Parents laud football coaches

The parents of the 2006 Bulldog football team would like to publicly thank the football coaches and trainer for making the 2006 season one of the best in history.

We knew it was going to be a great year when nearly 40 eager young men hit Griz camp in July for early training.

It progressed through hot two-a-days in August and built through a gorgeous fall filled with nothing but wins.

The week of Homecoming was especially exciting, from the pep rally and conga line, through the packing of the stands, with the Whitefish community coming out in droves to see the boys play.

In the end, the boys' season ended in Frenchtown, but they made our entire community proud.

The varsity had a season of six wins and two losses, and the junior varsity was unbeaten in seven games.

We want to thank the incredible coaching staff for all their dedication and hard work. Head coach Pat Dryden should be commended for compiling a group of men who were as excited about working with our sons as they were about playing.

Defensive coach Chad Ross, offensive coach Eric May, linemen coach "Moo" McCracken, coach Scott Strellnauer, coach Aaron Phillips, coach Ryan Malmin and coach Smith spent hours of their own time with practice, strategy and having fun with the boys.

In the end, it is the human connection our boys made this fall that they will remember.

For the senior parents, this season has been such a bittersweet time, realizing that it is our last one.

We know that next year will be a great one for the juniors, sophomores and freshmen coming up, but for right now, we want to thank you, coaches and trainer, for all the life lessons you have taught our sons. We appreciate you all.