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 Win a Pop Warner National Championship and it’s cause for hometown celebration. Set a Pop Warner record and it’s cause for a hometown party…a BIG one!
That’s exactly what took place last evening when a deserving bunch of Treasure Coast Conference Pop Warner stalwarts headed back home from ESPN Wide World of Sports, with plenty to celebrate.
Earlier that evening, when the Jupiter Mustangs football team closed out their Super Bowl Week run with a thrilling 22-16 victory over the powerful Far West Jets from Arizona for the D-II Jr. Midget National Championship, they completed an awesome day. About an hour earlier, their Jupiter Mustangs Cheer squad make it a sweep by winning the D-II Midget Cheer National Championship at the HP Field House.
As far as anyone at Pop Warner knows, this is the first time that a Pop Warner football and cheer squad from the same city have earned a national championship on the same day.
Actually, the hometown party had started earlier in the day, when Heather Voight, Manager of Duffy’s Sports Grill in Jupiter West had all 32 TV screens at the popular eatery beaming ESPN 3’s coverage of the Mustangs vs. Jets game “live!.”
 Voight tells us, “We had a party going on, all day. All our staff was decked out in Pop Warner shirts. And, we replaced all the NFL jerseys hanging on the walls with Jupiter Mustang jerseys. The place was jammed and everybody was rockin’!”
But, that was just the start. When the team bus carrying the Mustangs home headed straight for Duffy’s, the players had a big surprise. “When their bus pulled into the driveway, we were all outside giving them a standing ovation. When they came inside, everybody their stood up and applauded them. “
And, here’s the bonus, the Mustangs brought along the DVD of their big championship game. And, since the team and squad hadn’t seen it themselves , they played the game again! This time, Duffy’s Sports Grill was packed to the rafters- standing room only, and people cued up outside to get in. For every great play by the Mustangs, the place roared.
Said Gary Byerly – President of Treasure Coast Pop Warner, “We are so proud of these kids- both football and cheer. They have done a fantastic job. This was our year, and the kids and coaches really brought it all home!”
In fact, Treasure Coast Pop Warner brought home three national championships this year in football, and one in cheerleading. This year's Super Bowl champions were Port St. Lucie Pirates (DII Jr. Pee Wee), Jensen Beach Falcons (DII Pee Wee) and the Jupiter Mustangs (DII Midget). The Jupiter Mustangs Midget Novice Medium cheer squad also took home the national trophy.
That they did, and the din at Duffy’s said it all. “Jumpin’ Jupiter – Pop Warner Football and Cheer are CHAMPS!”
www.duffysmvp.com |
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Pop Warner Challenger Division Scores Big
by Bob Field, Jr.- Saturday, December 10, 2011 |
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 When Victoria Dren took the handoff, headed through the line, cut right and scampered ten yards for a touchdown, the smile on her face was a magical Disney mile-wide. And, when her dad, Mike lifted her high in the end zone, it was hard to say who was happier.
Little Victoria’s touchdown dash was one of the many crowd-pleasing , player pleasing, and family pleasing moments in the annual Pop Warner Challenger Division flag football and cheer gathering here at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Victoria and her pals from the Carolina Challengers of the Consolidated Football Federation in Raleigh, NC got together under beautiful sunny skies this week to take on the high-flying Orange Empire Conference from Huntington Beach, CA.
The mission of the Challenger Sports Program is to provide exercise, athletics and an opportunity for community-based socialization for children with special needs. And, with a cool buddy system involving friends, siblings, parents lending a hand, the Challenger Division athletes have a blast playing flag football and cheering for their team, with all the energy and enthusiasm of any other Pop Warner program.
As Mike Dren told us, “Victoria’s been in the program for two years now. She actually started off as a cheerleader, then said ‘Can I play football?’ So, we said sure. And, she loves it!”
Along with a confidence builder for all the kids involved, Mike tells us, “This is a chance for kids to get together and learn sportsmanship.”
