Euclid Youth Football
When was the last time you were excited about sharing some good news with someone regarding an unfamiliar thing or place? Maybe it was a new vacation spot or a new restaurant you stumbled upon. Maybe it was educational, cultural or even spiritual. But it was unique and refreshing. Three years ago our family had the experience of discovering some good news in Euclid. This is when we discovered two programs sponsored by the city of Euclid Recreation Department.
As parents nothing should be more important than the formation, growth and well-being of our children. The people we entrust and partner with in their development must be very special individuals. Our family was fortunate to find some of these special individuals when we discovered and participated in the Euclid Boys Football League and Euclid Panther Hoops.
Euclid Recreation Assistant Director Mac Stephens and his team of volunteer coaches and parents manage both programs. Anyone who has met Mac or experienced his commitment to Euclid’s youth, know how privileged we are to have him working for our community. Mac moved to Euclid in 1992 after playing professional football for the New York Jets, the Minnesota Vikings and a brief tenure with the Toronto Argonauts. In addition to his position with the city of Euclid, Mac is assistant football coach for Euclid High School and president of North Coast Youth Football. In his so-called free time, he serves as a board member for Euclid Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) and is a role model for many of our city’s youth, as well as his own children.
What is impressive about Mac and his programs is not only the sportsmanship, but the life lessons he and his coached teach and model. They exhibit commitment, dedication and hard work throughout a rigorous season. The philosophy of encouraging the boys to look out for one another as family, to have greater expectations of themselves and the unique idea of not only producing great athletes, but fine young men will no doubt have a long lasting and profound effect on the participants.
Euclid Youth Football has been a part of our city for twenty years. What was originally one tackle team of 25 kids has grown to four tackle teams of about 100 kids. Each year one or more of these teams reach the playoffs or win championships. This tackle program has become a model that other cities and organizations follow. It currently includes a mentoring program funded through Euclid P.A.L., and partners with other organizations that provide tutoring to some of the league participants. Proudly the league has alumni who have gone on to college and been academically successful, such as Howard Drake, Andrew Bailey, Tony Gordon and Johnny Pokorny.
Beginning with practice in August and wrapping up with play-offs in November, the youth football season is long and tough, but immensely worthwhile. Hard work, teamwork and commitment are constantly encouraged and a pre-requisite to participation is a good report card. School must come first.
Panther Hoops Basketball began in 2001. Managed by Euclid Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Will, interest in the program through the years has sparked growth in participation from roughly 75 kids enrolled in the program to the current average of about 375 kids enrolled in the winter and summer leagues. Mac and a team of 75 volunteers work year round to keep this program running successfully. When league play is not in session, they offer basketball clinics and camps. The league includes participants from Chardon, Mentor, Streetsboro, South Euclid and Painesville.
Unfortunately, we need more facilities and space to accommodate the numbers. Basketball courts are a necessity to fulfill the goals of this program and to implement the lessons and formation it offers. Currently the Memorial Park Concept Committee, an assembly of residents formed by Mayor Bill Cervenik and Council President Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail is reviewing a plan to include new supervised courts.
Some Euclid residents travel to other eastern suburbs for youth football and basketball programs. Euclid needs the commitment of all of our residents to keep our recreation programs thriving. Sometimes we must do what is dissimilar to make our lives fuller. Working together our lives will become richer and our community stronger when we share in these recreational experiences. I know for our family this has truly been the case.