Ryan Stonehouse, who booms punts regularly for the Tennessee Titans, made a surprise appearance at the 6 a.m. voluntary workout of Logan County Cougar football players last Wednesday.

He spoke about the importance of leadership, accountability, discipline and being a solid teammate. The team had a catered breakfast from Vicki's, and then Stonehouse delivered a powerful message about how being a team is more than the minutes on the field. Afterwards, he opened it up so the players could ask him questions and closed with signing a picture of himself for each player that was present. 

His visit was arranged by Justin and Rebecca Kirby of Kirby Funeral Services Russellville. Their son Caiden is the Cougar kicker.

The Kirbys explain why they set up this special event:

“We did this for the team for two reasons- 

“1. Our son has an incredible work ethic in school, but what he has accomplished in three short years on the field really impresses us and shows how driven he is. He has really poured his mind and body into being an accomplished kicker for Logan County. He is going into his senior year, and he has very high expectations for himself as well as the team.

 “2. The number of guys that are showing up to 6 a.m. workouts is the highest they have ever been, and that type of commitment in the off season should never be taken for granted or overlooked. We want the team to know the community is very excited for next season, and we see the hard work they are willing to put in when no one is watching.”

Cougar head coach Todd Adler agrees that the turnout for workouts this winter has been impressive: “Our numbers have been great this off season. We average over 50+ kids every morning at 6:00am. The kids are working extremely hard and pushing each other in the weightroom.”

Adler also is appreciative of the Kirbys’ bringing in Stonehouse, and the football booster club in helping the Kirbys provide the breakfast.

“Having a guest speaker to come in and talk to them was a great idea and experience for all of us. It was a rewarding experience for the guys that have been showing up to morning workouts. It is also great to have a parent group that helped organize this for the players. They will remember these times for their rest of their lives, and I would say that morning will be one they will remember,” the coach says.

“We have a great group of players, coaches, and parents that are committed to continuing to build a strong football program.”

The Kirbys also arranged for Heather Whitsett Blick, who does the photography for Logan County Athletics, to create a poster about Stonebreaker.

Their older son Clayton’s marketing company—Elev8 Media—did all the video footage that day.