Chris Luttrell, from OEC, is a solid blocker and a head’s up defensive player. He’s one of the most enthusiastic players and a veteran of the games; in fact, Chris has been to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex five consecutive years.
With his winning smile and great sense of humor, Chris and Mike Goodspeed, a long-time football referee for Pop Warner and Pop Warner Challenger, have an especially good time together. Says Mike, “We’ve love Chris. He brings so much energy to the game.” Chris shakes his head, grins and says to Mike, “Dude, you should come out to California and watch. They don’t call as many penalty flags on me as you!”
With plenty of action on the gridiron, there’s also lots of energy on the sidelines. Cheerleading squads from both OEC and Consolidated had some super synchronized cheers and routines.
Arcy, the cheer coach with OEC Challenger, tells us, “We have seven girls from three different cities on our squad. And we have seven different Challenger Cheer squads in our Orange Empire Conference. We start off on August 1st, and we cheer all the way through January, when we go to Las Vegas for another national competition.”
When we asked Arcy about whether Challenger Division Cheer build confidence she told us, “Actually, all our Challenger girls seem to have more confidence than other cheerleaders. It’s because they’re just being themselves, and there’s no attitude. They want to be there and have fun. That’s why Pop Warner Challenger is such a great program.”
All along the sideline, you see parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles cheering on the Challenger players and cheerleaders. Many of them are decked out in tee shirts proclaiming, “Hustle And Heart Set Us Apart” And, never was a slogan more appropriate. These kids and volunteers have plenty of heart.
Cammy and her daughter Carly, from Raleigh, are here to root on the Carolina Challenger team. And they see that “hustle & heart” everyday. “Pop Warner is huge in Raleigh, “ says Cammy. “And, Challenger has really helped my nephew (who plays for the Carolina Challenger team) to be less introverted. He loves getting out here to be with friends and playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”
After all the action and fun on the field and along the sidelines, seeing players tossing a football with Pop Warner’s College Player of the Year Chase Minnifield, then seeing them gathering with cheerleaders, families, friends, volunteers and game officials to pose for pictures with Pop Warner’s everybody’s favorite pal Mickey Mouse in the post-game photo ops, let’s you know, once more, that Pop Warner Challenger is all about
“hustle and heart”. And, that’s something everybody wants to be a part of!
For more on how you can start your own Challenger Division program, see the popwarner.com site. And, for more on Pop Warner Challenger Division in Carolina and California, see:
www.cff-popwarner.com/Challenger.html and www.hbpwf.org/challenger_program.asp |
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Don Trawick - PW's Hall of Fame Friend
by Bob Field, Jr.- Friday, December 9, 2011 |
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 Day after day, here at ESPN Wide World of Sports, his weathered face and wry grin convey wise, homespun counsel and easy going, ready wit of a long-time Pop Warner friend. He’s a gentleman who’s has seen it all. And, when it oomes to Pop Warner, he loves what he sees.
Don Trawick, dean of Central Florida Officials Association football referees, has been the man in charge of the officiating team for each game at Pop Warner Super Bowl Week ever since it became an annual fixture with Disney and now ESPN.
And, among football officiating ranks throughout the country, Don Trawick’s officials take pride in being a big part of the top youth sports organization in America.
As Don tells us, “Two years ago at the NFL Super Bowl game, the guy who was the umpire was Roy Ellison. Roy started out with me. Roy told me that before the Super Bowl game in 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came into the referee’s locker room and said, ‘I want you guys to write down all the bowl games you’ve done, and we’ll announce that in the pre-game.’ So, they picked up the sheets later and they read off, ‘ Joe Smith - Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Gator Bowl…and other big bowl games.
Then, they went right down the list…same thing. When they got to Roy’s sheet and he read out, ‘Roy Ellison… Pop Warner Super Bowl.’ Well, people just went nuts. It was great! Roy had officiated the Pop Warner Super Bowl, and he was really proud of it.”
