From his facebook -
"Certain things they should stay the way they are. You should be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone. I know that's impossible, but it's too bad anyway." - J.D. Salinger -
Well, after 24 years (minus one) of being the owner and director of the Georgia All-Stars – I am proud to announce my gym owner retirement. As of 4 O’clock today, Ray “Tater” Mills signed on the dotted line and became the next torchbearer for the Pride of the South.
It is with a peace in my heart that I go in a different direction from gym ownership. I just found myself bogging down in administrative duties, and that’s not really my “thing.”
I am not “retiring” from cheerleading, as a matter of fact; I am packing my bags to go choreograph for the ladies of WC Shooting Stars tomorrow. I just feel that I can better serve myself, and the cheerleading community focusing on what I love- which is choreography.
I can honestly say that I would not change a single thing about my career in cheerleading thus far, and I look very forward to the next chapter of teaching coaches and gym owners all over the country my craft, and helping them achieve the results that I have.
To all my former kids- I thank you for making me the person I am today. Each one of you has left an indelible mark on me as a person, and I will carry a fond memory of each of you for the rest of my days. I think as a gym owner that I have done a pretty good job – and every time I see the ugly pea green and orange NACCC logo that I created, I will remember sitting around a table in Jekyll Island with my close friends Victor, Kristen, Elaine, and Joelle and developing what would become the unifying moment of our sport.
I want to take this time to wish Tater the best of luck in his efforts to take Georgia All-Stars on the next journey within our sport. The kids who are under his guidance are in great hands.
I simply need to develop and nurture the “creative” side of my brain- as I have neglected that part of me for far too long. It is my hope that you will all welcome me into your gyms – and give me a chance to work with your athletes – be in in a clean –up practice, or with choreography.
I want to give a huge shout out to my mentor Bill Boggs. Thank you for making me fall in love with something that has provided me a wonderful life. To Dennis Worley, thank you for being my partner in crime. To Don Collins, Rey Lozano, Tiy Fountain, Jose Gonzales, and Eric Little – thank you for inspiring me as a choreographer. I am proud to be in your company.
To Elaine, Joelle, Victor, and Kristen, thank you for including me your circle of awesomeness. We gave em’ hell – and changed the World.
To Courtney – thank you for your passion, and willingness to always argue for the kids- please don’t change that about yourself. It is a very important role. To Randy Dickey – thank you for all of your support through these years. To Karen Halterman and Justin Carrier – thank you for setting the bar. To Jim Chadwick- thank you for always listening to my bitching. To Les Stella- God bless you for putting up with so much poop in this industry. You deserve a special place in heaven for what you do. To Tate- thanks for being a great friend and keeping shoes on my babies.
Jason, Jamie, Jaime, Miguel, John, Tater, Frank, Clint, Christian, Gianni, Lewis, Brett, Korey, Julian, Taylor – thank for coaching by my side and putting up with me and my craziness for all these years.
Scooch, Peggy, Wayda, Mama Jean, Robin, Cindy, and Susan – thank you for guiding my ship.
To the current GA kids – keep doing what you do. Love what you do. Most of all, remember that you a part of something that is much bigger than all of us – one huge 24 year old family that has touched so many people- made so many friends- that it is hard to even grasp.
It was a great run – and I appreciate every single minute of my time on that purple floor. I will be in to check up on you when you are least expected. I hope that they can roll my old fat booty into Worlds in 2040 and I can see you all in purple and black raising that right hand in the air. Nothing would make me happier.
Thank you- and good night.