Justin Youth Sports

by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of Ken Calvert

Ever since Ken Calvert and Alyssa Linenkugel became president and executive vice president of the Justin Youth Sports Association three years ago, they had one thing in mind.

“Growth is our biggest goal, and the way we’re trying to achieve that is communication and presence,” Calvert said.

In 2016, there were about 150-200 youth aged 4-15 competing in fall baseball, 125 in softball, and 60 in basketball. This year, those numbers project to 350, close to 200 and 130, respectively.

“Softball is a growing program and one we’re trying to put more focus on,” Calvert said. “We want to get more younger girls playing and aware.” One reason is the increasing number of people coming into town. Another is awareness through community groups and partnerships. Last year, the organization participated in the Toys for Tots event and will again this year. JYSA also works with the City of Justin to spread the word. Plus, players assisted with concessions at the rodeo that was part of the Justin Fall Festival on Oct. 2.

What originally was called the Justin Youth Association dates back more than two decades, though it has been under its current name for about seven years. One challenge it faces is that there is only one softball field versus three baseball fields. Interestingly, all are behind Justin Elementary School. Yet many students don’t even know they are there.

To ensure its players have plenty of competition, JYSA interlocks with programs in neighboring communities, including Argyle, Ponder, Krum, Sanger, and Keller.

Before their current roles, Calvert was a basketball commissioner while Linenkugel oversaw uniforms. Both coach teams and have children in the program in addition to leading the board of directors.

“What we love about it is putting an event together. Kids interacting with each other is really cool,” Linenkugel said.

“And watching the boys and girls both grow,” Calvert said. “Just starting as kids 6 or 8 and growing up to become young men and women of 14 helping them understand sportsmanship, teamwork, and that you can fail and still succeed.”