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