. I am going to recommend to everyone to annually (at least) get a spiritual examination. I know that God does not pay very much, but he does have one heck of a retirement plan.
We are going back to the Spartan Spirit Club. This year, we have twelve students (Designated Dozen) who will help promote pride and class to the athletic program. SSII (Spartan Spirit Second Generation) It has a ring to it.
Well, you know how my daughter drives, so we went out to buy a second car. After thinking of the situation, we bought the perfect second car……a tow truck.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, August 29^th - Girls Soccer @ Home 12:00/2:00 - EGMS Football Grid-A-Rama 5:00 @ Spartan Stadium – Boys Soccer @ Hurricane
MONDAY, August 31^st – JV Football at Princeton
TUESDAY, September 1^st – Boys Soccer at Oak Hill – Girls Soccer at Woodrow Wilson, Volleyball at Greenbrier West
THURSDAY, September 3^rd – EGMS Football @ Home 7:00 – Girls Soccer at James Monroe, Boys Soccer @ Capital
FRIDAY, September 4^th – Football at Woodrow Wilson, Volleyball at Woodrow Wilson
SATURDAY, October 3^rd – SAVE THIS DATE – Annual Athletic Fundraiser at West Virginia State Fairgrounds, $5.00 admission - $500.00 main prize
MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at designated home football games.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Jeff Bostic, Class of 1996 moved on to be a Golf professional, teaching pro in Ashland, Kentucky. He is married with one child. Jeff was on Coach Bartley’s State Championship Team in 1994. The Golf Team also won the title in 1971.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Mr. Charles Allen 1968 – 1969, Paris Hume 1969 – 1981 and then Fred Colvard began in 1982.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. What would you attempt to achieve tomorrow if you knew that you would not fail?

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

August 22, 2009

We have a lot to get excited for this week, so I will keep my message to a minimum. Every January 1^st. people begin their ‘New Year Resolutions.’ Why not ‘New “School” Year Resolutions?” Well, I have made a list of resolutions that I intend to keep during this next school year.

1. Write a note each week to our “Athlete of the Week” congratulating them and telling them how proud we are of them.

2. Write one Note of Thanks each week to one of our behind the scenes people who make Greenbrier East Athletics great.

3. Call one influential person or business owner each week asking for their support for our Greenbrier East Student-Athletes. (Great people are always willing to help our youth)

4. Call a different college coach and / or Athletic Director each week to see how we can improve our sports programs.

5. Write an entertaining and informational article each week informing this great community about the success of our Student-Athletes. (This could be the toughest!)

Well, that’s my 5 ‘New “School” Year’ resolutions. Please keep after me as I somehow find time to accomplish these while following and promoting the success of our Student-Athletes. You are more than welcome to make your own list. Good Luck!

TRIVIA: The West Virginia Mountaineer Mascot has been used since 1936-37. It has a tremendous tradition and is recognized nation wide. Please name the Greenbrier East High School graduate that had the honor of being the West Virginia “MOUNTAINEER” Mascot.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

· Pre-Game Activity The Bear 103.1 WRON-FM is having a special pre-game ‘Kick-Off’ show starting at 5:00 on Friday, August 28 for our Season Opener Home Football Game. Mike Kidd and Jeff Campbell will be doing interviews, live reports and updates throughout the activities.

· Pre-Game Activity The Bear 103.1 WRON-FM will be giving away FREE Walkman Radios to the first 200 PAID admission fans to the football game. They will be set up at the gate closest to the new wrestling facility and Tailgate Party activities (Southwest Corner). Gates open at 6:00

· Pre-Game Activity ‘Meet The Spartans’-GIRLS SOCCER- They will have a table set up with schedules and soccer information. Please stop by and show your support and recognize their commitment to Greenbrier East athletics. They will also be the team responsible for the 50 / 50 raffle. Show your support and loyalty.

· Pre-Game Activity Barbeque Stand will be set up with pulled pork, hotdogs, side dishes, etc. So, get there early and enjoy a meal before gametime

· Pre-Game Activity Face Painting. Get your face painted with the new Greenbrier East Athletic Logo and show your support throughout the game.

· Pre-Game Activity “Cornhole” (Bean Bag Toss) Tournament. It’s a 32 person / bracket tournament held each home football game with the finals being held at the last home game. ($10 Entry Fee) Winner will receive $100.00 and a Trophy.

· Pre-Game Activity Other activities are in the process of being finalized. So, get there early for the game and enjoy the atmosphere. MAKE THIS A COMMUNITY EVENT! Let’s everyone get involved and show your support.

· Football Alumni Night will be this Friday at the Home opener August 28, Football Alumni, Please get there early and sign in. You will be recognized. Remember Aaron Baker is the first alumni to be the Head Football Coach. Please come out and show your support

· Thank you to everyone who has jumped on board and took advantage of the opportunities for advertisements, GOLD SEATS, All-Sports Season Passes, Signs, Auction Items, Donations. Your kindness and loyalty is greatly appreciated.

· I’m a big fan of profound quotes, so, I asked my daughter to finish this famous quote for me. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with………..she answered “with a tank of gas.” How does this not surprise me. (single step is the answer.)

