The After....

Three days after surgery and Marshall is finally feeling more like himself! The doctor said the procedure went great.  They repaired the ACL, no problem. But couldn't save the meniscus so it was scraped. This is good and bad. Good because Marsh will only have to endure crutches for about a week, but bad because in the long run it's better to have your meniscus. 

Fortunately, he really didn't start to get nervous until the night before, but probably just because this was his first time having major surgery and he didn't know what to expect. He arrived at the surgical center with Mom at 6:30 on Thursday morning, went back for surgery at approximately 8:00, and was done by 11:00.  They didn't release him to go home until 2:30 though because he was having such a hard time waking up.  Once Mom finally got him home all he did was sleep! I don't think he really remembers much until Friday.  

Overall, the weekend went really well and there were no major problems! It was so nice to have Mom here, though. I know she wouldn't have been any where but here....but still. I'm so thankful for her. :)

I don't have any fun, graphic pictures since I wasn't at the actual surgery, but here's his knee as of Saturday:

 This is what he knee looks like.  He has 3 incisions (2 smaller, 1 larger) and 2 places where a drain tub was inserted.  They also shaved his legs...which are lookin' lovely here....

Watching OU destroy Texas Tech on Saturday. Definitely different watching on TV. 

Being silly during his couch confinement.  I'm not sure he's ever sat for so long in his life!

Thanks again to all our friends and family who sent thoughts and prayers to Marshall.  Everything went so smoothly and we know it's because he was covered in prayers.  And he probably also had some pretty protective guardian angels watching over him as well. We're glad to have this step of the healing process out of the way. No on to rehab and getting stronger!

The End & The Beginning

As many of you already know, Wednesday, September 12th marked the end of Marshall's 2012 Sooner football season.  He is out for the rest of the season due to an injury suffered during a punt drill in practice.  He tore his ACL and there is also damage to the meniscus. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, October 4th.  Mom will be with him at the surgery and we'll both be around to take care of him afterwards.

These past few weeks have been the beginning of a new perspective on this year's football season.  For the first time Marshall had to endure standing on the sidelines in a knee brace while his teammates took the field in uniform. From a young age Marshall has lived by the mantra of "Good things happen to those who work hard" and "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."  Even though it might look like things have just always fallen into place for him, that is far from the truth. Marshall is the consummate hard worker when it comes to something he's passionate about.  He's willing to go that extra mile and put in 110%, even when it's 110 degrees outside, just because he can't help but compete. Now he'll have to learn a whole new meaning of hard work. Surgery and rehabbing his knee will be a different battle, but another one he'll win. It's hard not to be proud of the mature outlook he has.  Through each setback, he just comes out stronger. (Maybe it's the Musil and Bieberle blood....just maybe...)

Thank you to all our family members who have reached out to Marshall already with cards, words of encouragement, and prayers.  We really appreciate your thoughtfulness and again we're reminded of how blessed we are to have such beautiful, caring family and friends.  How much different life would be if we didn't have each other!  This is just another small setback.  Our Sooner will come back bigger, better, and stronger; we have no doubt. Right now we just ask for prayers for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

Our Sooner and his mommy <3 nbsp="nbsp" td="td">

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:23-26

2012 Season: OU vs. FAMU

Game 2 is already over for this year's Sooners, but thank goodness we were at home in Norman for the home opener! The weather couldn't have been better for the 84,000 loyal Sooner fans who showed up for the opening game. Even in September you could almost feel Fall in the air...almost!

After a not-so-hot season opener against UTEP last weekend, the Sooners left no doubts about their intentions for the season after battling the Rattlers. With a final score of 69-13, OU spoke loud and clear: They plan to win this year. The offense and defense both looked more like what we expected to see this weekend.

Our Sooner made appearances on kick-return, punt, and at fullback. He even had a catch in the 3rd quarter for a total of 12 yards. Needless to say, the Musil fans were on their feet for that play.  And for those of you who didn't purchase the PPV version, here's the link to the highlights:

OU vs. FAMU Highlights 
Marshall appears at about the 10 minute mark.

Marshall and his teammates were on the front page of The Oklahoman!

Sorry this is sideways...but check out Marshall in the box score! 

That's our #32!!! 

Look who's carrying the ball!?!?!

This was one of the most memorable games for the Musil family. We were so proud of our player and having so many family members there to support him made the experience a million times better. There's nothing better than sharing weekends like this with the people that mean the most to you.

My family

Look at that good-looking group of people! Aunt Wendy, cousin Bryce, Aunt Karen, Grandma Mary Ann, Marshall, Mommy, cousin Jennifer, cousin Amber, and me. 

This Saturday the Sooners have their first bye week (already...I know!) But in 2 weeks be sure to check back and we'll be ready to take on the K-State kitty cats at home.

