First…HONORS…I got to be a part of an amazing weekend by being inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Yes, really!! My high school, Hickman Mills High School in Kansas City, Missouri had an amazing girl’s sports program. I was the manager/trainer for basketball, volleyball and track. Our HMHS girl’s basketball teams were outstanding. From 1977-1980 the girls won 3 state titles in 4 years. Their record was 105 – 10!!! The first year after the passing of Title IX our girl’s sports programs were a powerhouse of talent. Our mascot was the Cougars and we quickly became Cougar Sisters. These girls were my friends on and off the court! My very own sister, Kathy, was the statistician for basketball besides running track.(she is pictured below with me!) The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame recognized our basketball program and I got to attend the enshrinement ceremony this past weekend in Kansas City! We were well represented with 30 of our teammates and coaches. Plus parents, family, classmates and fans. I believe we had over 130 in attendance!!! I’ll put some photos below! I did some quick math and I taped over 1000 ankles during the 2 years I was the manager/trainer for the girls!

I realize this has nothing to do with quilting, but it was a HUGE part of my life. Many of us have stayed in contact after all these years being near and far. These are the people that taught me dedication, determination, love of sports and to practice and work for what you want!!

The write up below is about the teams! I’m next to the assistant coach on the far left and in the middle with the ball in the photo after a state win!

I made key fobs to give to each of these wonderful people. I wanted them to have something they could use every day that would bring a smile and sense of pride…..Cougar Pride!! The basketball ribbon was perfect for the fobs. Of course, being orange/black/white fit right in with our school colors. (yes, I realize basketballs are orange…but hey!)

I’ll share the STEPS of how I made the key fobs. I hope you can pick up some tips and inspiration. I’m still so excited about my weekend at “home”!!!! There are not enough exclamation points and words of excitement to describe the JOY and PRIDE I feel for my Cougar Sisters!

1 – I used 12″ of webbing and stitched the same length of ribbon onto the webbing down both edges. I did melt the ends of the webbing and ribbon so they would not fray.

2 – Add a split ring to one end and fold so the ends meet near the split ring. About a 1″ down from the fold. With a wide zigzag, stitch across the butted ends to join.

3 – Make a “sleeve” from cotton fabric. I folded a 2 1/2″ wide strip in thirds and stitched a seam making it wide enough to slide over the end loop. Position the sleeve over the zigzag join.

4 – Stitch through all layers to hold the sleeve in position.

5 – Add another split ring the the ring of the fob and you are finished. A great gift or swag for any occasion!

In gratitude to the MSHOF for the honor our COUGAR SISTERS, Coaches, Managers and Statisticians received. And amazing appreciation, support and thanks to the parents, family members, booster club, supportive students, faculty and fans of the Hickman Mills High School community…COUGAR PRIDE! I am so blessed my parents could be a part of this event and day!!

in quilting,

Debbie