· Upcoming Events:

o Saturday, 8/22 - Girls Soccer (HOME) against Capital Noon / 2:00-Boys Soccer (A) Ripley-Football (A) Grid Arama 1:00 / 2:00

o Tuesday 8/25 – Girls Soccer (HOME) against James Monroe 4:00 - Boys Soccer (HOME) against G.W. 5:30/7:30 –

o Thursday, 8/27 – Boys Soccer (A) Capital – Volleyball (A) Summers County

o Friday, 8/28 – Football (HOME) against Lincoln County 7:30 (Football Alumni Night)

ALUMNI UPDATE: Jared Sams, Class of 2002, is currently a 5^th. grade teacher at Lewisburg Elementary and on the Varsity football coaching staff. Jared played offense and defense for the Spartans and excelled in football at Fairmont State. On his last high school play in football, Jared made a game winning tackle in overtime to secure a victory over Jefferson County.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Robert E. Richardson was the mascot in 1982. This is a prestigious senior honor selected by the Mountain Honorary. His costume was tailor fit along with his coonskin cap and rifle. His beard was optional. What a great honor for Mr. Richardson. We are forever proud.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……. “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” We will Succeed!

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

August 15, 2009

Volunteer – (Noun) – A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking, a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. Volunteer – (Adjective) – of, pertaining to, or being a volunteer or volunteers: a volunteer fireman. Volunteer – (Verb) – To offer oneself for some service or undertaking, to give, bestow or perform voluntarily.

Any way that you say it; volunteers are the backbone of successful high school athletic programs. Therefore, at this time, I want to THANK every person in this community for their contributions to our efforts of being the best. I can’t begin to think of all the moments of greatness that would have never happened without the services of volunteers. This past week, our head football coach, Aaron Baker and I went to speak at the Lewisburg Rotary Club and the Lewisburg Lions Club. Our main intention was not to share our excitement about Greenbrier East Athletics (though we did), but to thank them for all their community support and volunteerism. After leaving both events, I took a moment in my car to reflect on how blessed I was to be in the presence of such great people. Every one of them working for the common cause of helping our youth. WOW, what a powerful feeling knowing that there are people in this community willing to offer themselves for a service or undertaking that they believe in.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

So again, Thank You!

TRIVIA: Name the major award winners at the Greenbrier East Athletic Banquet in 1982.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Congratulations to the Boys Soccer team for opening up their pre-season with a victory over Oak Hill. Winning is contagious. Keep it going!
The Girls Soccer team and football team will begin their winning ways today August 15^th. At 8:30, the girl’s soccer team will scrimmage James Monroe here at home. At 11:30, the Grid-A-Rama football begins with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County, North Marion and Greenbrier East. Exciting times are ahead!
Staying on the topic of volunteers – Volunteers are not paid---not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
Gold Seats – Contact us soon if you are interested – (304) 647-6464, Ext. 37. Previous gold seat patrons must submit their information by midnight Sunday, August 16^th. If your reservation is not received by this time, your seats will be available to the public on Monday, August 17^th.
Season Passes have been a big success. Take advantage of this win-win opportunity.
My daughter got her first feeling of car sickness………her first car payment was due.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SATURDAY, August 15^th @ 11:30 a.m.– Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County and North Marion
SATURDAY, August 15^th @ 8:30 a.m. – Girls Soccer Scrimmage against James Monroe
SATURDAY, August 22^nd – Soccer season begins! Boys Soccer @ Ripley @ 12:00/2:00 and Girls Soccer @ Home against Capital @ 12:00/2:00
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County – Football Alumni Night
SATURDAY, October 3rd – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at designated home football games.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Jimmy Montgomery, Class of 1999, who played basketball, was goalie for the soccer team and was the kicker for the football team is currently the Director of Facilities at Marshall University. Congratulations to another successful student-athlete from Greenbrier East making us proud.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Best All-Around Athlete – Wilford Keys and Susie Surber, Academic Sportsmanship Citizenship Award – Dwight Carlisle and Vickie Massey, Dedication Award – Doug Wickline and Tracy Wooding and the Al Morgan Award winner was Vickie Massey. Another interesting note was Dr. Dick Marshall was the guest speaker at the banquet. Dr. Marshall is still very active with the Spartan Athletic Foundation and goes up and beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping our young student-athletes. Now that’s loyalty.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. How true!

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

August 8, 2009

“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge” is a phrase I often go back to as I see all the changes on around us. Change is simple, but it is not easy. We are all creatures of habit who usually resist it and welcome routine. Unchartered waters are scary. That’s why it will be interesting to see what new worlds will emerge in football, boy’s soccer, girl’s soccer and girl’s cross country. We have 4 new leaders in these programs. As a leader deciding to make changes is the easy part. Getting your people on board is much more difficult. A big part of their success will be the ability to inspire their teams to get out of their comfort zones. (That is a phrase I often heard from Coach Asbury) These leaders will have to assure their athletes that even though they are on a new path, it’s the right path, for the right reasons. If I had any coaching advice to these new leaders, it would be, “Getting your team to believe it can be done is the most important thing you can do” To borrow some more inspiration from my past readings, this quote says it best….”A good leader inspires people to have confidence in their leader. A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”