Don’s own nearly 50 year record of officiating high school and college football games, as well as umpiring AAU baseball and college baseball, in Florida stands high in the record books. But, it’s his support of Pop Warner kids and coaches, and his patient, knowledgeable mentoring of fellow officials, is legendary.
And this year, that contribution to so many athletes (of all ages), officials, families and communities was rewarded by his induction, at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville, to the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
“They wrote all these nice things about me. I didn’t know I was that good” Don laughs, “Heck, if I thought I was that good, I would have asked for a pay raise!”
But all joking aside, Don reflects, “You know, I tell people, all these awards and things, it wasn’t about me. It’s the people you work with who can make you, or break you. That’s a lesson of life. You need to treat people the way you want to be treated.”
And, when asked what advice he gives to young officials just starting out, Don adds, “First thing I tell ‘em is, just go out there and have fun. It’s a game. It’s not a matter of life and death. Communicate with the kids and coaches. I’ve met a lot of great people, made a lot of great friends. And, they still say ‘I play, or coach. the game because I love it.’ And, just like players or coaches, you can’t learn everything about officiating in the first year or two. It takes time. So, give it time. You go along and you learn from the mistakes you made. Why, I made so many mistakes when I was young, I never forgot ‘em, and I didn’t make ‘em again. How many people do you know who are perfect? Nobody… nobody.”
And, as Don sees it, learning-over-time is a uniquely positive experience for Pop Warner kids, “Pop Warner does so many things for kids these days. Times have changed so much. There’s so much more peer pressure on kids today, ‘come on let’s do this’ when they know they’ll get in trouble. But, Pop Warner teaches kids how to work as a team. And, what I tell coaches when I give a clinic, ‘ The way you act, is the way kids and parents will act. If you conduct yourself respectfully, they’ll do the same. And, much more often than not, Pop Warner coaches do just that.”
Thanks to all our great Pop Warner Super Bowl Week officials and to their leader, Don Trawick – Pop Warner’s Hall of Fame friend. |
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Pop Warner Tiny Mites Rule
by Bob Field, Jr.- Wednesday, December 7, 2011 |
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Here at Pop Warner Super Bowl Week, often the biggest fan-favorites come in the smallest packages. And, having visited Pop Warner’s annual Tiny-Mite exhibition games under the lights here at the Hess Sports Fields, I can certainly vouch for their always-winning crowd appeal.
Now, just who are these talented tikes?
Well, they’re both full equipment, tackle football players and perky, well-drilled cheerleaders ages 5-7 who get-it-on just like any other competitors here at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Coached for fun and fundamentals alike by dedicated volunteers, and rooted on by enthusiastic families and friends,
Tiny Mites love to learn, and do, to the max… with added hoops, hollers and a few hops-skips-and jumps thrown in.
So, how do the rules differ for Pop Warner Tiny Mite Football?
Well, first of all, teams must use a two platoon system with players split evenly between offense and defense. The field length in a Tiny Mite game is 80 yards rather than 100.
Two coaches are allowed on the field for the first half of the season (games), one coach thereafter. Only one coach may address the referees and the team in the huddle. The second coach may only assist with the positioning of players. Once set, both coaches must remain at least 10 yards back from the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball is set, the offensive team has 40 seconds to execute the next play. All 11 players must participate in the huddle. No kickoffs are permitted.
At the start of the game, and when the offensive team crosses the goal line, the ball is set on the 30 yard line of the team in possession. Punting is not permitted. On 4th down, the offense has the option of (a) running or passing the ball or, (b) turning the ball over to their opponent on the opponents 30 yard line…and…
Well, there are a few additional rules designed to help keep the games fast and fun. But, why leave it at a list of rules?
And, in case you are interested in starting up your own local Pop Warner Tiny Mite division, just get in touch with the Pop Warner National Office.
