&
Featuring
along with Fort Worth, Brownsville, Texas, St Louis, NW Arkansas, Oklahoma City, and Memphis
Vol. 1 Issue 7 February 2011
Rivalry! Snoop vs The Truth
results
pg. 33
Follow us on
Reading opportunity is the key that unlocks the door to
• Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. • 85% of all juveniles who are introduced to the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate. • One in four children grows up unable to read in the lowest two literacy levels.
Literacy is learned.
Congratulations to the following TRUTH Athletes for outstanding academic achievement in the classroom! TRUTH Academic Most Valuable Players (athletes received all “A”s on Report Card)
Adonnis Butler Chris Henderson III Christian Henderson Dylan Henderson Fred Henderson Gabe Wild J’Kobe Williams Jamal Brown Jimmy Wyrick Jordan Breedlove
Jordan Davis Kaleb Batts Kameron Miles Kevin Spencer Kevion Edwards Kyron White Makaii Henderson Nehemiah Clark Richie Washington Rodrick Weaver
Ruquan Brown Ryan Tucker Shedeur Sanders Trelyn Lee Zakhari Franklin
TRUTH Academic Pro Bowlers (athletes received all “A”s and “B”s on Report Card)
Andrew Smith Billy Monroe Brandon Young Braylon Crosby Caleb Ferguson Camron Buckley Charles Crawford D’Shalon Douglas Dermarco Roberts Desmund Nixon Devin Collier Diego Sandoval Donovan Burks Edwin Harper Elijah Calhoun
Eric Thurston Fred Williams Izaiah Jackson J’Waun Cook Jabrey Harvey Jacoby Harrison Jacoby Roberts Jacoby Williams Jacquez Ramey Jai Jones Jalen Jones Jatory SparksBrown Jaylin Sparrow Jaylon Jackson
Jederek McDaniel Joe Pina Jordan Waits Josh Sanders Justin Watson Keilon Elder Kelvin Harris Ken McLaurin Kevin Pina Korey Minor Kylin Mathis Landon Laney Malik Martin Malik Mason Mene Khepera
Michael Davis Montre’ Gipson Nathaniel Miller Qualan Jones Ramon Raynor Sean Funches Shilo Sanders Timothy Ferguson Timothy Jones Trey Jones Will Rossy Zach Milan Zakeith Ford
Volume 1 Issue 5
february 2011
8301 East 51st Street , Suite #206 Tulsa, Ok 74145 CEO & Founder Harold W. Jones II VP of Operations Wallace Clay Ceo & President of Literacy Company Richard Sutz President of football momS Nicole Edwards Art director Krystal Neuhofel
UnderRated programs are designed so that each team that’s featured will receive several hundred copies of that month’s issue to use as a fundraiser for their specific team. UnderRated Magazine is a full-fledged publication that covers National Youth Sports. We cover various youth sports leagues including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, tackle football, soccer, t-ball and volleyball. Whether your league is girls, boys, co-ed or children’s, recreational or competitive, UnderRated is one of the few magazines to cover your sports. Your kids can have a chance to shine in the national spotlight with our magazine. UnderRated is available in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Arizona, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas. Whether your football league is tackle, touch, coed or just for recreation, UnderRated hopes to explore your state’s youth football and sports programs. Contact hjones@ underratedco.com to possibly have your organization featured!
Featured P. 20 P. 24 P. 28 P. 30 P. 32 P. 38
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Blizzard or Bust Bullying and Suicide Polynesian’s in Football Mental Edge Column AYF National Championship UnderRated Teams
The National Champion TRUTH teams coached by Deion Sanders, along with teams from Fort Worth, Brownsville, Texas, St Louis, NW Arkansas, Oklahoma City, and Memphis are scheduled to compete. Snoop Bowl has attracted a host of celebrities and former athletes to the event over the years. Snoop Bowl IX will open a new chapter for the game and set the gold standard for youth sporting events.
