Thanksgiving Essay Contest: Sacha McElroy

“That crazy FAME coach?”

“Yeah have you heard of him? The one who jumps around, dances, and basically is about to jump on stage while his teams are performing…?”

“Oh him, I know exactly who you are talking about, how could I miss him!”

Yes, Mike Blaylock from FAME Allstars, this man right here is the exact reason why I am who I am today. He has done more than coached me for the last five years, he has also taught me the way of life and life lessons that I will forever remember until the day I die. Mike is a very different coach than any other coach I have ever met. He does more than just coach, he makes the gym feel like home. I am so thankful for this man because no matter what my financial situation was he made sure I was always taken care of at that gym! Also, when I was to doubt myself on any tumbling skill Mike was right there beside me pushing me to be my very best (even though it took me 5 years to get a hug from him.. he’s not a athlete hugger).

Mike is probably the strongest person I have ever met in my life. Besides, the stress that comes along with coaching he got diagnosed with lymphoma cancer a few years ago and one of the main things he was worried about was what his teams were doing while he was in the hospital. He used the webcam on his laptop to attend as many practices as he could while he was going through one of the hardest times in his life. He is so passionate about what he does and what all his athletes are doing. Even after we have aged off, or moved to a different gym, Mike is still always there and looking over his kids making sure they are doing alright. This man is truly my inspiration and I am SO thankful to have him apart of my life. I could never have asked for a better sassy coach to get me where I am today.

By: Sacha McElroy