After a VERY long day the word came late Tuesday evening that our son-in-law, James Duprie , would be the new head football coach at Nixon-Smiley High School. We are all very excited for James and his family.He will have the responsibility of guiding the boy's athletic program in all sports there. After four successful years as offensive coordinator at Comfort he decided to go for the "big one". Head coach! Now he has it.
The first time I ever heard of Nixon was back in the sixties. John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon were running against each other for president. Someone took a picture of highway signs on one of the highways in the area. One sign had an arrow pointing to Nixon. The other sign pointed toward the town of Kenedy, thirty-four miles away. Kenedy is spelled with one "n". That picture stuck in my mind. Kennedy or Nixon.
Nixon and Smiley are two small towns less than ten miles apart on Highway 87. They are only about 25-30 miles from LaVernia where James' parents live, and 125 miles from Rockport. Much better location for us since we will no longer have to go across San Antonio to see them.
This job hunt for James was bathed in prayer. So many were praying for God's guidance. He interviewed at other places but the doors closed. We were even wondering if a head coach position would open. Even at Nixon-Smiley there were two other experienced coaches ahead of him. He was number THREE! The other two took positions in Corpus Christi, opening the way for James to Nixon-Smiley. I wonder if those other two coaches know how prayer helped them get their new jobs; prayer for James, and in turn for them. Now there is a house to sell and a house to buy or rent. There is the chore of moving a family of five.There is the challenge of relating to the people in two small towns in church and school and living. It is a great adventure for all five. Congratulations Coach Duprie! Go Mustangs! Three cheers for the red white and blue!
