The End

It's been 2 weeks since the last game ended and as I sit down to compose this post I'm already getting emotional. I thought giving myself some time would help make it easier, but what is 2 weeks after a journey that lasted 15 years? Earlier I spent some time looking through old posts: the very first post I wrote to introduce the idea of this blog, recruiting information, and so many OU games....  To be honest, I didn't know what the blog would become would I first started it. But being the sentimental person that I am, I knew I needed to start recording. Now that I'm writing the last post I'm so thankful I went ahead with this crazy idea all those years ago. Partly because writing has always helped me process experiences, but mainly because it can't go away. Even though Marshall's memory of scores and statistics is beyond compare, now he'll have a place to read about the moments he missed. The journey to the games, the conversations in the stands, etc.

In preparation for this post I spent many hours thinking about how to approach it.  Football, for my family, has always been more than a game, 4 quarters, and a jersey. Some people think we're crazy, and that's fine. But to tell the story from the beginning would take pages (I have always wanted to write a book...hmmmmm....) And no one wants to read that here. So I'll leave you with a poem, of sorts. 15 years of football summed up in few broken lines.

Football is...

  

Football is west Texas and sagebrush and Arizona ice storms

It is sweltering heat at the Red River Rivalry

and frozen toes for Bedlam

It is ponchos and storm delays

Kansas tornadoes

Smith Center, 13 degrees, defeat on the tongue, but hunger in the eyes

St. Francis and icy wind, the adrenaline of a Regional victory and the warmth of winning

Football is a small-town high school locker room

Leopard Pride

It is police escorts, charter busses, and 5-star resorts at bowl games

Signing the first autograph after a Regional play-off game

It is colleges, coaches, letters, and film

It is one signature on February 5^th

Football is tears of pride

Of frustration

It is the highest joy and a bottomless sorrow

It is ‘what ifs,” “why not now’s,” “why me’s?”

All in one season, one game

Football is cheese dip, Tina's cookies, Taco Shop, Cheddar's, and $5 collectible OU cups  

It is squishing together on the sectional couch on Hargrave Street and blowing up air mattresses in Norman. 

It is sleeping in the car and taking turns driving.

Dallas aunts and Texas traffic

It is coffee and energy drinks and arriving home at 2:00AM

Football is 2 hours in advance

The first in line for tickets, not by the band

It is warm-ups and stretches

It is claiming the Musil section on Friday nights with blankets

It is first to arrive and last to leave, soaking up every second

Football is flags, pads, and hand-me-down helmets

It is carefully choosing a number

It is cleats, wrapped ankles, knee braces, and tapped wrists

It is shoulders, cracked ribs, and punctured lungs

It is a heart, a desire, that just won’t stop

Football is maroon and white with a head full of dreams

It is the black and gold of Leopards, surrounded by teammates and coaches who share the same vision

It is crimson and crème, D1 on a stage in front of the world

And it is the black and gold of Tigers

Home and loved

Football is family

It is grandparents driving hours to watch Little Dawg football on an early Saturday morning

It’s deciding how many cars will be needed for a Friday night Leopard showdown

It is football Saturdays that feel like family reunions

Football is four tickets

It is Osborne, LaCrosse, Colby, Hays, Bushton, Goodland, Norman, and Dallas

It is humblness and gratitude to all those who have shared the journey 

It is the rowdy section of the stadium

And the three best seats in the house

Football is Grandpa Bieberle shouting from the front row, nearly bursting with pride

It is Grandpa Musil showing up on the couch in Osborne, ready to cheer

Picking up where his son left off

Football is a living, breathing memory

Football flows in these veins, from a father who wore the jersey and then picked up the whistle