Game Info:
Saturday, September 22nd
Norman, Oklahoma
Kick-off 6:50 PM
TV coverage: FOX (you won't have to pay this weekend!)

2012 Season: OU vs. UTEP

Hey Freelancer followers....the 2012 season has officially begun!!! It's true. Our fourth Sooner football season is underway and the first OU game was an...experience. You remember 3 years ago when the team traveled to El Paso for the Sun Bowl? Mom, Tim, Aunt Brenda, Sarah, and I trekked across west Texas to watch the team, even though it was Marshall's redshirt season. When we left we all shock our heads and were glad we'd never have to go back to the end of the world a.k.a. El Paso, TX.  And then, of course, our first game of this season is in the exact same place. If anyone ever needs directions on how to get to Hell (opps, El Paso), Sun Devil Stadium, or any of the surrounding attractions, please let my family know. We've been there two too many times.

The game wasn't what Sooner (or UTEP) fans expected. I can't count how many Miner fans came up to us and said, "You guys are gonna kill us!" before the game. A few minutes into the first quarter the red in the stands were still and silent, surrounded by a sea of roaring orange. Even though it was the showing anyone expected for the first game of the Sooner season, we did pull out a 24-7 win. The offense looked solid later in the game and we have hope for the defense this week.

Our Sooner! 

Marshall and Jaydan on punt return

Look at that fullback! 

Our Sooner made appearances on 2 special teams units, field goal and punt return. He also played some fullback in the 4th quarter! He made some great blocks and looked confident in his position. I can't tell you how excited his women were to see him on the field!

This year Mom, Aunt Brenda, Aunt Wendy and I made the journey through sagebrush and oil derricks to watch our Sooner compete against the UTEP Miners (we still don't know exactly what it is they mine...).  After going on so many road trips I've learned it's important to have good travel buddies. Brenda and Wendy are just that.

Musil Crew!

This weekend the Sooners make their 2012 Season home debut. After such a long trip last weekend, we're all excited to be here in Norman. And as always, if you haven't added me as a friend on Facebook...do it! All the pictures are there! 

Game Information:

Saturday, September 8th

Kick-off 6:00 PM

TV Coverage: Pay per view

2012: The Last Week of Preseason

Last Week of Preseason: Is it just me, or did the last week of preseason football just fly by? In the midst of being home and then getting back to Norman and in the swing of school, I got behind on the blog. But no worries, here's what you missed that week. The weather was actually tolerable, although it can't really be much worse than it was the first week! And let's face it, tolerable in Oklahoma means a heat wave anywhere else.

Video:
RBs Run Through Chute

RBs Work Blitz Protection 

RBs Through Chute (Again)

RBs vs. LBs Pass Protection 

Photos:

So the 2012 Preseason is officially at an end and just today the team reported for the first practice of the season. Marshall (and the rest of us!) can hardly believe that he's successfully completed four summer and preseason workouts as a Sooner. It's totally cliche, but oh-so-true what they say--time really does fly. We're entering the fourth year in Sooner country and already getting sentimental. Can you imagine what it's going to be like next year? And the year after that? I wonder if a family has ever been institutionalized for depression due to lack of football? :S

Thanks for following during Preseason! I love that I have such a great reason to blog.  Also, don't forget to check back periodically. The season starts is almost 2 weeks!! And...I've got some great new ideas that you don't want to miss :)

OU vs. UTEP is comin' at you September 1st at 9:30 PM from--you guessed it---El Paso.

Until then....BOOMER! 

2012: August 11th--Scrimmage / August 12th--Practice #11

Saturday, August 11th: The Sooners suited up for their first scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday in Norman. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend, but here's a few photos from Soonersports so you can see what a preseason scrimmage is like.  Only family is allowed to attend and it's always a big eerie to see the team on the field, but the stands empty.

Videos:

RBs and WRs before scrimmage

Sunday, August 12th: The Sooners were released early on Saturday and had a much-needed break until noon on Sunday. Practice was short, but they'll be back at it on Monday.  Soonersports featured an album on their website today that focused on each Sooner and this is the picture of Marshall. 

#32

Looking forward to this week, the boys will be working through their last 2-a-days on Monday and Wednesday. 

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."

--Vince Lombardi

2012: August 10th--Practice #9

Friday's practice was the team's second 2-a-day of the preseason and mercifully cooler weather rolled in to make the two practices bearable.

In line

We actually got a few photos of our Sooner from Friday! 

Catching passes

In the background 

Saturday is the first big scrimmage at Owen Field!

