[Dennis Jenks]

I went to high school with a friend who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the late 80’s. One year at a Christmas party we asked him what it was like to play for one of the “greatest teams in pro sports history” (I’m a lifetime Rams fan so that still pains me to say it!) and he simply said “everyone in the NFL should get the chance to play for a franchise like the niners!” - That is exactly how I feel about having been a part of the Cheesy Poofs – every one in FIRST should get that kind of opportunity, and I am extremely thankful to have had it.

However, I think simply listing the winning percentage doesn't even come close to telling the story. The thing I think very few realize is that none of the original mentors are still with the team on anything other than an advisory basis. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, team 254 is primarily run by college and high school students at this point. To be honest, I think that the biggest accomplishment of the Poofs is really overlooked by everyone except those that have been a part of it. That is the fact that Steve Kyramarios and Jason Morella (the true architects of 254) were able to build the foundation for a team that has been able to sustain this level of excellence despite a huge turnover in personnel. So to Steve and Jason hats of to you for a job well done! Also to those presently involved with 254 (to many names to mention), congrats on your accomplishments and keep up the good work there are a lot of us out here who are very proud of you!

Take care all,