Well nothing welcomes in an individual into a new position like a chance to respond publicly to a topic that is of the up most importance to a program and its young people.  There is no other place that I would rather respond to just such an issue…that way once my views have been posted, there will be no room for discrepancy.   With that being said, I will make the best effort to clearly express my opinions in regards to your question.

 It has been my honor and privilege to be a member of the Wheelersburg community for the past five years.  In that time I learned many things that I have added to my archives in regards to building a successful program, and creating positive community involvement. 

 One of those things is being prepared and open to any color which individuals may have adopted as their school colors.  The most orange that I had ever seen prior to coming to Wheelersburg was during the week of Deer season.  My home is now decorated in Orange and Black….. as well as my wife and I having a complete wardrobe of Orange and Black apparel.  My daughter, Grace, is slowly acquiring her own Pirate outfits.

 But more than anything else I know I am not alone when I say that Wheelersburg activities have developed a reputation that speaks for itself.  The acclamations achieved by the community over the years, at every level have been unmatched in the Southeastern Ohio area.  Sure other communities have achieved well deserved success, but not on the continuous level that has been displayed in the BURG.  Now I am a product of Southeastern Ohio who is very proud of the environment I grew up in.  Yet as an educator and coach, I have taken a step back to assess the differences in the BURG and other communities and taken note so that we may continue the tradition and success. 

 What continually stands out in my mind are the values, visions, and atmosphere used to mold young people in the BURG.  That atmosphere is a positive, goal oriented environment, where success is not based on winning and losing…….not based on who beat who….. what community…….. what athletes.  It is by no means a perfect little section on a map where every person is perfect……. we all know there are individuals who beat to a different drum…… and I am slowly learning just who they are.  But as a whole, SUCCESS in BURG has been based on young student athletes, learning to work together, learning they have many opportunities to find their own individual success if they apply themselves and WORK to achieve a goal. aka “ PIRATE PRIDE “

 Granted when athletes reach the high school level, winning, and being victorious in a contest becomes more of a priority, as a Head Coach I better know and understand that or I will not be in this position for long.  But in the development of young people, prior to their years in high school, what is really our ultimate goal. 

 Wheelersburg has a Peewee program in place which allows every individual an equal opportunity to be part of a team.  It allows for more individuals a chance to play a variety of positions.  It pushes kids to WORK hard, together, with each having a chance to develop in the same program.  It builds confidence in young people, comradery, team unity, peer tutoring, sportsmanship, team moral/spirit, consistency, a love of the game, a chance to learn from others,  just like they will experience in the future at the high school level.  It allows for control over the experience that those young people are receiving. 

 With that all being said I am not in favor of our young people changing their course of development here at the BURG.  Athletes have participated in many various sports as they have grown up…..many of whom who have waited for the day when they will reach the fifth grade and have an opportunity the be drafted, lace up there shoulder pads, figure out which pad goes in which slot of the pants……which slot the belt goes through and what order one must follow to get it right…….and make them comfortable enough to run as fast as they can, and jump as high as possible.  I remember those days.

 I am well aware that some individuals have had the opportunity to do this as third and fourth graders.  While I am in favor of children being exposed to a football at this young of an age, the only equipment I feel they should have is flags around their waists.  But I am not a liberty to make all of those decisions.  I am not at liberty to make decisions for all young people who are fifth and sixth graders.  I am only offering my opinion and recommendation that young people remain within the Peewee program developed here at the burg, by individuals who at the time created a program to benefit all BURG athletes in a way to instruct those individuals about……. POSITIVE PIRATE PRIDE.

 It is not in my interest to have athletes participating in two football contests on the same day.  Even when I was a fifth grader and participated in a game, I was physically spent when I walked off of the field after four quarters……not to mention bruised up and sore.  Safety of young people is the number one priority.  As adults we must guide young people in this direction.    

Are there some things that can be improved in the Peewee program?  By all means yes.  Each year we need to be open to ways of improving our young people’s experience.  At the same time we can not lose sight of what has built the reputation of the BURG as a whole.  Many programs throughout the area have and or are trying to mock our same type of program development. This I know……. But I ask the questions ….Why change? Who really stands to benefit?  All Kids? Individuals?  Parents?????? Pirates???? Outlaws????? Wheelersburg???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 I wish all the success in the world to any Wheelersburg student/athlete who competes in any sport…. or academic contest……. at any level.  I have acquired the Head Football coaching position, and I have an opportunity to help develop, guide, administer, police, coach young people in the sport of Football.  I will try to make the best decisions I can for the advancement of the Wheelersburg Football program at all levels. I will ensure that all individuals working with the student/ athletes in the football program are aware of and share the same goals and visions. 

 Assuming that parents are the main readers of this post, I hope that the Wheelersburg Football Program continues to have the opportunity to work with your student / athletes.  Anything that is done by players above and beyond the peewee program is on their own.

5/23/2006

Question: Burgfan

  I was wondering how the existing weight room at the high school was put together and what was involved to get that done?

Answer:  Coach Tony Lewis

The current weight room was equipped and painted in the summer of 2002. The equipment and rubber flooring was purchased with money that was raised through a community/school fundraiser. Because of community and fan support, we were able to raise $20,000. All of our athletic teams and our general student population has benefited by the weight room renovation. A special thanks goes out to John Eaton and Amanda Eaton. John was the superintendent at the time of the fundraiser and he was instrumental in gathering community support for this project. Amanda designed the drawing that was used at the big kick-off event to start the fundraiser. Her drawing showed what our weight room would look like if we raised the required money. Because of people like them and other devoted "Burg Backers" in our community, our weight room was updated..