Letter From The Publisher
Harold W. Jones II, Founder and CEO of UnderRated Magazine
There are no bigger weeks in sports than the week leading up to the Super Bowl. From the teams arriving, to the media days and finally the big game itself, the Super Bowl is a spectacle unlike anything else. For the two teams fortunate enough to play for the championship, this is a life-long dream achieved. Little did most people know, Super Bowl week was a dream come true for many youth teams as well. UnderRated Magazine had the opportunity to travel to Texas and the Super Bowl for this year’s edition of the Snoop Bowl, an annual youth football tournament held prior to the Super Bowl. Some of the best youth teams from across the country. The stories and tales of these teams and players can be seen throughout this month’s issue. The Snoop Bowl may showcase some of the very best that youth sports has to offer, but youth Deion Sanders and Snoop Dog take questions from the sports also has a dark side that often times goes unmentioned. media during the Snoop Bowl’s media day February 4. Bullying is not a regional problem. It is happening across the country from coast to coast. This month, we take a look at the problem, the staggering statistics and tips on recognizing and preventing bullying that could help save some of our bright young students. Finally, Under Amour and the American Youth Football partnered in December 2010 to bring together the largest youth football competition in the world. UnderRated was there and we look back at this huge, never before seen event. Now, before I let you dive into this month’s edition, we have a few things for you to look forward to in the coming year. First, keep your eyes peeled for one of the first networks dedicated to youth sports. UnderRated is proud to announce the creation of YSPN, the Youth Sports Programming Network. We don’t want to spoil all the fun and give away all of the details now, but this is something we are excited about and think you will be as well. Also, UnderRated has partnered with the Indian Nation Football Conference in the greater Tulsa, Oklahoma area and will host the first ever North-South All American game to be played later this year. Two to three players from each team will be chosen to represent their team in what will truly be a one of-a-kind event. I know that is a lot to take in, but stick with us. 2011 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for youth sports, new challenges and UnderRated Magazine.
The UnderRated staff takes a moment to commemorate their trip to Snoop Bowl.
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Mission:
To be the premier publication source that bridges the gap between young athletes, their parents, coaches, teachers and life through awareness and education that will help lead them to a successful future.
Goal:
At UnderRated National Youth Magazine, our goal is to build up youth football and its coaches around the world, forming a youth covenant with teams and coaches everywhere, helping to deposit character and self-esteem in our kids before society does. We believe that one day youth football, from coast to coast, will be bigger than high school football and that kids will have more opportunities to play in nationally televised games. One day every youth football player will be able to quote our UnderRated creed.... “UR SOMEONE. UR SPECIAL. UR A BELIEVER. UR THE ONE LOOKING AT U IN THE MIRROR, SO THAT THE ONLY THING U HAVE TO OVERCOME IS U.” We will feature kids from five years old up to 12 years old on the cover and through out the magazine. This national magazine is dedicated to them.
Programs: UnderRated Programs are designed so that each team and state that’s featured will receive several hundred copies of that issue to be used as a fundraiser for their specific team. Yes, this magazine is totally free and will be sent to whichever team is featured for that month. Each team will have the option to sell it, for $5 a copy, to support their organization. The option to subscribe online, or by mail, will be available soon.
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Annually the Snoop Dogg All-Stars travel to the host city of the Super bowl to play that city’s allstar team. This year’s marquee match-up will put the Snoop Dogg All-stars against Deion Sanders’ National Champion TRUTH Select Football team. It promises to be a day filled with competitive youth football. In addition to the marquee match-up six other youth games are scheduled. The National Champion TRUTH teams coached by Deion Sanders, along with teams from Fort Worth, Brownsville, Texas, St. Louis, NW Arkansas, Oklahoma City, and Memphis are scheduled to compete. Snoop Bowl has attracted a host of celebrities and former athletes to the event over the years. Snoop Bowl IX will open a new chapter for the game and set the gold standard for youth sporting events.
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Snoop Dogg walked in the stadium to talk with his AllStar team before the game and to greet the crowd by saying a few things to let the fans know that it [the event] is all about god and the kids and that his presence was being felt around the stadium and that created for an exciting game to be played between the two teams.
ABOUT PRIMETIME ASSOCIATION AND TRUTH YOUTH FOOTBALL: Prime Time Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded by Deion and Pilar Sanders. Primetime Association’s mission is to teach and develop our youth through sports and education. A nationally recognized youth sports organization that is committed to excellence and the highest values. Deion and Pilar Sanders along with the Primetime Association’s National Championship Football teams “The TRUTH” will host this year’s Snoop Bowl IX.
There was some built up tension between the Deion Sanders the Truth football team and the Snoop Dogg’s All-Star team at the Snoop Bowl IX Pre-Game Super Bowl Party held at the Main Event for all the teams that were involved with the weekend event.