2012: August 8th--Practice #6 & #7 / August 9th--Practice #8

In the background, warming-up

Wednesday, August 8th: Wednesday has come and gone and so has the first 2-a-day of the 2012 Preseason. Marshall was back at it and in full pads on for practice Wednesday. Thanks to many prayers and a strong desire to be back out there on the field he bounced back from that flu bug quickly.  Even though he had been so sick, Marshall reports that he was feeling strong and nearly 100% for the two practices.  

Running plays 

Thursday, August 9th: Today the boys had a mini scrimmage.  The main scrimmage will be held this Saturday (which yours truly will miss due to being home in Kansas *sigh* ).


Soonersports mic'd up fellow FB Trey Millard today at practice. It's interesting to hear about practice from on the field.

Video:
Trey Millard Mic'd Up




Keep these boys in your thoughts: Tomorrow is their second 2-a-day practice. Think cool thoughts!

"We will be perfect in every aspect of the game. You drop a pass, you run a mile. You miss a blocking assignment, you run a mile. You fumble the football and I will break my foot off in your John Brown hind parts...and then you will run a mile. Perfection. Let's get to work."--Coach Boone

2012: August 6th--Practice #4 & August 7th--Practice #5

Monday, August 6th: Monday's practice was one of the hottest so far (although that's not saying much for Oklahoma!) Again, Soonersports was very biased toward the defense, but we do have a few photos of warm-ups. So I guess I can't complain too much.  

Warm-ups

Team huddle 

Soonersports has started a new tradition this preseason called Mic'd up. One player is chosen each practice to wear the mic so fans can get an inside look at what an OU practice is really like. It's very ESPN-ish. Check out Gabe Ikard's version of Mic'd up. Funny stuff. 

OL Gabe Ikard Mic'd Up

Tuesday, August 7th: For the first time in his almost four years at OU Marshall missed a practice due to illness. He suffered through Monday feeling horrible, but sometimes you just have to listen to your body and Tuesday was one of those days.  Thankfully, he has bounced back quickly and is ready to go for practice Wednesday.  His mental and physical toughness never fails to amaze me. 

Unfortunately, the one day Marshall is out of commission is the day Soonersports decides to highlight the offense and the team competes in the Oklahoma drill! Oh well, #32 will get his chance!


Wednesday is the first 2-a-day practice! Keep those boys in your prayers as they prepare for a winning season in record heat!

“It always seems impossible until it's done.” --Nelson Mandela 

2012: August 5th--Practice #3

It's Sunday, but the Sooners know no day of rest during Preseason workouts. Today they suited up with pads for the first time this August and hit the practice field at 10:00. Luckily, a cool front came through this morning and Norman experienced temperatures of hovering in the upper 80s. We almost needed hoodies. 

Photos: 

#32

Workin' on footwork! 

No videos with our Sooner today. Believe me, if I could get a job doing media for the team, I would. Although I'd probably get fired for being biased. Ah well....

Until tomorrow!

2012: August 4th--Pratice #2 and Media/Fan Appreciation Day

If the phrase "The early bird gets the worm" has any truth to it at all, then the 2012 Sooners are in for a successful season. The boys reported bright and early on Saturday for practice #2.  Most (ok pretty much ALL) of the photos and videos from practice featured the defense. But I'm sure the offense will get some love next week. 

Saturday was also Fan Appreciation and Media Day. It's a long title, but it actually encompasses 2 separate events. For Fan Appreciation day, the Sooners line up by position in the concourse under the stadium and fans line up outside waiting to get autographs.  The boys end up spending a couple hours signing memorabilia for fans that have followed the team for decades to grade schoolers with eyes wide in awe. Even though they only sign for a few hours, it's one way the team can say thank you for the unending support of their fans.  

What does Meet the Sooners day look like? See for yourself!

Meet the Sooners

Signing autographs

Marshall's head is clear at the end of this shot! 

Fullbacks and Running backs with Coach Gundy 

 The other part of the day is Media Day. This is where the boys take all their official photos and do their part for the intro video in front of the green screen.

Most of preseason is pretty serious stuff. But leave it to boys to still be...well...boys?
Video Shoot Outtake Reel

2012: August 3rd--Practice #1

Waking up to football! 

The first practice of the 2012 season is already in the record books.  The boys gathered at 4:45 AM for their first helmeted practice in an effort to beat this horrid heat.  Fortunately, there seemed to be a cool breeze and cloud cover this morning (seriously!! I'd almost forgotten that those 2 things even existed...) and the team witnessed the type of sunrise you only get in the central plains.

Check out the running backs doin' what they do this morning:

Video:
RBs hit chute and catch passes

Life is beautiful. 

Don't forget to check out the "Sooner Sports" tab at the top.  This tab will take you straight to Preseason Central on Soonersports.com.

