Cactus Bowl

Nathan and his girlfriend, Alyson, at the Cactus Bowl banquet.

Nathan & the quarterback from his team.

These were some friends that came to support Nathan at the game...

At the banquet...

Nathan was invited to play in the Cactus Bowl in Kingsville, Texas on January 11, 2008. This is an all star game that showcases players from Division II schools from all over the nation. The NFL scouts were there all week to evaluate the players. On Thursday night, there was a banquet for the players and their families. Nathan was announced as one of 8 national finalists for Lineman of the Year. Although he didn't receive the award, it was an honor to be included in the top 8 in the Nation. The game on Friday was disappointing as our team lost 42-13. Nathan's girlfriend, Alyson and her friend, Abbie, drove down for the banquet. Four other friends drove down for the ballgame on Friday.

2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY 2008 BE THE BEST YEAR EVER!!!

Christmas 2007

Jarrod came home on December 15 and Nathan came home the next weekend. He had to stay in Abilene to rehab his knee (he had surgery the Friday after his last football game). Him and Baylor - my granddog - will be here until Dec. 31. Jarrod gets to stay a while longer, although he has a ski trip planned right after the first of the year.

We enjoyed our Christmas with the boys. It is amazing that I was the one who kept asking if we could open presents this year. This was the first time that they didn't wake up at 3:00 am to see what Santa brought. Does that mean they are growing up? I sure hope not!

We went to Darren's sister's house on December 24-25. We had a wonderful time with the entire Young crew. We enjoyed the Christmas Eve service in Farwell and had a great time with lots of food, fun and fellowship.

We went to my parent's house on the 28th. We celebrated Christmas, along with my parent's 50th wedding anniversary and Nathan's graduation. We had a great time with all 18 of us (including Nathan's new girlfriend, Alyson).

We are looking forward to a wonderful 2008. Happy New Year to all of you!!!

Darren & Vickie

We are enjoying our empty nest more than we ever thought we would! We have enjoyed getting re-aquainted with each other over the last year and half. We have followed the Wildcats all over the place and are not quite sure what we will do next year when we don't have a football team to watch every weekend. We have watched our boys play some kind of sport since they were 3 years old. This will be the first time in 19 years that we don't get to do that.

We like to ride our motorcycle and hang out with our friends. We were fortunate enough to see Mt. Rushmore in November when we went to Nebraska to watch the Cats. It was a breathtaking sight. We are planning a cruise to Alaska this summer with my entire family to help my parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Nathan

Nathan graduated Magna Cum Laude from ACU with a degree in Bio Chemistry on December 14. He is planning to return to ACU in the spring to begin working on his Master's Degree. He will be a graduate assistant coach and plans to stay at the college level to coach once he receives his master's degree.

Nathan had a wonderful year in football and was given many post season honors. He was voted Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year (for the 2nd year in a row). He also made 1st team Academic All American and 1st team All American. He was invited to play in the Cactus Bowl, an all star game that will be held in Kingsville on January 11. He has made the final 8 for the Gene Upshaw Award - an award given to the top offensive or defensive lineman in the Nation. This award will be handed out at the Cactus Bowl Banquet. We are so proud of Nathan and know that God has awesome things in store for him!

Jarrod

Jarrod has just finished his 3rd semester in college (his 2nd at ACU). We are so proud of him - he works as a waiter and spends lots of time with his guitar. He has written 7 songs so far and got to work his first "gig" a few weeks ago. He is also finding some time for studying because he proudly brought home a 4.0 gpa this semester.

ACU Football

What an awesome year for the WILDCATS!!! Nathan's senior year turned out to be loads of fun. The Cats finished 10-3, losing their last game in the playoffs to Chadron, NE in triple overtime with a 76-73 score. GO CATS!!!