>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

It’s said opportunity knocks, even if it doesn’t knock on your door first.

Powder Valley head coach Skye Flanagan received an unexpected call — an offer to coach the East team in the Shriners East-West All-Star game.

“I wasn’t really expecting the call,” Flanagan said. “But it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

The coaching spot rotates around Class 1A districts, and is designated to the district champion.

Imbler head coach Lee Lowe declined the option after coaching in the 8-man All-Star game.

That sent the spot to Flanagan.

“You get to work with great coaches and kids,” Flanagan said. “It’s a neat experience to be around people like this. Plus it’s about more than the game. You realize that pretty quickly.”

His first assignment — make the drive to Portland to pick up players and visit Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Walking through the halls Flanagan didn’t see depressed kids. There were smiles, laughter and hope.

As with anyone visiting kids whose time may be short or dealing with physical limitations, he took home an amazing memory.

“This game is bigger than the game,” Flanagan said. “You’re taking part in something that helps the lives of children. That’s apparent the moment you step into the hospital. The kids there are one of a kind. They don’t hold any grudges, and have an amazing sense of motivation.”

Flanagan is also relishing another experience — playing in an 11-man game.

For four years Flanagan has been coaching 8-man football for the Badgers.

But his coaching experience at Eastern Oregon University, Baker and Culver high schools came back to the surface quickly.

“You don’t forget how to coach,” Flanagan said. “It just means there are more bodies on the field. This is a great chance to experience the 11-man game again.”

It’s also a chance to rub shoulders and pick the brains of three successful high school coaches.

Sisters head coach Dusty Macauley’s team finished second the last two seasons at the 4A level.

Gold Beach coached by Kevin Swift won the 3A state title in 2007.

Lane Stratton took his Lakeview team to the Class 2A semifinal game.

“There’s a lot of ideas out there on the football field,” Flanagan said. “They each have their own personality and style. You take away what you can without sacrificing your own style. It’s just a great chance to talk to really good coaches.”

Then of course, there’s the players.

Thirty kids crossing paths briefly during games or summer camps have come together for one week to form a team.

In the age of the ‘it’s about me athlete,’ Flanagan said that mentality is absent from practices.

“That’s the great thing about this game,” he said. “There are a bunch of great athletes all on one team. But at the same time, they’re all quality kids. Everyone checked their egos at the door.”

Of course there’s one athlete  Flanagan watches a little more — Michael Stephens.

Stephens is a Powder Valley product.

“It’s great to coach (Michael) for one more game,” Flanagan said. “He’s a great athlete, and is working really hard to be a part of this team. It’s not easy to come into a game like this and learn a new system quickly.”

Of course this football game gets the hunger for the high school season going.

“It’s been tough to take a week out of getting ready for the fall season,” Flanagan said. “You can’t watch the players working in the weight room and see how they’re doing. I talk to them on the phone a lot. It’s great to hear their enthusiasm. That makes you want to kick-off the season that much more.”