Lincoln Youth Football League honored all its volunteers last Wednesday evening during practice break on the Eaton Fields. From left to right – Sam White was chosen as Volunteer of the Year, George Graham and Jay Bogdanic shared the Coach of the Year award with Steve Farris making the presentations.

Lincoln Youth Football spotlights volunteers

[October 05, 2015]  LINCOLN - Nearing the end of another season of Lincoln Youth Football, league director Steve Farris determined that it was a good time for players to take a moment to appreciate those who make their playing possible. Following warm-ups last Wednesday evening, Farris called all the players and coaches into a huddle and for 10 minutes put the focus put on the program's volunteer coaches and supporters.

Farris emphasized it was important that the youth take a few minutes to recognize the people who gave of their valuable time all season for them to play football. He then expressed appreciation to all the individuals identifying the many who mowed, maintained and managed equipment, organized volunteers and games, and those who coach; all of whom without there would be no program.

Farris said that Pam Laubenstein, who is an invaluable asset to running all aspects of the program, worked with him to chose who would receive the special recognitions.

Volunteer of the Year

There were three nominees for Volunteer of the Year: Sam White, Wes Fuchs and Jenn Martin. Farris said it was particularly difficult to decide between Fuchs and White and was a toss up. Fuchs has been with the program and given consistently for years.

Sam White was given the award this year, with Coach Farris saying that he was always on time and always looked for anyway he could help out.
 

Coaches of the Year
Eighth grade coaches

Ferris had great things to say about the contenders for the 8th Grade Coach of the Year, Jay Bogdanic and George Graham. Jay and George were involved in everything needed this year - maintenance, concessions, coaching. Both guys have been involved building the program for seven or eight years and were cited for those contributions which will benefit past and future players.

The coaches did a great job pulling the players together.

Farris observed their teams playing on the field. The players were fluid together; always a sign of a great coach.

These coaches have made a level of contribution to the program that will be felt next year and beyond, as well as influenced the skills of the players moving up.

Coaches George Graham (left) and Jay Bogdanic were a tie and both were awarded recognition plaques.

Coach Jay spoke to the players about how important it is to look to the future each year they play. "You guys have to believe that every time you come out, that you are here to make that change. Change may happen before you get here, but you have to carry that change on. There is no sport like this around. It takes everybody to make the change," he said.

Second and third grade coaches recognized

When it came to coaches for the second and third grades, there was no picking between them. Farris nominated the whole group and the whole group was recognized.

Of Josh Metelko, Jason Melton and Nate Adams - Farris said their attitudes were the best this year. Whatever came along that was difficult, they didn't complain or whine about it, they just went with it. If their games were scheduled back to back, they just went out and played the best they could and they still came out 9-0 in wins.

Farris pointed out that wins don't mean anything in his book compared to showing up, helping out with other age group games when they are not on the field, and pitching in when needed.

Fourth Grade Coach Peaches recognized

For fourth grade coach, Coach Shawn Worth (left) was last year's Coach of the Year and again worthy of special recognition.

Farris said, "There's not another team that has more fun than his." He hears it from the parents year after year how much the kids love playing under "Coach Peaches."

Coach Peaches is another person that simply goes along when there are challenges. The fourth graders did not have helmets the first two weeks and the coach said he understood and trusted they were doing the best they could to fix that.

Approximately 30 coaches and volunteers serve the 150 players for practices and games, and many more guests that into our community to play at the Eaton Fields each season. These individuals are each people who make a difference in the lives of our youth, and who help make our community a great place to live.

[Jan Youngquist]