The Locker Room September 20, 2006

While the players were certainly close to Mr. Dobson, the coaching staff was extremely close with him. For Head Coach Jack Turner, “Mr. D” had been a prominent figure in his life since as far back as he could remember. Most of the other coaches knew him most of their lives as well. While I know we will all miss him, it is of some comfort to know that each and every time we see the Cougar football team set foot on what will hopefully one day be “Joel Hicks Field”, they will be walking on the very grass that Mr. Dobson helped to plant, in the stadium that he was so instrumental in developing and building. Each time we look up to watch as the Cougars come down those steps, we will see his name and be reminded of what he did for this community.

As unfair as it seems to no longer have Mr. D with us, it also gives us a chance to look at ourselves and see if we are doing what WE can to help out our community also. Last week I couldn’t help but notice a change in the crowd. While I’m sure there was still some rumbling and grumbling in the stands once the Cougars fell behind, it was a very positive atmosphere compared to what we’ve seen at other times. Maybe it was the kids that were there for rec night, maybe it was last weeks article getting some people to think. I don’t know, but the bottom line is that it was a good thing.

Folks, sometimes…..even in Pulaski County….football takes a back seat to the more important things in life. While I would certainly like to see the team pull together and get on a roll and win some games, I think the most important thing right now is to get behind this team and this coaching staff, and to let them know that WE STILL BELIEVE IN THEM!!

I truly appreciate all the people who brought the signs and banners last week for the team, and I know the guys on the team and the coaches all truly appreciated the spirit behind it also. Let's try to keep up that spirit as the Cougars go on the road for a two game road trip starting this week.

With the next two games being as far away as they are, I’m sure that the crowds will be nowhere near the size of what we’ve seen the past three weeks. But the ones that are going are some of the hard core. Lets get out there and make some noise to let the kids know we’re still behind them. Ring some cow bells, blow some horns, and just plain yell when you can. This is still Cougar Football, and I STILL BELIEVE!!

GO COUGARS!!! BEAT THE CAVALIERS!!!

Directions to Jefferson Forest High School (MapQuest)

Cougars by the Numbers
by Ardent Cougar

Kenneth J. Dobson has passed on.

I learned of this tragic event, upon my arrival in Blacksburg Saturday morning, for the Tech game.  He parked in the same lot as I do, for the Hokie games.

I never really knew the man personally, so I will leave most of the comments to those who did.  All I know is, his family, his friends, the team, and this community, have all suffered a great loss.

The placekicking game has been something at which we have normally excelled, thanks largely to his efforts.

Remember how enjoyable it was, to watch Shayne Graham warm up before games?

Shayne would not be a Pro Bowl kicker in the NFL, if not for Mr. Dobson.

Things are tough right now.  The season has started out in a manner that is hard to take, and now this.

We best give tribute to those who pass on, by using the positive things we remember about them to help us move forward.

The next time you pass through the gates of Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium, reflect for a moment about all that he meant to the program and the community.

Then, like I said last week, show your resolve, as a fan.  Strengthen the will.  Keep the faith.

This season is not over.  We're still 0-0 in district play.

Think of Mr. Dobson.  That should keep you on the right path.

Go Cougars.