Snoop Bowl IX for the Oklahoma City All-Stars, a team that despite travel difficulties during the snow season, was able to put more focus on the task at hand of playing the TRUTH football squad and was able to come out with the victory. Coach Walker and his coach staff and their football mom’s handled the Snoop Bowl IX Pre-game Party and the game with class. It was a great team effort on the behalf of the kids, coaching staff and their football mom’s that travelled with the team.
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Off to the Races
Tackled for a loss
The Coin Toss for the Snoop Bowl IX
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Look Like A Team, Play like A Team
The Warm Up
Like Father, Like Son
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Nowhere To Run
Blocking With Authority
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Scanning The Field
Attacking The Ball At The Highest Point
Running for Daylight
Fought Hard But Came Up Short
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Brandon Stephens Age:13 Plano, TX North Dallas Express was Ranked #1 in the polls. 7th Grade 5’10 150lbs 40 Time 4.5 Honor Roll student
Brandon plays in the Dallas Select Football League, his positions are RB/DE. He compiled incredible stats in both areas leading his team to the DSFL Super Bowl. Brandon also plays for his middle school team that went undeafeated. he was the team’s QB and RB.
To nominate a student athlete please contact hjones@underratedco.com.
Winter weather lead to an unusual act of kindness For the steelers
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hursday February 4, 2011 about 11:00pm we left Memphis headed to Ennis, Texas. The Steelers Pee Wee Football Team was going to play in the SnoopBowl in Lexington, Texas. We were being transported by T & W Tours Bus Company, driven by Mr. William Cherry. Between 3 & 4 am we ran into a snowstorm. We stopped in New Boston, Texas for a break. The driver decided to stay there until daylight because he was unable to see the streets clearly. About 7am we left there headed to our hotel in Ennis traveling between 30 to 40 miles per hour. Along the way there were several vehicles that had slid off the highway and had gotten stuck. The highway that we were traveling did not appear to have sand on it. Shortly after 10am our bus slid off the highway in Sulfur Springs, tilted over into a ditch which kept us from going any further. Luckily, we were assisted by a very helpful family. They loaded our boys onto farm equipment trailers and took them to the nearby Rafter L Ranch, where we were housed in the barn. They stayed with us the entire time and took several of us to a nearby Little Caesar’s to get pizza. We had only one vehicle with us that a player’s parent had driven. He had trailed the bus from Memphis. The bus driver left with someone to get help and returned several hours later. About 4pm, Red Cross Emergency Services came with several other vehicles and transported us to the local
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Comfort Suites Hotel. We had to purchase rooms there and stayed the night without clothing because it was trapped on the bus. Fortunately with the parent that followed us, a few of us were able to go to a nearby Walmart and Family Dollar for personal items. We were also able to get food from McDonald’s for the kids. The next morning a bus was sent from Dallas to pick us up and take us to the playing field in Lancaster.
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Bullying and Suicide There is a strong link between bullying and suicide, as suggested by recent bullying-related suicides in the US and several other countries. Parents, teachers, and students need to be aware of the dangers of bullying so they can get help for students who may be at risk for suicide. In recent years, a series of bullying-related suicides in the US and across the globe have drawn attention to the connection between bullying and suicide. Though too many adults still see bullying as “just part of being a kid,” it is a serious problem that leads to many negative effects for victims, including suicide. Many people may not realize that there is also a link between being a bully and committing suicide. The statistics on bullying and suicide are alarming: •
• • • •
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University A study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying 10 to 14 year old girls may be at even higher risk for suicide, according to the study above According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of bullying
Bully-related suicide can be connected to any type of bullying, including physical bullying, emotional bullying, cyberbullying, and sexting, or circulating suggestive or nude photos or messages about a person. Some schools or regions have more serious problems with bullying-related suicide. This may be due to a problem with bullying at the school. It could also be related to the tendency of students who are exposed to
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suicide to consider suicide themselves. Some of the warning signs of suicide can include: • • • • • • •
Showing signs of depression, like ongoing sadness, withdrawal from others, losing interest in favorite activities, or trouble sleeping or eating Talking about or showing an interest in death or dying Engaging in dangerous or harmful activities, including reckless behavior, substance abuse, or self injury Giving away favorite possessions and saying goodbye to people Saying or expressing that they can’t handle things anymore Making comments that things would be better without them If a person is displaying these symptoms, talk to them about your concerns and get them help right away, such as from a counselor, doctor, or at the emergency room.
