Archive: Sports

Flag FootballThe 2005 Lansing Flag Football team consisted of thirteen players (ages six to eight), seven parent/coaches, and two parent/helpers. These players learned the same basic plays used throughout a standard football program all the way up to the NFL. More importantly they learned teamwork, confidence and discipline; valuable skills that will help them on and off the field.

Even at their young age, they strived to understand that it takes an entire team to ensure success and that the most important position is the one they’re playing at that moment. Our strong fan base thoroughly enjoyed watching the players develop throughout our season.


Right from the start our team showed up ready to play. The offense executed the plays very well and scored often, while the defense allowed the opponents to advance very little and in most cases pushed them back. In the beginning the coaches thought the team would be able to run a few simple plays, bootlegs (quarterback keepers) and sweeps. As the season progressed it became obvious that the coaches were the ones being challenged.


No matter how difficult the plays were, the boys listened, asked questions, made few mistakes, and then implemented them like veterans. We were soon scrambling to add reverses, fakes, options, and passing plays to our play book. The boys handled the defense with the same style of absorption. The team soon gained the ability to read and react to an offense. This resulted in several “sacks” and two defensive touch downs. With each part functioning together they truly melded into one team.

This year we played a total of seven games against Candor, Dryden, Ithaca, Groton, and Newfield. In addition to the regular season the team played a special 6 vs. 6 scrimmage during halftime at one of the Friday night Lansing Varsity Football Games. The boys were awestruck upon hearing their names and numbers announced over the load speakers and seeing all of the fans watching them play. A few of the boys were all business as they ran the first few plays. Their jaws then dropped when the reality of where they were set in, but they snapped back into action when they heard the “Blue…42…Hike”.

At the end of the scrimmage there was a notable contrast when the six foot plus herd of Varsity players, returning from their halftime break, passed the small in size but big in heart and spirit, Flag players. High fives and cheers were exchanged in a ceremonial changing of the guards. For me, watching my senior come back onto the field in one of his last high school games and my youngest setting the tone for his football career was truly special.

Throughout our program the score is downplayed and not officially tracked, so there is no record of wins and losses. However it should be noted that these boys dominated and displayed the pride, integrity, strength, discipline, and sportsmanship that made them all winners. I am very proud to say we followed our three main rules for the entire season: Be Safe, Have Fun, and Play Hard. There were no injuries, everyone had a blast, and the team played as hard as they could. I am confident that many of these boys will be playing a large role on a victorious football team in the upcoming years. Keep your eyes out for their rooky cards!

“IF EVERYONE HELPS,
EVERYONE PLAYS,
EVERYONE HAS FUN,
AND EVERYONE WINS.”

End of Season Banquet Honors Players and Parents "Nobody's keeping score, but Lansing was undefeated for the season," was heard over and over at the Lansing Recreation Department Flag Football Team banquet in the Community Center last Sunday (10/30). Indeed, according to Coach Jim Straight coaches and parents from other teams commented on how organized the Lansing team was, and how well they knew their plays. The banquet celebrated the end of the season with pizza, wings and trophies. The six, seven and eight year old players had their own table, while families sat together. Mr. Straight's approach was to involve all adults as coaches, while he took on organizational as well as coaching tasks. The players received trophies, and parents were recognized. The guiding philosophy of getting families involved and teaching the players the same plays that older Lansing teams use clearly paid off in a lot of pride in accomplishment and fun for the kids. -- Editor

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