RUSSELL'S NM RUNNERS RUNDOWN: CHAPTER 14

RUSSELL'S NM RUNNERS RUNDOWN: CHAPTER 14: A new era

What a whirlwind! The last couple of weeks has been a season of change. This season already has enough stories to tell in just the first two months. Frankly, every time I sat down to write a new Rundown, everything would change. We started this thing called Season Six with hope and optimism around the organization. The first month would test us as we started on the road against Wichita and Oklahoma City earlier than normal. Things didn’t go quite as planned, two losses put us behind the proverbial eight-ball.

Yet, there was a sense that things would get better considering the new talent still learning the arena game. It seems that our players are getting younger and I’m getting older. Some of our players were born after Bill Clinton left the White House. Youth is definitely the future of the Runners’ organization. 

The next two home games would test us in many different ways. Facing the Wichita Wings has been a mountain that we have not yet climbed. Yes, it is true, we only have one victory over the Wings in six seasons. Our time is however coming. Our next test was the Chihuahua Savage2. They showed us that they may be the best team in MASL2. 

Then it was back on road to Wichita. We have already logged over 3,000 miles this season with two more road trips on the schedule. But let’s rewind before the Wichita road trip. Head Coach Steve Famiglietta stepped down after our home game with the Chihuahua Savage2. Uncertainty rained around the Runners organization. It was at that moment a call was made to Brian Weems who is and will continue to be Head Coach at Rio Grande High School. Things were discussed and plans were made. We were on our way. 

But first, let me take this opportunity to thank Steve Famiglietta for his kindness, smile, and laughter. I also thank Steve for his concern during my time of illness last season. Truly something I won’t forget. Thank you Steve! 

Now back to the game. New Head Coach Brian Weems had only one practice to prepare this group for a tough challenge. The trip was very business like with all seemingly knowing that we were starting season six over again. The team showed a toughness and the score against the Wichita Wings was not a good indicator of how the Runners competed. 

This week the Runners officially announced Brian Weems as head coach. Brian Weems brings a whole new energy to this organization along with a new staff. It will be very interesting to see how this upcoming home game will be. But there seems to be a calm and a determination with this group. I think you’ll enjoy watching this group once they get everything in place. Half of season six is over. But, the second half of the season has the potential to tell a completely different story than the first. 

I challenge everybody to get out and cheer this team on this Sunday. This could be the start of something special.

You can always follow me and my journey on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Russellleegurule and subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@swerve3131