A tribute to two men who happen to be coaches

Hello my name is Kelsey Lyle. I am the mother of Wyatt Lyle. I am writing to you today in hopes that you will deeply consider helping me recognize two amazing coaches. We have had the privilege of being a part of their football team for four years. These two men have become more than just coaches, they are mentors, idols and friends.

Four years ago when Wyatt decided he wanted to try tackle football we showed up to the first day of practice, unsure of whose team we would be on, realized we were on Vance and George Mitchell’s team and were beyond excited. Fast forward a few years and we have been privileged to be on their team every year.

I feel it is so important to have good coaches and teachers in ours kids’ lives nowadays with all the negativity in our world. They don’t just coach our kids, they teach them the fundamentals and the proper techniques of the sport. They teach them that it’s not about winning that it’s about having fun with your peers. They are compassionate and truly care about the kids as individuals. I could go on and on all day long about these two wonderful men, but it’s something you would have to see and witness for yourself.

George Mitchell has been coaching football for over 30 years. Vance Mitchell has been coaching football for several years. He is also one of the Lake City high school football coaches, as well as many other sports. They are a father and son coaching team.

Both of these guys take time out of their lives to influence and impact the young lives of our children and it shows in every game and practice, the kids are not just a number they are treated like family.

Vance and George have gone out of their way to pick kids up and take them to practice and games to make sure no kid is left out. They are so fun and energetic at every practice and game. They led our team to two undefeated seasons, not only undefeated but were also not scored against this season.

They both show so much love and dedication to these kids, and it shows in the way that these boys work hard day after day for the whole football season, for their coaches and their team. I have literally had people come up to me year after year asking me what they can do to get on Vance and George Mitchell’s football team.

I can’t tell you how special these guys are. They go out of their way to talk to my son when he’s having a bad day or is having difficulties with us as parents.

They have impacted his life, not just during football but in all aspects. In this tumultuous world we live in, I feel it is so important for these kids to have people other than family that they connect with, respect, and know they can count on. Vance and George Mitchell are two of those people for these boys.

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Kelsey Lyle is a Rathdrum resident.