To a son who plays for passion and a memory

It is not merely a game

It is a lifeline

A legacy

Football is

Love

2013 Football: FHSU Games 8, 9, 10, and 11

Game #8:
FHSU vs. Lincoln
October 26th @ Jefferson City, MO
W 45-35

At this point in the season our trips to Missouri were becoming more and more colorful. It was hard to adjust to going east for every away game (instead of south!), but once the leaves started changing it was almost a treat to get to drive through long stretches of Missouri countryside. Jefferson City's Lincoln University had a unique atmosphere. If you've ever seen the movie Drumline that's what you should picture when you think about the performances we witnessed before the game and at halftime. Very different than what we're used to, but such talent!! And so much fun to watch! The Tigers had us on our toes during this game. After an outstanding game against Southwest Baptist the week before we had a hard time keeping up the momentum. Marshall performed well on special teams and held strong blocking for the running game.  At this point in the season he looks very confident on the field, both in his play and in his role on the team.

FHSU Rallies in 4th Straight Win
Tiger Talk  
Press Conference 

Tackle on kick off 

Grandma, Mom, Marshall, Chelsey, and me 

Game #9:
FHSU vs. South Dakota School of the Mines
November 22nd @ Hays, KS
W 63-17

This week we were back at home taking on the Hard Rockers (yes, that IS their nickname...). The Tigers must not have liked what it felt like in the 2nd half vs Lincoln the week before and came out strong for a 63-17 win against South Dakota. Marshall blocked for many touchdowns and continued to show his strength and speed on special teams. The Musil crew had a huge contingent with us this weekend. I can't even express how wonderful it was this season to have an entire area of the stands FULL of friends and family cheering for our Tiger. It was like a little family reunion every other weekend :)

Record Setting Day 
Tiger Talk 
Press Conference 

Run, #22, RUN!

Football = Family 

Game #10:
FHSU vs. Central Missouri
November 9th @ Warrensburg, MO
L 34-48

This weekend the Tigers traveled to Warrensburg to battle the Mule-kickers of Central Missouri. Even though the 2nd half of the season had been rolling strong, the team couldn't come out with a win this weekend.  It was a hard-fought game, but the Tigers fell back into some of their bad habits from the beginning of the season and came away with the loss. The bright spot in the weekend was enjoying the game with some of our Kansas City family and Marshall's best friends from Osborne. Tim's son Nick and his family joined us from Gladstone, MO and we had such a good time with Ryan and Jada! My dad's cousin Jodi and her family also joined us from Olathe.  Her sweet family is always a joy to be around...and there's always laughter involved! Mom's best friend from Osborne, Lisa, had been joining us at many of the FHSU home games. This weekend her son and daughter met us in Warrensburg and Mom and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Aubrey and Aaron during the game.

Tigers Can't Hold On
Tiger Talk 
Press Conference 

Meredith, Aubrey, Marshall, and Aaron--reunited! 

Marshall with Jayvann and Amarrah! 

Game #11:
FHSU vs. Nebraska-Kearney
November 16th @ Hays, KS
W 56-17

The last game of the season and the last game of Marshall's football career. Please see the last blog post for the summery of this game.

Tigers Roll Over Nebraska-Kearney 
Tiger Talk 
Press Conference 

2013 Football: Games 4, 5, 6, and 7

So I've stayed caught up with the pictures on Facebook, but the blog is another story. Today you're getting an update on 4 games at once! Which is a little intimidating. I feel like the last four years I've done a fairly decent job of keeping up with both pictures AND the blog, so I was trying to figure out why this year was different. Then I realized...this is the first season I've had the chance to use my fancy camera for more than 2 games. Last season when my camera was new I only had 2 full games of picture-taking before Marsh's injury.  Now, I'm not complaining AT ALL, but those of you who have been in the stands with me know I have a bit of an addiction. I just can't put the camera down. So that means Sundays/Mondays usually consist of wading through 500-600 pictures, editing, and paring down to approximately 150 for Facebook (and continually annoying people whose Newsfeeds I overtake, I'm sure...). And that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.


Here's a run-down of the Tigers' last four weeks of football!

