By PAYTON MEANS

Being a parent to multiple school-age children can be a difficult task. Between school, homework, extracurricular activities and other various commitments, life can become a little chaotic.

Jennie Brinkley is right in the middle of that crazy season of her life but it isn’t just the games that she enjoys, it’s seeing the lessons her two children have learned while participating in sports that helps this mother know they will be prepared for anything life throws at them. “Sports provide structure, discipline, develop teamwork and accountability. All of these are life skills that will take you well beyond athletics.

Sports has always been a family affair for the Brinkleys. Jennie graduated from Waukomis High School and was on the girls basketball team. Her husband Micheal also graduated from Waukomis and he played football and basketball while also doing track and field. Between her two children the Brinkleys have nearly every sport and every season covered. Their son Cooper is a Junior on the Chisholm High School football and baseball team. Their daughter Reagan is in the 8th Grade and does basketball, golf and does track and field as well.

But being at her childrens games and meets is not the only busy element of her life that is busy and always on the go. Between her job and being a VP of the athletic boosters she has a lot on her plate but she manages it all to be involved as she can. “For my job I provide accounting services to several local businesses.” She also has free time for some of the smaller things. “I enjoy going to church, being in a small group and enjoying time by the pool with our friends and family. Community has also been a huge element in what has made Cooper and Reagan so successful. “ The coaches at Chisholm this year have played a huge role in my kids’ life.” “We also have incredible parent support and involvement in all the school activities. It is a great time to be a Chisholm Longhorn.”

For a lot of us the most surprising part is how they are able to be at every game, match or event she can be at. The way that it is done is admirable and she is always involved in her children’s athletic careers.” I attend all of their sporting events throughout the school year and summer, taking them to showcases, tournaments and summer leagues.” Sometimes it is tough for parents to be at multiple events at the same time but Brinkley has some advice for those in that predicament. “Sometimes it takes a village to get to all of the activities when you cannot be in two places at once. The days are long, but the years are short, so go as much as you can.”