They can help you to get started in scoring some BIG points with fun and fundamentals with he smallest packages in your community! |
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Pros & First-Timers Alike Praise Pop Warner
by Bob Field, Jr.- Tuesday, December 6, 2011 |
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 Like so many first-time teams and squads at the Pop Warner Super Bowl this week, California’s Menlo-Atherton Vikings are living a dream. And, making their dream come true has been the result of togetherness, commitment and family that speaks volumes about the value of the Pop Warner Experience.
The M-A Vikings, founded by Bob Williams 13 years ago, are coached and mentored by a super group of guys who’ve experienced the ups and downs of football competition at its highest levels. Asst. Coach Dom Andrighetto played college ball. Head Coach Steve Stenstrom quarterbacked the Stanford Cardinal, and later played for the San Francisco 49ers.
Asst. Coach Greg Baty played for both the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. And, Asst. Coach Dave Fiore was an offensive lineman and recipient of the NFL’s “Unsung Hero Award” during his pro career with the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins.
But, far more than the collective knowledge of football that these outstanding gentleman share, it’s their passion for helping youngsters to gain life-skills through the game they love that brings even greater meaning to the lives of all youngsters in Menlo-Atherton Pop Warner.
As Steve Stenstrom tells us, “We all care a ton about kids and the game of football. And, we love to see kids learn the game, and play the game, the way it’s meant to be played. We like to say we care more about the ‘ inside’ than the ‘outside.’ “
Greg Baty adds, “The game of football gave us all so much. And, this is our way of giving back. What I like about our Vikings is that we are the only team in our area where kids come from multiple schools, multiple ethnicities and different backgrounds, and yet everybody rallies together. “
A great example of that togetherness and rally-round spirit is what happened after the M-A Vikings were upended in their first game this week of Pee Wee D-II championship play. As Greg recalls, “After we lost that game, one of our players, a young man who normally is not that outspoken, asked Steve, ‘Coach, can I say something to the whole team?’ So, the young man got up and said, ‘I just want everybody to know this is my family. Some of us have been together for four years. Some are new to the team. But, we all made it here, and I love everybody.’ And, that’s what Pop Warner is all about, bringing people from different backgrounds together in a team atmosphere and it’s been wonderful.”
 Asst. Coach Dom Andrighetto says, “I have four kids who’ve played, or are now playing, Pop Warner. This is my 10th year with the program and I don’t know what I’d do without Pop Warner. I’d be lost without it. We go to high school games and see players we’ve coached now at different schools. And people come up to us thanking us for what Pop Warner has done to help their programs.“
Asst. Coach Dave Fiore says, “ And scholastics have been such a big part of our kids’ efforts at learning and growing through Pop Warner. We want to focus on their scholar/athlete feeling for school and working with others. I don’t even have a child in the program. Yet, three years ago when Steve got me involved in Pop Warner it took all of five minutes being out there with these kids and I was hooked. I’m getting so much joy out of seeing how we can help our young men and young women through Pop Warner.”
First year parent Lisa Douglas tells us, “coming in new to Pop Warner football and the Vikings this year, we didn’t know what to expect. But, our son Aristotle, who had never played the game before, was welcomed right away by the kids and coaches. With Menlo-Atherton Vikings, we’ve gained a new family , and that’s helped Aris to grow, and learn. Now, he has so much more confidence, his grades in school have improved, and this is the first year we’ve ‘lived’ commitment. Going to practices, going to games, studying playbooks, Pop Warner has changed our lives.”
Steve underscores what this season has meant to the Menlo-Atherton Pop Warner Family when he says, “I can speak for us all when I say that Pop Warner has been as rewarding as anything I’ve been a part of, and in many ways more so. We started this journey in August and now here we are in December, having the time of our lives.”
Oh, and by the way, the M-A Vikings’ “together” spirit led them to a big win today on the gridiron , as they topped the Mt. Hope Cowboys by a score of 30-6.
