When we are very young, we are taught how to count. It is but a moment away - or so it seems. The sun is out. The weather is warm - 85 degrees as I type this. Kids are all over town on their bikes, or just yelling at the top of their lungs while playing in the yard with friends. Kids from ages 5-17 all over Iowa, and the nation, are enjoying the fruits of their educational labor... which are rewarded with rest each June through early August. But, some do not rest at all. They work. And they work very hard. West Branch Head Football Coach Butch Pedersen will always tell you that next season begins when the previous season ends. He encourages kids to play other sports, but they are all usually mindful of the real prize. What is the real prize? Sweat. Tears. Pain. Pride. Weight Training. Conditioning. Teamwork. One Heartbeat. An Extra Heartbeat. Scratching where it itches... all things associated with having a successful football program... and all these things, and more, are associated with West Branch Football. I know of at least 14 kids who attended one or more college football camp this summer. I know of at least three other soon to be 2011 Bears who were INVITED by collegiate coaches to special position camps. I have heard from well over 40 kids about their weight lifting regiment. So, here we are. It?s June 28, 2011 at 5:00 in the afternoon/evening. The Bears have just completed their fourth and final week of the Clear Creek Amana 7 on 7 camp. Basically, the team competes in 7 on 7 (offense vs. defense) against other teams in the area. West Branch competed against: Durant, Wilton, Clear Creek Amana and Mt. Vernon. From what I have learned, the Bears were successful in 3 of the 4 games played - as far as winning. However, the true success story in the whole scenario is that the team was able to compete. They were able to prepare. They were able to set the table up. They were able to quench their thirst, even if for just an hour at a time. They were able to count to 4 - which is all the time you are allowed before the quarterback must throw the football in 7 on 7. Some of the faces who competed in the 7 on 7 camp were there last year as well. For some, however, this was their first true 'varsity' test or experience. Coaches were allowed to coach to the fullest. You could hear Coach Pedersen barking out defensive commands. Coach Jarod Tylee was the offensive commander. Brad McCloskey was there to direct personnel on both sides of the football. Bear Assistant Head Coach Larry Rummells was also there for a few weeks doing what he does best: encourage, lead the offense, and, well, just be Lurch (which is a good thing). Parents were watching from the stands. Chris Bower was counting out the play clock and letting the Bears know how much time remained for each offensive or defensive set. All tolled, 19 different West Branch student-athletes were able to see action on the field. Now, they go back to playing baseball, working, or just enjoying their summer. Well, maybe. Now is the time where kids are really hitting the weights hard. The 2011 football captains (Eli Elliott, Austin Finnegan, Derrick Miller, Brandon Young) are beginning to lineup Captains' practices/conditioning. The team is will soon remember what they were taught many years ago: Counting and numbers are fun, but can drive you crazy. Some numbers to keep in mind: (As of June 28, 2011) 59 - The number of days before the Bears play their first game at the Little Rose Bowl versus West Liberty. 52 - Meet the Teams Night in West Branch. 46 - Media Day at the Little Rose Bowl for the football team 44 - The first day you can hear the sound of pads cracking on the high school practice field?per the IAHSAA 44 - Is also the one of the time honored traditions in HS football: Two-A-Days begin! 41 - The first day to hold a practice per the IAHSAA. Practice? We talkin? about practice! Allen Iverson would not approve, however. 34 - West Branch football begins: camp. This all may be rubbish and far-fetched to you presently. But, in 34 days it will all make sense. By now, I know you are beginning to count them down. Right?