The Cyber Viking’s Favorite Season: Cyber Season!

Most people have a favorite season.

Here in Texas, a lot of folks can’t wait for football season—whether it’s Friday night lights, college rivalries, or cheering on their favorite NFL team. Hunting season isn’t far behind on the excitement scale. And of course, some just enjoy watching the year roll from winter to spring, spring to summer, and summer into autumn.

For me, though, my favorite season is different. It’s not on any weather calendar. It’s Cyber Season.

Why Cyber Season Feels Like Kickoff

Every year, walking into a computer lab at the start of practices feels like stepping onto the field before the first big game.

It reminds me of one of my favorite shows, Ted Lasso. There’s a moment when Ted walks into the locker room, looks around, and says, “I can see the potential.”

That’s exactly how I feel when I see my CyberPatriot teams for the first time each season.

I see the excitement in my returning members, the curiosity in new recruits, and the challenge waiting for me as a coach to bring it all together. And yes—there’s always the fun of throwing out cyber puzzles to test what they remember from last year.

The Medina Valley CyberPatriot Team: Rising Strong

This past week, my Medina Valley AFJROTC CyberPatriot team officially kicked off its season.

We’re starting with seven returning members and three new ones. That blend of experience and fresh energy? It’s the spark every coach hopes for.

But like any good team, we’ve had to overcome our share of hurdles.

Last year, we lost Val-HALL-ah, our beloved practice and competition space we had called home for four years. Our workstations were taken away, and we were relocated to the school’s computer lab. After a lot of back-and-forth, we finally landed in a smaller room behind our old space, with new computers.

Now, another twist: this year we’re moving back to the school lab because the AFJROTC compound needed extra room for the growing cadet program—the best program at Medina Valley, no doubt.

Through it all, my cadets have learned what CyberPatriot teaches best: adapt and overcome.

The Hondo Cyber Owls: Summer Work Pays Off

Meanwhile, the Hondo Cyber Owls never really stopped.

This summer, we hosted Summer Cyber Owl Saturdays to keep the team sharp. Not everyone could make it—it was summer vacation, after all—but those who came learned, practiced, and stayed ready.

And here’s the best news: we may be adding a new team member this season!

At camp, one of our Owls—Fire Wire—talked so much about his team that it caught another student’s interest. Now, that student is considering joining us. And in a small town like Hondo, every new team member feels like winning a championship.

What’s Next

Next week, the real grind begins.

• Twice-a-week practices with Medina Valley

• Weekly sessions with the Hondo Cyber Owls

• Prep for CyberPatriot XVIII and a slate of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions

I’m expecting a season filled with energy: chatter across the lab, keyboards clicking at full speed, debates about how to use AI, bursts of laughter, and plenty of “aha” moments.

It’s going to be awesome—for both teams.

And don’t worry—I’ll be sharing updates, stories, and highlights on our Facebook pages and in our newsletters.

An Open Invitation

I’ll end with this: I’m always on the lookout for guest speakers to share their expertise with my teams.

You don’t have to be in San Antonio to make an impact. Whether you’re across the state or across the globe, if you’d like to inspire the next generation of cyber defenders, reach out through the Contact page at www.cyberlikeaviking.com.

Until next time…CYBER LIKE A VIKING! ⚔️💻