TRIVIA: With volleyball starting on Monday, here is our question. Name the four players who led the 1988-89 volleyball team to one of our most successful seasons. Who led the team in Spikes, Sets, Blocks and Digs?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Did you know the reason behind last week’s Trivia Question about our first cheerleading squad only having five members? The reason for five was because they took one member from each of the five schools that merged that year to make Greenbrier East High School. As Paul Harvey would say…..Now you know the rest of the story. P.S. There were ten majorettes. Yep, you guessed it, two from each town.
The number of football players from last year has almost doubled. Both soccer teams have larger squads this year. The same goes for cheerleading, golf, volleyball and cross country. As I have been saying lately, “We will Succeed!”
How can things get much more exciting for our area than they have been lately with all the news at the Greenbrier Resort. Think of all the new worlds that have emerged because patterns were broken. Thank You Mr. Justice for this wonderful gift of change.
The Bear 103.1 – WRON-FM is planning a special pre-game kick off show for our home opener football game against Lincoln County. More information to follow.
The following names have been changed to protect the innocent. If there is any similarities to people you know, it is just a coincidence….I saw Roger the other day and asked him why he doesn’t play golf with Brandon anymore. He said, “Would you play with a guy who always puts down the wrong score and moves the ball when you’re not looking?” I said, “Certainly not!” “Well, neither will Brandon” he said. Ha! Ha!
I want to thank Darla and Marti who continue to take blame for my Miluk’s Minutes mistakes.
We have already ordered our second shipment of the premium high quality cushioned seats with a back rest. The response has been fabulous. Please get those forms in ASAP. You may also call to reserve your ‘Gold Seats’.
A quick Thank You to Mr. John Curry, Jeff Bryant and the Greenbrier Board of Education for giving me this opportunity to work at Greenbrier East High School. Also, Cudo’s to Sheryl Hulmes for her guidance with concerns in Athletics.
The 32 person Pre-Game ‘Cornhole” (beanbag toss) Tournament is beginning to get entrants. The cost is a $10 entry fee and games will be played before every home football game. The winner will receive $100 and a trophy. It will be a lot of fun and part of our tailgating experience.
Gold Seats – Contact us soon if you are interested – (304) 647-6464, Ext. 37. Previous gold seat patrons must submit their information by midnight Friday, August 14^th. If your reservation is not received by this time, your seats will be available to the public on Monday, August 17^th.
Season Passes have been a big success. The actual cards will be here on August 10^th and mailed out immediately. If you would like to stop by to pick them up, you are always welcomed.
My daughter was really excited she got a reserved parking spot with her name on it……..It was at traffic court.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, August 10^th – First day of practice for Volleyball
TUESDAY, August 11^th – Fall team sports pictures will be taken
SATURDAY, August 15^th – Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County and North Marion
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County – Football Alumni Night
SATURDAY, October 3rd – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at designated home football games.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Alumni, Marcus McClung, Class of 1989. Marcus is currently the commonwealth attorney for Gates City, Virginia. That is the equivalent of being the prosecuting attorney for the County. That is big time! He was a 1^st Team All-State player for our undefeated regular season football team that finished State Runner-Up to Charleston High School in 1988.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Connie Perkins led the team with 215 kills out of 246 spikes. Lucy Marshall had 608 sets and Edwina Lane had 22 digs. Also, leading the team was Raina Holland with 18 blocks and another 394 sets. They had a great team with a final record of 20-9.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

August 1, 2009

In a couple days the campus of Greenbrier East High School will be filled with young men and women preparing to reach their goals. Over 300 student-athletes will begin their path to the State Championships. Along the way, there will be many obstacles, pitfalls and pain; however, by overcoming these adversities, they become stronger mentally, physically and often spiritually. They are building the foundation for their future.

“If it was easy….everyone would be doing it” is a phrase that my coach used to often yell. Many former athletes often mimic or reflect on phrases and sound bytes that their coaches often embedded in their conscience. Some of you are probably smiling right now as you hear echoes from the past of your coach’s voice (both good and bad).

Well anyway, I am very excited and would like to invite everyone out to watch our student-athletes this season. I can guarantee you that Greenbrier East will put teams on the field that will make you proud. Teams that will display sportsmanship and integrity while competing to succeed at the highest level. Many of them have paid their dues and have been preparing for this moment all summer long. As I have said before, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” These student-athletes have prepared and you will find their results in the record books. GO SPARTANS!

TRIVIA: We often talk of football at this time of year. However, here is a different take. Name the first cheerleading squad ever for the Greenbrier East football team. (Hint) There were only five of them.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Saturday, October 3^rd, 2009 - SAVE THIS DATE! I can’t emphasize this anymore. It is important. Our 1^st Annual All-Sports Benefit Fundraiser at the State Fairgrounds. Tickets will be $5.00. This includes free hot dogs and soft drinks. It will be fun - Many door prizes, auction items, 50/50 raffles, musical entertainment, etc. CALL NOW to get tickets and more information.
Our ‘Meet the Spartans’ will be in conjunction with the Annual Fundraiser. We will have our athletes in their jerseys helping and mingling with the crowd. Please come to get to know and support out student-athletes.
Congratulations to the girl’s softball players who finished up their successful summer recreation season. It was great to see some of the alumni who are playing college softball help with the current players. Another case of Greenbrier East loyalty and giving back to their programs. A special thanks to Brooke Hinkle (WVU) and Danielle “Jersey” Hanlon (Penn State) who brought back their skills to compete.
Gold Seats – Contact us soon if you are interested – (304) 647-6464, Ext. 37. Previous gold seat patrons must submit their information by midnight Friday, August 14^th. If your reservation is not received by this time, your seats will be available to the public on Monday, August 17^th.
Season Passes have been a big success. The actual cards will be here on August 10^th and mailed out immediately. If you would like to stop by to pick them up, you are always welcomed.
We want Greenbrier East High School to have the best athletic department in the state. We are always looking for ways to improve. Please stop by or contact us if you have any suggestions or ideas to help our student-athletes.
My daughter was late for church and was driving around looking for a parking spot. Finally, she parked in a handicapped parking zone. She tucked a note under her windshield wiper and dashed off to church. It read, “I circled for 20 minutes and I am late for church. ‘Forgive us our trespasses’. After the service, she returned to find a parking ticket and a note; “I have circled this lot for 20 years and if I don’t give you a ticket, I will lose my job”……’Lead us not into temptation’. I told her you don’t pull rank on a police officer. Ha! Ha!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, August 3^rd – First day of practice for Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf and Soccer.
MONDAY, August 10^th – First day of practice for Volleyball
TUESDAY, August 11^th – Fall team sports pictures will be taken
SATURDAY, August 15^th – Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County and North Marion
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County – Football Alumni Night
SATURDAY, October 3rd – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
SATURDAY, October 3^rd - MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at the 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Alumni, Marcus Berry, Class of 1996, was back in town helping (again) with the local basketball camps, along with James Wilmer, Jim Justice and Jerry Bradley. Marcus is the Fitness and Intramurals Coordinator at the University of South Florida and continues to give back to his community. Greenbrier East is proud of his success.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The year was 1968-69. The five varsity cheerleaders were: Frances Hatcher, Kathy Walker, Kathy Foley, Susan Austin and Sharon Harrah coached by Mrs. Helen Arthur. The head football coach was Mr. Bob Zopp.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. Here is a philosophy that I learned from the great UCLA coach, John Woodson, when I met him. He said, “Brian, everyday I am supposed to help someone who can never reciprocate; that’s my obligation.” WOW! The world needs more people like COACH!