Game #4: 
FHSU vs. Missouri Western
September 28th @ St. Joesph, MO
L 21-52

Mom, Tim, and I made the trek to St. Joe to watch the Tigers battle it out against the Missouri Western Griffins. Marshall got his hands on the ball a few more times this game and, of course, had an outstanding game blocking. This was the Tigers' fourth loss, but the margin was smaller. Improvement!

Tiger Talk 
Weekly Press Conference 
Tigers Remain Winless After Loss at #6 Missouri Western

Game #5:
FHSU vs. William Jewel College
October 5th  @ Lewis Field Stadium--Homecoming
W 34-17

This week the Tigers were back in Hays for Homecoming and secured their first win of the season! And it was a perfect night for a Tiger win. Marshall ran some nice TE routes this game. When he gets the ball he's definitely not content with the receiving yards; he fights for those rushing yards as well.  There was a sizable Musil crew at this home game and we had a great time bringing a little life to the stadium ;)

Tiger Talk 
Weekly Press Conference 
Tigers Defeat William Jewel for their First Win 

Doin' what he do best ;) 

Love our #22! 

Game #6:
FHSU vs. Lindenwood
October 12th @ St. Charles, MO
W 31-17

For this game the Tigers traveled across two states to St. Charles to bring home another win, scoring 31 points. And 6 of those points belong to our very own #22!!!!!!  After five years of determination and persistence,  Marshall finally accomplished one of his goals as a college athlete. It was a very special moment, watching him cross the goal line. As his biggest supporters, we are so proud of him. Even though Mom, Grandma, and I were the only ones there to see it in person, many of his loyal fans heard it on the radio and we have faith that he'll get to have a repeat performance at home before the season is over---so everyone else can celebrate with him!

Tiger Talk 
Weekly Press Conference 
Quick Start Helps Tigers to Second Straight Win

After his 1st collegiate touchdown 

Game #7:
FHSU vs. Southwest Baptist
October 19th @ Lewis Field Stadium
W 56-14

Another big win for the Tigers this week. The last two weeks we've seen some amazing defensive play and some good runs from our offense. This week Marshall's blocking was front and center. His strength is evident both in his continued ability to open holes for the RBs and to gain yardage after the catch.  Since it was another home game...and a flat-out beautiful day for football!....we were blessed to spend the afternoon with family and friends cheering for #22. This has been a year of transition,  but one thing that we can't deny: being able to share these memories and time together with both sides of our family is beyond priceless.  Football, food, and FAMILY...can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday!

Defense Carries Tigers to Blowout Win of SWB


A big thank you to everyone who has come out to support Marshall already this season. We  (Mom and I) see you at the games and it makes our hearts overflow with gratitude. Please know that even if we don't get the chance to say it in person (since one of us has her nose behind a camera 24/7)---we are GRATEFUL!

“The thing about football - the important thing about football

 - is that it is not just about football.” 

:) :) :)

2013: First 3 Games

Wow, where has the time gone?! The first three games of the season have come and gone and while I've attempted to stay up to date with pictures, the blog hasn't been so lucky. Whoops!

So games 1, 2, and 3 haven't been the most riveting battles to watch from the stands, but Tiger fans are hoping for improvement as the season progresses.  Marshall reminded us that the first four games will be their toughest competition. Hopefully after that things will start to look more positive. Individually, Marshall is continuing to improve each game. The first game it was apparent that he was still a little leery of his knee. But after being off the field for an entire year, he just needed a few plays to get everything working. With each game we continue to see sparks of that brilliance that is our Marshall. Hopefully the Tigers are seeing that as well and continue to give him the ball!

Game 1: FHSU vs. Emporia State
Final score: 13-43
Hays Post Article 
Tiger Talk

Punt 

Blocking 

Game 2: FHSU vs. Washburn
Final score: 17-54

Hays Post Article 
Tiger Talk

TE

Blocking 

Marshall and cousin Maura. Can you tell they're related?

Marshall and his faithful Hansen fans!! 

High school classmate, Nick! 

