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Youth Sports Set the Bar By Rik Forschmiedt Youth sports often get a bad rap, sometimes justifiably, as an ego-builder for frustrated parent wannabe jocks where the kids are forgotten as fathers, and mothers, duke it out with the officials or each other. Those whose children are caught between dueling parents while the fun of the game is forgotten should look to Vashon Island for encouragement and guidance in running youth sports programs. While all Vashon’s youth sports programs are careful to put the kids first and emphasize the fun of the game, two programs, one old and one new, stand out. Rockbusters has been around for years and Vashon Pirate Youth Football seemingly burst on the scene this year after a lot of behind the scenes planning. What both programs have in common is coaches who know and love their sport and parents who tend to the behind the scenes details so the coaches can teach the kids. Rockbusters has become the feeder program for one of the most successful high school programs in the state, while focusing on teaching wrestling and having fun. One has only to see a tiny Rockbuster run to a parent or coach with a big grin after getting pinned to know why the program is so successful. In contrast to other programs, I have never seen a Rockbuster coach angry with a wrestler at a meet. While going over the match, the coach is always positive with a “what can we do better” attitude rather than “what did you do wrong?” Pirate Youth Football came into being last summer after almost a year of planning and lining up sponsors. With experienced, dedicated coaches up front, hard-working parents behind the scenes and an incredible list of Island sponsors, the team did better than even the most optimistic fans could have predicted. Even before the team knew what to do on the field, my friend Josh LeMasters would excitedly tell me about the game before church on Sunday morning, obviously having fun. By the end of the season the young Pirates had done the seemingly impossible for a first-year team, beating experienced teams from established programs like Eatonville and Life Christian, and winning their division championship. At the awards banquet head coach Paul Wallrof remembered something personal about each of the each of the 33 players. Wallrof, retired after a successful college coaching career, obviously loves the game and wants to share that love with a new generation of players. With coaches dedicated to teaching a love for the game and parents who let the coaches do their job, and outstanding community support, both Vashon programs are examples for parents everywhere to follow. — Sports editor Rik Forschmiedt has followed youth sports for 40 years. |
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