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

July 25, 2009

Mark your calendars right now for the Friday, August 28^th, 2009 Greenbrier East High School opening football game against Lincoln County at 7:30 p.m. Go ahead, go mark it down. I will wait for you. I am not going to write anything else until you get back. Take your time. I am not going anywhere. There is a pencil in your top drawer or use the one by the refrigerator. Mark your calendar. OK, Thanks, because it is important. Oh, I know that its not life or death, taxes, politics, health, family or other everyday pressing needs, but it is life-changing. You heard me LIFE CHANGING. High School is the time of life that our future is molded. Just take a look at a freshman and follow that person until they graduate. WOW – That’s change. Now, we have an opportunity to help our student-athletes change in a positive way. We can be there for them. Just a show of encouragement, support and love can leave an impact that will direct them for the rest of their lives. Before I get too deep into one of my philosophical tangents, I want to thank all of the people ahead of time for the great effort and support you show to our school and student-athletes. Thank You. Remember, “One kind act is better than one thousand intentions.

TRIVIA: We have talked about the Greenbrier East kicking team lately. Name the record holder for the longest field goal made by a Greenbrier East football player.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Congratulations to Scott Loving, alumni and current member of the WVU football team who continues to give back to the community. Not only does he help the football squad – he also donates his time to reading to elementary school children for Energy Express. Just another great product of Greenbrier East putting the values he learned to work.
The football coaching staff is almost complete. It could be the most energetic, positive and caring group of football coaches I have ever had the privilege to work with. I am excited!
I am looking for a person to run a 32 person bracket corn-hole tournament. It will be held each week before the home football games with the championship game played at the last home game. There will be prizes and awards presented. It can be part of our tailgate pre-game festivities. Please call me if interested. Be part of this new adventure.
Any and all auction items, door prizes, donations, etc., are welcome for the All-Sports Annual Fundraiser on October 3^rd at the State Fairgrounds.
Great response for the free physicals at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic. A big THANK YOU goes to Dr. Belinda Smith, Dr. George Boxwell, Kevin Workman and everyone who helped.(even Eric Thorne) Again, we are so lucky to have such great people step up and help our student-athletes. Please take a moment and look around this town and realize the greatness that is among us.
Look for the Greenbrier East High School football teams at a location near you. That’s right! The football team will be traveling to the local communities and practicing for the fans to show their appreciation for your loyalty and support. Come out and get a quick preview of this year’s state playoff team.
I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. “Somewhere I haven’t been in a long time” she said. So, I suggested the kitchen………Ouch, am I in trouble and our couch is not that comfortable.
I was walking by the gym the other day and I saw a student-athlete working with a friend for about two hours. Later, I found out that this player took over 350 shots in a row and then moved on to another skill practice. So, the next time you wonder how certain players got to be so good……..As you wonder, they are working.
I am a very lucky person! Thank you to the person who left a message on my answering machine. Those kind words do not go unnoticed.
The Class of 1994 is having their 15^th year reunion at the Brier Inn on Saturday, July 25, 2009. I have a funny feeling that Greenbrier East Athletics may come up in a couple of the conversations. SPARTAN PRIDE!
My daughter got her hair dyed black the other day. On her way home, she got pulled over by a police officer (of course) When the officer looked at her license; he noticed that the hair color on her license was blonde. After much debate and explanation, she finally told the officer, “Does it really matter? What hair color do they put on the driver’s license of bald men?”……She’s got a point.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, July 28 – 30 – Greenbrier East Volleyball- Marshall University Camp at Greenbrier East from 8:00 to 4:00.
FRIDAY, July 31^st – All Fall Sports Coaches Meeting @ 3:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at GEHS next to Miluk’s office.
MONDAY, August 3^rd – First day of practice for Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf and Soccer.
MONDAY, August 10^th – First day of practice for Volleyball
TUESDAY, August 11^th – Fall team sports pictures will be taken
SATURDAY, August 15^th – Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill and Pocahontas County
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County – Football Alumni Night
SATURDAY, October 3rd – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
TBA - MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at Spartan Stadium with a fun filled day.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Derek Gwinn, Class of 1999. Hopefully you saw the tremendous article about Derek in last Sunday’s Register-Herald (7/19/09). Derek has already received his Master in Business Administration and is currently the Director of Compliance/Assistant Athletic Director at Marshall University. Another former student-athlete continuing to succeed. Derek said, “What I love about Greenbrier County is the people, how genuine the people are and how cordial and friendly they are.” Derek……… We say the same about you. Thank you for making us proud.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Nate Bryant, Class of 2005, made a field goal of 43 yards against Oak Hill on October 1, 2004. He also made one of 42 yards against Princeton on October 10, 2003. He continues to succeed in his endeavors and is willing to help the next star kicker break his records.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “The highest reward for a person’s toll is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