Hats off to a great group of kids, mentors, parents and fans from Menlo-Atherton who make coaching the “inside” game of life the backbone of the Pop Warner Experience. |
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"A Greater Victory: The Pop Warner Way"
by Bob Field, Jr.- Sunday, December 4, 2011 |
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 As you walk around the beautiful complex here at ESPN Wide World of Sports, taking in all the top notch competition by the football, cheer and dance champions at the 55th Pop Warner Super Bowl, you just naturally get to meet lots and lots of super people – kids, coaches, volunteers, and families who contribute so much to making Pop Warner the very best youth sports and community organization in the world.
But, more than the fabulous competition, more than the enthusiasm of families and fans pulling for their favorite team or squad to be victorious in this glorious week of sun and fun, it’s the stories beyond the gridirons of Hess Sports Field, beyond the mats in the HP Field House. It’s the stories of a greater victory displayed by the heart, the soul and the commitment of every Pop Warner group to each and every one of its members.
You hear those stories down here and you never forget them. Take the Jr. Pee Wee football team from Marsh Creek, PA for instance. The lads from the Keystone State are first-timers to competition in the Pop Warner Super Bowl, and they got off to a great start with a solid 30-0 victory in their opening round Division II game against a fine Milford, CT team.
Marsh Creek is a tesm that honors it’s roots, including one of its founders – Dan Driscoll- who played linebacker for Dick Vermeil’s Philadelphia Eagles. But, more than Marsh Creek’s roots, more than their Jr. Pee Wee team’s current 14-1 record, Coach Mark Basilii’s charges, and the entire Marsh Creek Family, have established a winning approach that can’t be measured in points scored or goal line stands. Here’s why…
Recently, the Marsh Creek Family tragically lost a great player, person and friend in Brendan Bavard. Brendan touched the lives of an entire community – from his dedicated play and tough tackles, to his spiritual light that shone brightly at Saint Elizabeth.
Although his life was cut short earlier this year by cancer, Brendan’s spirit continues to live on in the hearts and minds of all teammates, friends and fans in the Marsh Creek Family. The Eagles still have the “BB # 5 “ sticker on their helmets. This entire season has been dedicated to Brendan, his family, and the foundation that now bears his name – “Brendan’s Believers.”
And, that same great spirit goes on in everyday needs with Marsh Creek. Take the early 10 inch snowstorm that hit the East Coast in October, the very weekend of the Bux-Mont Championship! Determined to help the boys play, 100 parents showed up with shovels to clear the football field; only they were not allowed to use shovels! But, so dedicated were these folks, that they used their hands, feet and wheelbarrows to clear the field. They made human snowplows out of themselves, and it worked!! The Marsh Creek Eagles responded by bringing home the Bux-Mont title.
Memory, honor, commitment and a can-do attitude. That’s the Pop Warner spirit. And, that’s a far great victory than any won-loss record or trophy can signify. Hats off to Marsh Creek, and all Pop Warner families that strive to make their communities shine. |
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"Pop Warner Sponsors Are Super!"
by Bob Field, Jr.- Sunday, December 4, 2011 |
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 As Pop Warner Football, Cheer & Dance continue to grow by leaps & bounds, our great sponsors are ready, willing and able to help every one of your organization jump forward with fun and confidence.
And, “Sponsor Row” at ESPN Wide World of Sports is the perfect place to meet so many of the folks who help so much to make Pop Warner “Super!”
Check out the video chats I had today with some of our great sponsors. While you’re it, here are some good links to each of those super sponsors.
Schutt Helmet-Fitting A Player Properly:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSk4ZIroYwY
Otis Spunkmeyer info video:
www.otisfundraisingideas.com/fundraisingideas/using-youtube-video-promote-your-cookie-dough-fundraiser
The crafting of Jostens championship rings:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x8gLR8dst4
Panini Unwrapped: The Highly Anticipated Official 2011 NFL Sticker & Album Collection:
paniniamerica.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/panini-unwrapped-the-highly-anticipated-official-2011-nfl-sticker-album-collection/
Brax: Welcome To Spirit Cups!
www.spiritcups.com
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"Sensational Saturday Night!!"
by Bob Field, Jr.- Saturday, December 3, 2011 |
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 Hi again to all you Pop Warner devotees and newbies alike! Day 2 of the excitement at Super Bowl Week 2011 is underway, right now.
