Our kids have to deal with the neighborhood thing - Westside and all. We had our turn last year.

They're overwhelmed. You're more than doubling the number of kids being tested.

In my job I see a lot of kids from single-parent households. I understand the struggles they have as single parents and just want to be here for them.

It makes you tear up a bit just to see that the kids can do something for you. There's one resident who knew that I did not have breakfast, lunch or dinner yesterday. At 10 at night, she was shoving crackers in my pocket telling me to keep my strength up as we were walking through here. I made her take them back, but they try and give back as well too.

Our players and staff learn more than the kids do.

Sometimes, I know as coaches we've been frustrated over the last couple years. But the kids have kept working hard and made progress. The program's growing. We're proud of the results. Not satisfied, hopefully we'll do better next year. But I'm pleased with the progress we've made the last couple years.