July 18, 2009

An ingredient I often look for in my athletes and coaches is the ‘Courage to Succeed’. If your desire can be called a wishbone, then your courage should be called your backbone. Your backbone gives you the gumption, the get up and go, the guts to excel, the incentive to make any dream you dare to dream come true.

It’s easy to be ordinary, but it takes courage to excel. It takes courage to sacrifice, to work out when you’re tired or sick, to seek out tough competition when you know you’ll probably get beat.

It takes courage to stand by your convictions when all those around you have no convictions.

It takes courage to keep fighting when you’re losing.

It takes courage to stick to your game plan and the unrelenting pursuit of your goal when you encounter obstacles.

It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before physically and mentally, to test your limits…to break through barriers.

It takes courage to run a marathon, but then how would you ever know how far you could run if you never tried?

I firmly believe we are put on earth to be tested, to be challenged with adversity and to see what we can accomplish. The successful person is the one who continually faces problems and challenges, and overcomes them-the person who has the courage to keep going no matter how many obstacles stand in his way-the person who has the courage to look deep into his own soul.

John F. Kennedy, Thirty-Fifth President said, “Being courageous requires no exceptional qualifications, no magic formula, no special combination of time, place and circumstance. It is an opportunity that sooner or later is presented to us all.”

TRIVIA: 1971 was a tremendous, successful season for Greenbrier East Athletics. Many awards were given at the Banquet. Name the guest speaker at the 1971 Athletic Awards Banquet.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Great job to Aaron Baker, his coaches and counselors, for their successful youth Football camp – Future Spartans learning the winning ways
OCTOBER 3^rd – SAVE THIS DATE – The auction items and raffle prizes we are getting so far have been tremendous. Our 1^st Annual Athletic All-Sports Fundraiser WILL be a success!
All-Sports Season Passes have been a big hit so far. Thank you to all the people who have taken advantage of this money saving opportunity. Your loyalty does not go unnoticed.
Do you realize we have 8 fall sports teams preparing to make memories that will last a lifetime. That’s roughly about 250 student-athletes that will be affected by the influences they are around. COACHING DOES MATTER!
Jimmy Alder, Greenbrier East High School Band Director is very, very excited about this season and has a band reunion date set already for September 18^th. It will be a fun time, and remember, “Nobody does it better.”
My daughter had no driving incidences this week……She was grounded.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, July 20^th – FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for the EGMS student-athletes at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00. Please get your physical form from the school.
THURSDAY, July 23^rd - FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for the GEHS student–athletes at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00. Please get your physical form from the school.
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY – July 20^th – 23^rd – Wilmer/Saylor Fundamentals Basketball Camp, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Ronceverte Lions Club Gym – Any questions, contact James Wilmer @ 661-2811
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, July 28 – 30 – Greenbrier East Volleyball- Marshall University Camp at Greenbrier East from 8:00 to 4:00.
FRIDAY, July 31^st – All Winter Sports Coaches Meeting
MONDAY, August 3^rd – First day of practice for Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf and Soccer.
MONDAY, August 10^th – First day of practice for Volleyball
TUESDAY, August 11^th – Fall team sports pictures will be taken
SATURDAY, August 15^th – Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County and Greenbrier West
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County – Football Alumni Night
SATURDAY, October 3rd – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
TBA - MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at Spartan Stadium with a fun filled day.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Sarah Neville, Class of 1988 was the only girl on the Golf Team coached by Darryl Bartley. Sarah went to James Madison University on a Golf Scholarship and graduated. She also won the West Virginia Amateur Tournament and played on the L.P.G.A. mini tour. She was the Club Professional at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia. She also had a teaching school at Onion Creek. She continues to succeed in her endeavors and hopefully she will come back to the area she loves. Like I have often said, “There is greatness all around us.”

TRIVIA ANSWER: The one and only current coach of Florida State, Bobby Bowden. He was Head Coach at West Virginia University at the time and came to Greenbrier East for the ceremony. Wow! I often think of all the successful people who have walked the campus of Greenbrier East High School.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind, I will never die.”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

July 11, 2009

This past week I was in Cleveland, Ohio visiting family and friends. It was great! However, my thoughts and conversations often found its way back to Greenbrier County. I did not realize it until my brother Tim said, “When you talk about Greenbrier East Athletics, you act like it is the night before Christmas”. At that time, I realized that he is right. I am so excited for our student-athletes and coaches to succeed, that I can’t wait.

I also realized how exciting the times will be at Greenbrier East High School this fall. So, I want to thank you in advance for being part of our success. Your loyalty and kindness to the Greenbrier East Athletics does not go unnoticed. We will succeed!

