Last April, I decided it was time for me to give back to the community and at the same time do something I loved. I became the head coach of a Pop Warner Football team, the Scottsdale Scrappin’ Squirrels. My team consists of 26, 7-9 year olds and seven other coaches, four of which are fellow ASU students, as well as close friends. This has turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Although the team has been winless thus far, the kids have learned so much. At the beginning of the season only three kids had prior tackle football experience, and now all 26 look the part. With the responsibility one takes on come headaches, from parents who believe their son should the starting quarterback to kids getting injured to fundraising. They have learned the fundamentals and then some, they have discipline, respect and a newfound work ethic, but most of all the kids have had the time of their lives and so have I. Not only have I taught the boys, but they have taught us as well.
I have new skills in patience and also a new respect for the intelligence and toughness of an 8-year-old. The game of football, no matter at what level, is physically and mentally demanding and challenging. And week in and week out, the Scrappin’ Squirrels rose to the occasion. This week is the last week that I will be the head coach of this exact group of boys and we will take the field this Saturday for the last time as a team.
Reach this reporter at rdstern@asu.edu.