But, first, let’s give well-deserved props to all the players, coaches, fans, volunteers and folks at ESPN 3 who made Day 1’s “Saturday Night Fever” a scorcher of action on the football fields at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
‘Told you we were going to be rewarded with plenty of “firsts” and plenty of surprises, as well, at the 55th Pop Warner Super Bowl Week! And, last night’s surprise package delivered as advertised.
With lights bathing the gridirons, an entire card of night games featured a quartette of quarter-final Division II Midget tilts, including a match-up between the Jupiter (FL) Mustangs and the North Raleigh (NC) Bulldogs that shall forever and anon go down in Pop Warner annals as one of the “Top 5” games of all time here at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
“How come?”...Well hold on to your hats…
“Mustangs Nip Bulldogs By A Nose!”
Yep, and you really had to see this one to believe it. But, I’ll try to give you the next best thing…my sideline vantage on a true Pop Warner classic.
This one started off as a tense battle between to smothering defensive-minded ball clubs. But mid-way through the first quarter, Jupiter tallied on a direct snap and a plunge from North Raleigh’s one yard line . The extra point kick attempt was blocked and by quarter’s end, the Mustangs were up 6-0.
The Bulldogs bounced back in the second quarter with a nifty 20 yard touchdown pass. North Raleigh’s kick for two extra points was good, and the ‘Dogs took the lead at 8-6.
But, with time running out on the first half, Jupiter broke loose with a fabulous 60 yard TD scamper. The kick for extra points was again “no good”. And, as the horn sounded on the first half of action, the ‘Stangs held a slim 12-8 lead over the Bulldogs.
In the third quarter, the tenacious Bulldogs countered with a seven yard touchdown run and a kick for two extra points to wrestle the lead back at 16-12. But, the see- saw action was just starting, and an amazing fourth quarter would be a doozy!
The Mustangs started the fireworks at 9:20 left to play with a 31 yard touchdown run. This time their kick for two extra points was good, and the scoreboard flipped over again to show Jupiter in the lead now at 20-16.
But the never-say-die ‘Dogs growled back with a fantastic breakaway off a screen-pass that went 65 yards for a touchdown. and a play that sent North Raleigh rooters into a frenzy. The extra point attempt bounced off the uprights, but refused to go through . Still, with the clock ticking down, the Bulldogs held a 22-20 lead.
Then, in a tense and tough exchange of determined drives, the Bulldogs had the ball back, deep in their own territory with less than a minute to play. But, they were forced to punt on fourth down and a mile to go. Jupiter got the punt on the 50 yard line. Still, with 35 seconds to go in the game, more than a few folks who, by now, had jammed the sidelines at beautiful Hess Field were saying, “Hey, maybe ‘Brady’ could pull off a winning drive right here, but the Jupiter Mustangs??” Oh, ye of little faith!
Hey, that’s when the Mustangs proved their mettle. Despite a staunch Bulldog defense, that threw double coverage on Mustang receivers, Jupiter managed to hammer the ball to the North Raleigh 28 yard line.
Then, on fourth down, with 11 seconds left, the Mustangs’ QB uncorked a beautiful spiral deep over the middle. Jupiter’s lanky wide-out leaped high on his crossing pattern, outwrestled the Bulldog corner, and came down with the ball on the one yard line with three seconds to go!
The Mustangs quickly raced to the line, snapped the ball, and plunged into the end zone just as time ran out! The roar from the crowd could be heard all over the night skies at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Final score Jupiter Mustangs 26 – North Raleigh Bulldogs 22!
Congratulations to both teams on an absolutely amazing game that showed the very best of Pop Warner football heart, skill, and determination- from start to blazing finish.