TRIVIA: Can you name the two Four Time First Team AAA All-State student-athletes from the years 1984, 1985 & 1986 and 1991, 1992 & 1993?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

I know I have said it before, but thank you to all the people who have stepped up and showed their loyalty to Greenbrier East High School by getting an advertisement in our sports program.
The season passes seem to be a big hit. We are really getting fans on board for this money saving opportunity. For more information, call Brian Miluk @ 647-6464, Ext. 37.
Congratulations to the football team. They went to Oak Hill for a 7 on 7 tournament. It was a great (and first) experience for all the players and coaches; we scored on the first play from scrimmage.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, TUESDAY, - July 13^th & 14^th – Youth Football Camp
WEDNESDAY – July 15^th – Youth Coaches Football Clinic
TUESDAY – July 14^th – Spartan Athletic Foundation Meeting 5:30 @ GEHS
MONDAY, July 20^th – FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for the EGMS student-athletes at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00. Please get your physical form from the school.
WEDNESDAY, July 23^rd - FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for the GEHS student–athletes at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00. Please get your physical form from the school.
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY – July 20^th – 23^rd – Wilmer/Saylor Fundamentals Basketball Camp, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Ronceverte Lions Club Gym – Any questions, contact James Wilmer @ 661-2811
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, July 28 – 30 – Greenbrier East Volleyball- Marshall University Camp at Greenbrier East from 8:00 to 4:00.
MONDAY, August 3^rd – First day of practice for Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf and Soccer.
MONDAY, August 10^th – First day of practice for Volleyball
TUESDAY, August 11^th – Fall team sports pictures will be taken
SATURDAY, August 15^th – Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County and Greenbrier West
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County
SATURDAY, October 3rd – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
TBA - MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at Spartan Stadium with a fun filled day.

ALUMNI UPDATE: A big thank you goes to Scott Loving, Class of 2005 for helping Coach Baker while back in town. Scott is working with both the middle school and high school football teams with their strength and conditioning. Scott will be reporting back to WVU on Aug 7^th to begin football practice. Scott was a walk on for WVU and has now earned a scholarship.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Bimbo Coles was 1^st Team All-State Basketball 1985 – 1986 and 1^st Team All-State Football 1984 – 1985. Andy McClintic was 1^st Team All-State Cross-Country 1991 – 1992 and 1^st Team All-State Track 1992 - 1993.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. If you want to be successful, “Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday America! I am so very lucky to be around such great people in such a wonderful community. As I reflect on Independence Day, I truly appreciate the greatness that is all around us. So, at this time, I will give you a few of my favorite quotes from successful people in no particular order. (Notice how many can be applied to the field of Athletics and Coaching.)

1. "Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth” George Washington

2. “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but there echoes are truly endless” Mother Theresa

3. “The time is always right to do what is right” Martin Luther King, Jr.

4. “It is better to light the candle than to curse the darkness” Eleanor Roosevelt

5. “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” Henry Ford

6. “We must become the change we wish to see in the world” Mahatma Ghandi

Hopefully, just one of those quotes will make you take a moment to say, “Wow, that’s right.” Again, I am blessed to be surrounded by great people who want to succeed without caring who gets the credit.

TRIVIA: Name the first team All-State linebacker for the Greenbrier East Football team who graduated in 1988. He was also the captain of the All-State football team.

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Congratulations to Erin Ramsey who will be a walk on to play softball for the University of Charleston. A great person who will continue to succeed.
A big thank you and congratulations to Coach Jerry Bradley, his assistant coaches and everyone who made the basketball camp a success. Thank You!
Congratulations to Coaches Jillian Bright and Michael Bright who had their first baby boy, Nathaniel Sean Bright. Everyone is healthy and excited.
Head Football Coach Aaron Baker and I will be at the Lewisburg Rotary meeting on August 3^rd. We are very honored. Thank you.
If you want to make your friends happy……..just kick a 47 yard field goal and Coach Baker will call off practice. Well, he made the field goal and Coach Baker kept his word.
Great job by Christi O’Neil Lynch and Debbie Rutherford for their successful cheerleading clinic. It was a great turn out with all the athletes improving daily. The members are tremendous. Again, it’s a great time to be a Greenbrier East Student-Athlete.
We are currently working on advertisements for our Athletic Sports Programs, Advertisement Signs, Spartan Athletic Foundations donations, season passes, gold seating and many other beneficial activities to help our student-athletes. PLEASE get involved.
Greenbrier East High School Girls’ Volleyball team wins the 2009 West Virginia State Championship! There, I wanted to be the first person to say it! I have watched them work day after day to improve. Everyone wants to win. Those that prepare to win………WIN! Trust me, they are preparing to win.
I had the pleasure to watch Coach Justice teach his athletes the game of basketball. That’s right, I said Teach and not just Coach. He is a master. His passion to help young people is beyond description. I am blessed to be around his greatness.
I was giving my lovely daughter directions the other day so that she may drive to a friend’s house. I told her to stay on a certain road until she passes 5 traffic lights. Sure enough, she turned after 4 lights and got lost. After much debate, here is what she told me. “Dad, there are 3 kinds of people; those who can count and those that can’t”………….Need I say more.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Saturday, July 4^th – Independence
Saturday, July 11^th – National Convenience Store Day (Ha! Ha!)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, July 13 – 15 – Spartan Youth Football Camp – Look for more information soon.
Friday, September 18^th – Band Reunion @ Home football game vs. Nicholas County – Be there! This will be BIG-TIME! They are bringing back the James Bond theme that made them nationally recognized in the 80’s. As people often say when they talk about those glory days, “Nobody does it better!”
October 3^rd - CHANGE THE DATE: Annual Athletic Fundraiser will be OCTOBER 3^rd at the West Virginia Fairgrounds – Mark your calendar NOW! Raffle, Prizes, Auction and plenty of fun!

