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!

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