Game 3: FHSU vs. NW Missouri State
Final score: 14-49

Hays Post Article 
Tiger Talk

Do this even need a caption?

Osborne friends!

Now there's trouble!

Grandma Musil

Marshall and his ladies!

Shaun and Heather 

2 of Marshall's moms!

This week the Musil's travel to St. Joe, Missouri to take on Missouri Western. Kick-off is at 6:00 and you can follow the game online!

FHSU Camp

Sunday marked the end of pre-season camp for the 2013 FHSU Tigers. After a week of intense practices, the team ended with a scrimmage Sunday morning and a Meet and Greet at the Hays Mall. After getting used to being back in full pads (it's been nearly a year!!), Marshall hit the ground running and felt confident about his performance in practices throughout the week. It's hard to believe that he's officially done with his last camp and getting ready to start the final season of college football....we'll see where it goes from there :)

Below are the articles from Hays Post from last week's practices.

FHSU Football Camp Begins

Day Three Football Camp

Day Four Football Camp

Tigers at the Mall 

Tigers Wrap Up Practice  

 Sunday Mom, Grandma, Chelsey, and I made a quick trip to Hays to surprise him and meet his new teammates. The look on his face was priceless when we walked up! We were happy to spend a few hours with him before he started classes at Fort Hays on Monday. A new chapter, a new start, and good things to come :)

Signing autographs

#22!!

Corey, Marshall, and Brandon! All the Musil boys!

Chelsey, Marshall, Mom, Grandma, and Me! So much fun surprising Marshall!

And it's official! Our Tiger is officially on the 2013 Roster!!

Check it out here! 

Let the season begin! Mark your calendars for the first game:

FHSU vs. Emporia State

Thursday, September 5th

7:00--Hays, KS 

From Red Dirt to Rolling Plains (and everything in between...)

Hello to our faithful Musil followers,

OU Graduation

Have you ever used the word bittersweet to describe something? Well, that word has become my go-to adjective in the last month. Even though Marshall and I both moved back from Oklahoma in May it seems like the change hasn't hit home till now. School is starting, football practice begins...and we're in Kansas.

Bittersweet is used to describe something, such as a memory, that is both pleasant AND painful.  I think Marshall and I would both say that the move back and the transition has been bittersweet. Oh so pleasant in the fact that we are surrounded by those we love, but painful in that there's something about Norman, OK that gets inside you and doesn't let go as easily as I once thought it would.  But we are both confident that this has been the right choice and only time will tell what God's plan for us now will be.

As many of you have noticed, the Freelancer has been pretty quiet since the Bowl Game in Dallas. And as just as many of you probably know, it's because there have been some major changes that have occurred since February. Today is the first day that Marshall's new team, the Fort Hays State University Tigers, meet as a team...which also meant that I couldn't put off this blog post any longer.

It was time.

But I will say that it took me hours of sitting at the computer, getting up, and coming back before I could make myself change anything on the all-Sooner blog (you'll notice there's only subtle differences...for now!) And not because of any misgivings or regrets that Marshall is no longer a Sooner, but just because it's all so different.  While not every moment in Norman was happy, those four years being a part of Sooner Nation are four years that not every one gets to experience. Marshall has 2 Big 12 Championship rings, 4 Bowl Game jerseys, numerous encounters with pro-athletes, and a multitude of experiences that only D1 football players get to be a part of to cherish as priceless memories.  And we were blessed to be along for the ride.

In February of this year, after rehabbing his season-ending ACL tear, Marshall made the decision to leave OU and finish his last year of eligibility closer to home at FHSU. This was not an easy decision by any means. But in the end he concluded that being surrounded by his family/friends and carrying the football were the two best ways to finish his college football career.

Tyler Evans, Ben Habern, Austin Woods, and Marshall with their Academic Adviser, Annette! 

 Before leaving OU in May, Marshall graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Social Sciences and Organizational Studies.  While at FHSU this fall he will further his college education by taking courses in Physical Education.  He hopes to coach football and teach someday. (Sound familiar??)

