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ball, Alan signed the boys up. Our oldest, Nolan, was the guinea pig.         was, is and would be our life. Sadly, in 2013, after a 17-month battle with bone cancer, Alan passed away. Alan treated cancer much like he did in life, with a competitive drive and one he was bound and determined to succeed in. He often told the boys “In high school, I was never the fastest, the biggest nor the most athlet- ic, but nobody outworked me.” His view on life is truly what has kept us moving in a positive direction the last 11 years. Sports seemed to be the only normalcy left in our lives after he passed, and I was bound and determined not to make them give up anything they loved because they had already lost so much. I knew sports would create an outlet for them, a drive to play for something bigger than themselves and a work ethic I could never replicate at home. Fast forward 11 years and our boys have created a legacy for their dad, for their school and for themselves with sports. Nolan played football at Blair Oaks, was part of the 2018 state championship team         


 played baseball and football for Blair Oaks and was part of the 2020 and 2022 state championship teams. He is currently enrolled to attend State Tech in the fall. Michael has chosen his own path and plays golf


in our lives after he passed, and I was bound and determined not to make them give up anything they loved because they had already lost so much.”


for Blair Oaks, earning his varsity spot as a freshman and sophomore. He lives at the golf course and his passion is unmeasurable. Sports isn’t just a game for the Atnips; it is a way of life, a way to continue to leave behind their mark and a way to honor the man who taught them “Life is a game. Make sure you are in it.” I have loved being a sports mom all these years; watching tears of disappointment in losing but also tears of pure joy with success. I have pushed myself beyond limits in making sure I was there for it all. I know all too well what a gift it is that I have been able to be a part of 


“Sports seemed to be the only normalcy left


Show-Me Sports /// 55


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