“It was awesome.”
These were the words DHS head baseball coach Andrew Norwood used to describe his selection in leading a team in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) All-Star game as he headed a team with two former players alongside his own high school coach.
The match-up happened Thursday, June 5 in Brownwood as Norwood and Mario Estrada of Anson coached the Blue team.
“I was also thankful I was able to coach with some great coaches and I was able to coach with Coach Estrada who coached me in High School,” Norwood said.
Estrada coached Norwood for two years when he was in high school and took their team to state. Among their players were Class of 2025 seniors Wyatt Jones of Goldthwaite and Kaden Gaitan of Dublin.
“Kaden had a great game,” said a proud Norwood, calling out a RBI hit to left center which put their team on the board. He also praised Jones’ performance. “It was great being able to coach a few of my athletes I’ve coached in the past and this year one last time,” he said.
Although the blue team fell 5-10, Norwood said the FCA experience provides a wealth of memories and is about more than the wins and losses. “One of the greatest parts was just the kids,” he said, noting that the players, many of whom faced each other in the regular season, worked together and bonded as they got ready for the game.
“God was leading the whole time,” he added. “We had six give their lives to the Lord and three re-dedicated themselves.”
He also enjoyed just being in the moment and seeing them come together one last time before they head out to college or careers.
“I was thankful to have been able to coach these great young men and can’t wait to see what God has for their future,” he added.