The Youth Pacers Athletics Corporation would like to recognize those organizations and businesses from our local community who have made our 2018-19 season a huge success.
Our youth football program has a direct impact on the future of our middle and high school football teams’ success. Preparing these young athletes to play safe, heads up tackle football and to be good citizens is the cornerstone of our program.
Sponsorships make our program a reality for local youth by providing the needed funding for operating costs, supplies and equipment. We would like to thank this year’s sponsors:
— The Community Foundation of Switzerland County: Awarded a grant totaling $7,360 for operating costs which covered referee fees, player insurance, field and facility maintenance, league fees and coaches certifications just to name a few.
— The Vevay-Switzerland County Foundation: Awarded a grant totaling $16,200 for player practice equipment, new helmets, shoulder pads, coaches’ equipment, and helmet recertification.
— Swiss Caps: Sponsored our program website www.ypacsports.com.
— Onshore Printing & Graphic Design and TRUlife Clothing Co.: Provided free Staff & Coaches Shirts.
— Switzerland County EMS Inc.: Donation of a stocked medical bag.
— USA Football: Awarded a $500 grant through Riddell for new player equipment.
—Indianapolis Colts: Awarded a $2,500 program grant.
We would also like to thank the Switzerland County School Corporation for allowing us to practice and play on school property. Without their cooperation and generosity we would not have a youth little league football program.
Some people might argue that a sports program or a team is measured by the number of wins, but I disagree. It is measured in the amount of growth of its players. This year all of our teams made it to the playoffs. Our U8 and U12 teams made it to the final round and U8 is now headed to the game of all games: the Super Bowl!
John Hayes was named GNCKYFL Director of the Year; and U8 head coach Kevin Rohrbach was named GNCKYFL Coach of the Year. We grew from 35 kids last season to 58 kids this season. We had the best set of parents that we could ask for. Kids were on time for games/practices and were always prepared. We also had more parents than ever before step up and volunteer to help with home games. We had coaches who focused on teaching techniques and personal player improvement versus their record.
Our teams are being watched by other leagues in Kentucky and Indiana, and we were invited to play in several post season tournaments. YPAC is now looked at as an example for other teams to follow from how we coach, how we manage our program and how our players and parents behave in the stands. Folks, we simply had a phenomenal season!
I am also saddened knowing we will lose a few coaches and some U12 players who will age out of the program. On a positive note, I know they leave YPAC better players and better coaches and they will continue playing or coaching at the next level. Thanks to everyone who made this such a great year of youth football.
Good luck to U8 in the super bowl! The play this Saturday, November 3rd at 1:30 p.m. at the SCHS field. Come out and cheer on your home team in the super bowl!
Hope to see you all and more next season!
— Chris Oatman, YPAC President