Tomorrow the Sooners line up for Media and Fan Appreciation Day. I absolutely love the seeing the coverage from this day--it's great to see the boys interact with loyal Sooner fans. So be prepared for a

2012: 1st Team Meeting

We're nearly a month away from the first game and the Sooners officially met for the first time as a team for the fall. Norman and Sooner fans are gearing up for their favorite time of year and according to the Coach's Poll, there's some other people that are excited to see our boys play as well.  The Sooners will take the field at #4 in September.

Please keep these boys in your thoughts during the next couple weeks. Oklahoma has been experiencing extreme heat; the last couple days have been around.  And the "feels like" temperature is usually around 115-119.  Even thought they'll be practicing in the morning and evening hours, 2 a days can be tough on a body even in more comfortable conditions.  

I hope you've also noticed that the Football Freelancer has a new look! Check out the different tabs at the top and be prepared for more improvements as the season continues. I'm very excited about keeping the blog new and interesting, so please feel free to give suggestions and tell me what you want to see! Or what you want to hear about! 

It's almost that time: BOOMER! 

Marshall in team meetings 8/2

2012 Spring Practice

As I'm sure many of you have gathered from my lack of posts, Marshall's spring season ended a little earlier than expected this year. In the scrimmage right before Spring Break he was having a fabulous game, but 20 minutes before the end his legs were taken out from under him. Verdict is a partially torn MCL and 4-6 weeks in a brace. As of now, he's 2 weeks in and finally allowed some movement. That first week was pretty painful, in the sense that he was home and couldn't run around with the big boys like he's used to! He couldn't even drive, since it was his right leg. We're all thankful that the injury doesn't involve surgery. With continued rehab and some prayers he'll be good to go come summer work-outs!

But how does such an on-the-go kid spend Spring Break when he's hardly allowed to move? Well, he hits rocks with an old baseball bat with Jerred, lets Chris spin him around for his turn with the pinata, and resorts to skee ball at the go-cart track since he can't work the pedals on the car....  Doesn't sound too bad, right??

Whoops...dents in the bat....

Gettin' good and dizzy! 

Concentration! 

Thanks for checking back, football fans! Marshall and I had such a wonderful time back home for an entire week. We're so thankful for time spent with family, just enjoying the simple things.Send some prayers for a fully healed knee and we'll see everyone back here at the beginning of June!

"They've never drove through Indiana
Met the man who plowed that earth
Planted that seed, busted his ass for you and me
Or caught a harvest moon in Kansas
They'd understand why God made
Those fly over states"

--Jason Aldean

2012 Spring Practice: March 7th, 9th and 10th

The first week of Spring Practice is over and everyone survived! 

March 7th: Wednesday's practice was the 2nd practice with just helmets. Soonersports.com mainly covered defensive positions. 3 years in and I still get upset when they do this! (I'm not biased at all...)

March 9th: Friday was the first practice with pads! Marshall has been super excited about his new helmet this spring, but today he got to put everything together for the first time since December. New helmet, pads, and back in that #32. Life is good. 
Photos: 

Add caption

Out for a pass! 

Hmm...I'd like to see you run some 330 hurdles now, Marsh! 

Video:
RBs FBs Catch Ball 

March 10th: Luckily, the Sooners practiced early in the day and bypassed the rain that moved in in late afternoon. 

Through the chute

This week the Sooners will get in gear on Tuesday and Wednesday for practice. Thursday is their first scrimmage and then it's home free for Spring Break! When they get back they'll only have 8 more practices before the Spring Game on the 14th!

The countdown for the Spring Game is on!
Details:
 April 14, 2012
Norman, OK
Kick-off 2:00

"Never let others define you.  

You define yourself."--Emmitt Smith

2012 Spring Practice: March 5th

It's March, the temperatures are nearing the 70s, and the Sooners are getting out their practice jerseys for another season of spring football. As I'm sure many of you will notice from the photos, our Sooner is officially back at #32! Those few winter months between Bowl Game and March seem to move so slowly! Musil fans are ecstatic to see #32 (and the rest of the Sooners!) back in football gear and on the field. It just means that September is that much closer! Boomer!

Photos: 

Blocking drills 

Catching passes 

Fullback

Is that some calf muscle definition??

Trey and Marshall 

Videos:

Fullback drills during the first spring practice
Gundy with RBs and FBs

Coach Stoops gave his annual press conference before the beginning of Spring Practice and if you listen closely to minutes 11-12 you'll be very happy!
Stoops Interview

The Football Freelancers is back in action for the spring season so keep checking back for updates on our Sooner!

The countdown for the Spring Game is on!
Details:
 April 14, 2012
Norman, OK
Kick-off 2:00

“If your dream ain’t bigger than you, there’s a problem with your dream.”

Deion Sanders