It all began that day at 2:30 PM, when I walked in to a gym packed with fans, students, teachers, coaches, parents, pets, children, and babies.  I  saw "PURPLE" and "WHITE" all over the place. . It was a power- packed pep rally, which flooded my mind with so many memories of the fun, excitement, and spirit that  Port Neches-Groves fans experience with their football team.. I heard the band playing "Cherokee", and the Indian Spirit in his element moving and bending and gliding with the sounds of the music and beat of the drums. The cheerleaders were cheering and jumping about with such enthusiasm and delight..I got chills as I watched the crowd and sounds of the band along with the visionary stimulation.

     Being a sensitive photographer,  I immediately noticed the  babies all decked out in PNG colors down to the moccasin boots. I saw a poodle in its purple and white sweater that had PNG on the front and INDIANS on the back.. It was so cute and the fans gladly let me take photos for the website.

      After the pep rally,  parents and friends of the players were hugging the players--providing encouragement and praise and admiration for their role in playing football for PNG.

     Then, it was like all time stood still when I captured a tender moment. I saw  head coach Matt Burnett bending over shaking the hand of a young child that wore the Indian colors Purple and White. Matt could have easily passed that little fellow by, but that is not what he is made of. He is a compassionate man who really cares for the students and future of PNG.. I just couldn't resist sharing that side of PN-G's head coach in a photo on the webpage. He is more than just a head coach.. He is a tender hearted man..!!!!!!

     Then, that night I was really in for an experience.  I got to go up to the press box to meet Jim Barton and Bob West in action live on the air. They were doing an awesome job there with Friday Night Experience!!!! I could not believe all the detailing and hard work they did to broadcast just one game.. They were right on top of all the plays. Bob West was so comfortable there talking with his headset on just like it was second hand to him.. I was amazed and excited about everything I was seeing.. Jim was so very nice to me-- allowing me take a picture of them even in their busy moments of broadcasting. Jim then introduced me to his camera crew members.  Then I got to go meet Mike Sheffield... Wow! NOW--THAT was an experience!!!!

     I just could not believe the operation that was going on with his computers and camera men and his directing them on video shots of the game for the Time Warner Cable network... I was so impressed with the hard work, dedication, and expertise that I saw that night for providing entertainment for the PNG Football fans to enjoy miles and miles away from home. I did capture a 60 sec video email that I will share with you to give you a little idea of what they do behind the scenes...

     All I could think of at that time was how great this was going to be for all those former PNG fans who have moved away and will be able to actually hear the football programs on the internet plus see them on  Time Warner Cable.. Since then we have received numerous emails from our pngfootball.com website stating that former PNG fans thousands of miles away were listening to the last game and how this would enhance their lives from now on to be able to hear the games on the internet. 

     This is an awesome gift they are offering for the community and fans away from home..I want to thank them personally for their dedication, love, and support for the PNG football program..

     This devotion reminded me of Buck and his undying love for the football program.. It is a strong desire and need inside the hearts of these kind people to keep tradition alive.. Purple Pride will never fade away with support like this..!!

     I look forward to going back for the PNG--Nederland game to take more pics..So, be ready for me..I just may capture you for the internet..Also thanks to all the opposing teams that have written in stating what an awesome website  pngfootball.com is even though they are not from our community and don't want their names mentioned. They click in and enjoy reading the updates and love the pics..One even expressed how much he loved THE INDIAN SPIRIT--

     Buck will have a signing in November-- the day after Thanksgiving--so be ready to get your book then too..

     One more thing,  last Friday night Buck and I were able to listen to the Lincoln game on the internet.. Now that was FUN!@!!!!!!!!! I was on the phone with Jim Barton off and on during the game.  Buck and I were on his chat program--in Gooey  in pngfootball.com chatting to both PNG and Nederland fans during the entire game.. one was from Alaska and one from Rhode Island. We are expecting this chat room to be full the next internet broadcast. So come and join in and let's hang out during the game.. The game was very  loud and clear on the internet.. call and tell your friends about it..It was so exciting planning the evening around the PNG game... feeling like we were a part of it right with all the other fans.. People this is Big - REALLY  BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Well, enough for now, I will keep you informed --I always have information to share whether it is from my heart or from other sources.. Thanks to all of   you who are signing in the Guestbook.. We love reading your thoughts..

LOVE Ya!! Carole Wrinkle-Ford