ALUMNI UPDATE: Congratulations to Lauren Asbury, Class of 2008, who finished a successful freshman indoor and outdoor track season for Marietta College in Ohio. She was on the school record-breaking 4 x 100 relay team while academically excelling as an honor student. She is currently training with Ann Marie, a New Zealand National Team member and Olympic hopeful. Another Spartan Success story.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Scott Yates, Class of 1988 – Scott was also a West Virginia State Wrestling finalist. Mr. Yates is currently in Africa serving our country and showing the courage, character and discipline he developed as an athlete. God Bless Him!

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote… “To demand more of yourself than you do of others is the first step on any ladder of success.”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

June 27, 2009

Please get your Season Ticket forms in for the All-Sports Pass. It’s a great money saver!

Our sports teams belong to the community and we need the support of everyone. So, thank you again to everyone who is part of our successful programs. It’s exciting to be at an event when it is filled with fans. Some day, I want to hear the phrase that Yogi Berra made famous, “Nobody goes there anymore because it’s too crowded.”

Here are some of the benefits from an All-Sports Pass:
·         Hundreds of dollars in savings
·         Commitment to Greenbrier East Athletics
·         No waiting in line
·         Halftime receptions
·         Other special events
·         Name recognition as a loyal fan
·         Proud to be INVOLVED

Please call 1-304-647-6464, Ext. 37 to get your All-Sports Pass. Forms are also available at the school.

TRIVIA: According to our record books, the Greenbrier East Golf team of 1969 and 1970 were West Virginia State Golf Runners-Up. Can you name the 5 golfers on both teams?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

Congratulations to Katie Keaton (Sr.) who played in the North/South girls’ softball All-Star game. Katie not only played, she was 3 for 3 and voted MVP for the games making Greenbrier East proud! She will continue her success at Concord University.
Congratulations to the Greenbrier East Boys Baseball team who had three players on the All MSAC State Team; Steven Smith (Sr.), Tyler Cutlip (Sr.) and Alec Austin (Jr.)
Rumor has it that last week during football practice, Kolten Renick kicked a 42 yard field goal and David Johnson was working on his punting. Don’t recognize the names yet? That’s because both student-athletes are soccer players. It is great to see Coach Don Wise and Coach Aaron Baker working with each other and sharing our great athletes for the betterment of Greenbrier East Athletics.
Congratulations to Cameron Gallagher who was the MVP for the WV North/South football All-Star game. The reason I mention his name is because he is also a 3-time wrestling STATE CHAMPION. People say he dominated the game.
When Parkersburg won the State football championship the year before, they had 3 state wrestling champions in the starting line-up. When will people learn and start to follow the advice of successful college coaches and Hall of Fame pro football coaches who continuously say, “Football is many games of one on one situations and each player must beat his opponent on that play. Wrestling prepares you for that, especially in pressure situations because that is the nature of their sport.”
Program ads are now being accepted for this year’s sports programs. Please contact us at the Athletic Department at 647-6464 Ext. 37 for this win/win opportunity.
Thank you to the people who contacted me and offered their assistance as members of the ‘Courtesy Club.’ We still need three members.
Great job! Thank you to Head Coach John Trudgeon and the V.M.I. coaching staff along with Major Darel Pickenpaugh and his wrestling staff for putting on a tremendous Wrestling Camp. They had over 60 participants and it was sponsored by the United States Army. The wrestlers had a lot of fun and learned many new moves. A special thank you goes to Staff Sergeant Joseph Bailey of the United States Army for his generous support.
My daughter told me the other day that the muffler was broken and very loud. I asked her how it happened. She said, “I turned down the radio and that’s how I heard it.” I said, “I understand that part, but how did it get broken?” After much debate, she said, “Dad, you don’t understand! It’s only loud when the radio is turned down!”…………The life with a teenage daughter; please pray for me.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, June 29th – 7 on 7 football tournament at Oak Hill High School.
MONDAY, June 29^th – July 2^nd – Greenbrier East Cheerleading Clinic from 10:00 to 2:00
MONDAY, July 20^th – FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for the EGMS student-athletes at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00. Please get your physical form from the school.
WEDNESDAY, July 23^rd - FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for the GEHS student–athletes at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00. Please get your physical form from the school.
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, July 28 – 30 – Greenbrier East Volleyball- Marshall University Camp at Greenbrier East from 8:00 to 4:00.
MONDAY, August 3^rd – First day of practice for Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf and Soccer.
MONDAY, August 10^th – First day of practice for Volleyball
TUESDAY, August 11^th – Fall team sports pictures will be taken
SATURDAY, August 15^th – Grid-Arama at Home with Oak Hill, Pocahontas County and Greenbrier West
FRIDAY, August 28^th – Home opener for football against Lincoln County
SATURDAY, August 29^th – 1^st Annual Greenbrier East Athletic Benefit Fundraiser, SAVE THIS DATE!!
TBA - MEET THE SPARTAN DAY - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at Spartan Stadium with a fun filled day.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Aaron Baker Class of 1994 was named the new Head Football Coach of Greenbrier East High School. Aaron just finished coaching an undefeated season of football (first ever) for Eastern Greenbrier Middle School compiling a 15-1 two year record. Along the way, they beat Princeton to snap their 23 game winning streak. On a side note, Aaron was named ‘Most Dedicated Athlete’ for the football team his senior year………some things never change.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Mike Wylie, Dave McClung, Gary Dent, John Taylor and John Deitz were coached by J.W. Dyche. In 1969, they were 32-4 and in 1970, they were 43-4.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote…………….. “Don’t be bothered by the critics. I swear that if I could walk on water, my critics would say it’s because I can’t swim”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us