Gettin' that degree! 

Marshall has been in Hays all summer for team workouts, but things at For Hays run a little differently than at OU (imagine that!!) and today was the first time the entire 2013 Tiger football team has been together. After this week he will have a better feel for how things will go with his new team and he is very optimistic.  It's been overwhelming the amount of support he has received from family and friends about this choice. Every time we hear someone say they can't wait to come to a Fort Hays game this fall it just solidifies the fact that this was the right decision.  Playing on a stage, on cable networks, in front of 87,000 fans at home, is great and all...but nothing beats the support of all the people that helped get you to that point in the first place.

Our new Tiger was issued his jersey, helmet, and cleats today at meetings. If any of you had any lingering doubts as to whether he was supposed to be a Tiger...his new number will solidify that answer for you:

#22 Tiger

He requested #2, but this is what appeared in his locker. Just one more way Dad is telling us he's been with Marsh through this whole process.  No one would know more than Dad the importance of #22.

So get out your Gold and Black, Musil fans! (Maybe you can recycle some of that LaCrosse gear??) We're less than a month away from the first football game of the 2013 season and we only have to drive to Hays this year! Click the "Football Schedule" tab above to study the Tigers' schedule.

Mom, Marshall, and Meredith--OU Graduation 2013

A big thank you to everyone who has taken a few seconds to tell Marshall how excited they are to see him play at Hays this year. As a family, we can't tell you enough how much we appreciate your support! We're so excited to see what this season holds for Marshall!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, 

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you 

hope and a future.--Jeremiah 29:11

2012 Bowl Game: The Cotton Bowl

This fall has been different in so many ways and one of those small changes has been not updating my blog near as often! I really have missed my Sunday nights of picture editing and blog updating, so that everyone out there can experience the weekend's game.  As hard as it's been for me, magnify that times 100 and I'm sure we still don't come close to the emotions Marshall has dealt with this season.  This has truly been a test of his character as well as his physical health and the maturity with which he has handled the situation is admirable.  I know this time watching will only make that hunger to be back in pads that much stronger.

An update on his knee: As many of you know, the surgery was successful and Doctor predicts he'll be back to 100%, if not better, when he's fully healed.  Towards the end of the season he was getting to do more exercises, he's been lifting weights, and continuing rehab.  When the team returns from the bowl game he'll start running on the treadmill in the pool (which I thought sounded fun!), but probably isn't.... He's hoping to be ready to go for Spring ball in March.

If any of you are on Facebook you'll have already noticed that Soonersports is doing a fabulous job (as always) of keeping us updated on what's going on in Dallas. I'm probably not the only one who feels it's a little bittersweet to see all the photos, knowing Marshall is doing rehab or standing on the sidelines, but I've also realized my bittersweet feelings extend to seeing photos of all the boys that will be graduating this year.  So many  of the players that have been there for four years with Marsh will be gone next year and our team (and parent section!!) will look just a little different! It sounds like they're getting the royal treatment in Dallas and I'm so happy for the whole Sooner squad. I hope they enjoy every single minute of this week and show those Aggies no mercy on Friday.

Since I haven't been updating everyday, I thought I'd give you a few of the photos involving Marshall from Soonersports and some that he's sent Mom and I all in one BIG post.

The Gaylord Resort in Grapevine where the boys are staying! Marshall said  it's unbelievable...

These tiles are inlaid on the floor at the hotel!

Checking in at the hotel on Sunday. 

Team picture. You can see Marsh on the far right! 

The entire 2012 Sooner Football Team

I know I can rotate this.....it just wouldn't work! The boys had the chance to take photos with the Super Bowl trophy and the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders! Marshall is with his two roommates, Bronson and Austin. 

Welcome dinner at Jerry World--Marshall, Ben Habern, and Tyler Evans

Entertainment for the evening! 

 Don't forget to tune in on Friday, January 4th at 7:00 on FOX.
BOOMER!