For interviews with both great coaches in this Pop Warner classic, check out our video interviews.
Yes, folks. If you like youth football at its VERY best, there is absolutely nothing else that even compares with the Pop Warner Super Bowl Week. And, even if you can’t make it down to beautiful Disney World to catch all the action, tune in to ESPN 3 and catch lots of thrilling highlights, games and great commentary, every day this week. |
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Super Saturday! A Day & Night of "Firsts"
by Bob Field, Jr.- Saturday, December 3, 2011 |
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 A great big howdy-do to all you Pop Warner fans out there! Under beautiful, sunny Central Florida skies, the 55th Annual Pop Warner Super Bowl Week kicked off in grand style today, and I was lucky enough to be in attendance again for my 16th trip to this fabulous gathering of football teams, cheer and dance squads, coaches, families and friends from all over America…and the world!
One of the many things that makes Pop Warner Super Bowl Week at amazing ESPN Wide World of Sports so exciting is the raft of surprises in store for all the fans in the stands, and millions more watching on ESPN 3 around the country. And this year’s gala week had welcome surprises from many angles, starting with…MITEY-MITE BOWL GAMES!!!
For the very first time ever, eight Pop Warner Mighty Mite football teams
(for players ages 7-9) got together for four games of fun and action on the gridirons at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Final scores for the afternoon’s quartette of tilts were as follows:
Spokane Valley Bengals 28 – Irondequoit Sreamin’ Eagles 0
Arlington Thunder 32 – Bradfordville Bucs 0
Durham Ragin’ Eagle 12 – Port St. Lucie Pirates 7
Harvey Colts 28 - Redondo Beach Seahawks 0
But, regardless of scoreboard results, everybody involved in this inaugural Pop Warner Might Mite Bowl afternoon scored plenty of fun and new friendships between teams and families from 7 different Pop Warner districts.
As I strolled over with hundreds of Might Mite families to the BIG tent at in the ESPN Wide World Sports Experience, for “Mickey & Minnie’s Mighty Mite Cookout & Party”, I found out just how much the afternoon’s fun, friendship and sportsmanship meant to all.
“Mia”, one of the enthusiastic team moms from the Redondo Beach (CA) Seahawks told me,“I love this! The kids are having so much fun. It’s great seeing all the characters (yep, Minnie, Mickey. Goofy and Pluto were there joining the fun), and all the teams together. Win or lose, they’re all together. This is all well worth the trip. We really appreciate it.”
At yet another tent table, munching down happily on burgers, dogs and goodies all whipped up fresh, hot and delicious by the cooks at ESPN Wide World of Sports, I found Ben and Angie Abshire and their whole family from Spokane Valley.
“This whole event is great!,” said Angie. “I think it’s a lot of fun for these kids,” added Ben. And, just to prove Pop Warner really is a family deal, all four Abshire youngsters were there in attendance. Said Ben, proudly pointing out all five of the young Abshires, “ This is Jake. He played today. This is his second year playing. And this is Luke, he was a Tiny Mite this season, and this is his second year. And, this is Zach, playing his first year of Tiny Mites, so Zach and Luke got to play together.” As Angie pointed out, just as proudly, “And, Ben was the Tiny Mite coach this season.” Not to be out done, working on her hot dog next to all the guys was little sister Abshire who they assure me is going to be a big time Pop Warner cheerleader real soon.
In the background, as the Disney D.J. rocked out all the tunes, and kids posed for pictures while dancing with Mickey, Minnie and pals, you could see that this first-ever Mighty Mite Bowl day was a winner for all at the 2011 Pop Warner Super Bowl Week.
For more on how to start up your own Mighty Mite program with Pop Warner Little Scholars, check out my video interview with PWLS National Football Coordinator Sam Mutz.
Watch for more “firsts” in my next blog as I visit D-II Midget Football
Quarterfinal games under-the-lights at beautiful, surprise-filled ESPN Wide World of Sports. |
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