June 13, 2009

Aaron Baker is the new head football coach for the Greenbrier East Spartans. There, I said it! So many people have tried to get me to talk, but I was sworn to secrecy by the Board. However, now I am proud to announce that Greenbrier East football will be led by Mr. Aaron Baker. Tuesday, June 9^th at 8:08 p.m., Aaron Baker was announced the new coach by the Board of Education. That same night, Aaron Baker was with me in my office well past midnight going over his plans to make Greenbrier East football the pride of Greenbrier County and recognized throughout the state of West Virginia. Nobody will out work this guy! He is so excited and proud to be part of the community that he wants to be proud of him. At the press conference on Wednesday with family, friends, players, coaches and the media from Lewisburg, Charleston, Beckley and Oak Hill on hand, Aaron Baker showed how humble and honored he was that he almost broke down with tears. During that quiet moment of emotion, I overheard a prominent Greenbrier East loyalist turn to a friend and say, “That’s why we hired him!” You know what? He’s right. There is a phrase in successful coaching that goes like this, “The players don’t care what you know, they just want to know that you care.” Well, Aaron Baker cares!

Please, take pride in your community and support your team as we start the path to success. When people ask me in the near future how we turned the program around and qualified for the play offs so quickly, I will tell them that it was easy as A – B – C. That’s right! Aaron Baker Cares!

TRIVIA: Who was named the most outstanding athletes in 1981 for Greenbrier East High School?

Now for the hodgepodge of information and facts in no particular order:

This past week on Tuesday, Coach Baker was hired at 8:08 p.m. and he was in my office until well past midnight. Wednesday, we had the press conference and Coach Baker was still on the phone with me talking until close to 10:00 p.m. Thursday, he addressed the Board of Directors for the Spartan Athletic Foundation and delegated responsibilities to improve the program. Friday, I left my office, turned off my phone, took my wife to dinner……….and we talked about the passion that Aaron Baker has to change the image of Greenbrier East Football.
Steven Smith and Tyler Cutlip will continue to play baseball in college at Bluefield State. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Program ads are now being accepted for this year’s sports programs. Please contact us at the Athletic Department at 647-6464 Ext. 37 for this win/win opportunity.
Thank you to the people who contacted me and offered their assistance as members of the country club.
Congratulations to the following new head coaches: Michael Bright (Boys Track), Jillian Bright (Girls Soccer) and Don Wise (Boys Soccer). They are all fired up and excited to put their heart and soul into developing our student-athletes to become better athletes and more importantly, better people.
Great job to Major Pickenpaugh and the V.M.I. Coaching staff for their excellent wrestling camp this past week. We had mats in the cafeteria and the gym with our 60 participants.
The new wrestling facility will be under roof by July 15^th.
My daughter was swimming with her sister, cousin and friends all day long at the Elks Club Pool. Her eyes were very red and bloodshot because of the chlorine. So of course, on the way home, she was driving and a policeman pulled her over for speeding. After he asked her to get out of the car, he said, “I couldn’t help but notice that your eyes are bloodshot. Have you been drinking?” My daughter, forever indignant says, “Officer, I couldn’t help but notice that your eyes are glazed. Have you been eating doughnuts?”……..I will be posting her bond money soon.
Holy mackerel! I am impressed with all the people buying All-Season sport passes already! Thank you for your loyalty. Call me at 304-647-6464 x 37 for more details and information.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, June 15^th – 3 Weeks of coaching begins!
BASKETBALL CAMP – June 22 – June 25, 8:30 – Noon for anyone entering grades 3 – 5 and 12:30 – 4:00 for anyone entering grades 6 - 8
CHEERLEADING CAMP – June 29 – July 2 from 10:00 to 2:00 All girls interested in cheering for GEHS
FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS – July 20^th from 4:00 to 6:00 for all athletes who will participate at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School. July 23^rd from 4:00 to 6:00 for all athletes who will participate at Greenbrier East High School. Please pick up a form at the school before going.
GRID-ARAMA - Saturday, August 15^th at Greenbrier East Stadium
ATHLETIC FUNDRAISER – Saturday, August 29^th – SAVE THIS DATE
MEET THE SPARTAN DAY – TBA - All fall sport student-athletes will be honored and recognized at Spartan Stadium with a fun filled day.

ALUMNI UPDATE: Charles Eary, Class of 2008, just finished his A.I.T. (Advanced Individual Training) with the Army. He will now attend Concord University on a full scholarship and graduate with money in his pocket. He will need it because he plans on coming back to Greenbrier County to teach and coach after earning his degree in education.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The girls’ top athlete was Vickie Bostic and the boys’ top athlete was Wilford Keys – Names that are still being talked about today.

One final note of thought, word of wisdom or quotable quote……………..”A relationship between a coach and his athlete is like an emotional bank account. Whatever you put into it, is all that you can take out…….That is why some coaches build lifelong relationships and others are just a coach.”

Brian Miluk
bmiluk@access.k12.wv.us