In some cases, it may not be obvious that a teen is thinking about suicide, such as when the suicide seems to be triggered by a particularly bad episode of bullying. In several cases where bullying victims killed themselves, bullies had told the teen that he or she should kill him or herself or that the world would be better without them. Others who hear these types of statements should be quick to stop them and explain to the victim that the bully is wrong. Other ways to help people who may be considering suicide include: •
• •
Take all talk or threats of suicide seriously. Don’t tell the person they are wrong or that they have a lot to live for. Instead, get them immediate medical help. Keep weapons and medications away from anyone who is at risk for suicide. Get these items out of the house or at least securely locked up. Parents should encourage their teens to talk about bullying that takes place. It may be embarrassing for kids to admit they are the
Acworth Warriors Georgia
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Teams
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•
•
•
victims of bullying, and most kids don’t want to admit they have been involved in bullying. Tell victims that it’s not their fault that they are being bullied and show them love and support. Get them professional help if the bullying is serious. It is a good idea for parents to insist on being included in their children’s friends on social networking sites so they can see if someone has posted mean messages about them online. Text messages may be more difficult to know about, so parents should try to keep open communications with their children about bullying. Parents who see a serious bullying problem should talk to school authorities about it, and perhaps arrange a meeting with the bully’s parents. More states are implementing laws against bullying, and recent lawsuits against schools and criminal charges against bullies show that there are legal avenues to take to deal with bullies. If school authorities don’t help with an ongoing bullying problem, local police or attorneys may be able to. People who are thinking about suicide should talk to someone right away or go to an emergency room. They can also call a free suicide hotline, such as 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Friends and relatives of suicide victims also need to find someone to talk to as they grieve, especially if they are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts themselves. Sources:
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• • • • • • • •
WebMD, Depression Guide, “Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide” [online] Nemours, KidsHealth, “Helping Kids Deal with Bullies” [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suicide Prevention, “Youth Suicide” [online] Yale University, Office of Public Affairs, “BullyingSuicide Link Explored in New Study by Researchers at Yale” [online] Matt Dickinson, The Independent, “Research finds bullying link to child suicides” [online] Michael Inbar, MSNBC Today, “‘Sexting’ bullying cited in teen’s suicide” [online] Susan Donaldson James, ABC News, Health, “Teen Commits Suicide Due to Bullying: Parents Sue School for Son’s Death” [online] Erik Eckholm and Katie Zezima, The New York Times, “6 Teenagers Are Charged After Classmate’s Suicide” [online]
Prevent Bullying One way to stop bullying is to take steps to prevent bullying from starting. Some ways to prevent bullying is through providing a bully policy, consequences for bullies, and educating potential victims of bullying. Keep reading for more tips on preventing bullying. Steps to prevent bullying before it starts can address the
Bully-related suicide can be connected to any type of bullying, including physical bullying, emotional bullying, cyberbullying, and sexting, or circulating suggestive or nude photos or messages about a person. problem from several directions. Prevention can be aimed at creating a situation in which bullying is not tolerated, in giving potential bullies outlets and behavior suggestions so that thoughts and feelings that could end up in bullying are channeled in different ways, and in helping potential victims avoid becoming the butt of bullying behavior. This article explores some of the current thoughts about how bullying can be prevented. Preventing Bullying With Policies A clear definition of bullying and a policy that disallows it and lays out the consequences is one means to arm a school or school district against this problem. For one thing, when bullying is clearly defined, then it can be more easily recognized and separated from constructive criticism, discipline, and motivation, all of which are bordering areas. It is important that the policy be clear and research-based in order to not be so broad that educationally valid negative statements are branded and students and teachers are fearful of being perceived as bullies at every turn when what they say is not praise. And it is different, though still potentially painful, if a child is picked last for games because he or she has an objectively poor skill set as opposed to being picked last due to an explicit campaign to ostracize him or her. Policies may explicitly mention major types of bullying, including verbal, social, physical, pack and cyberbullying, and racist, religious, homophobic bullying, along with bullying of people with disabilities. But it is important that policies should be worded so as not to exclude the bullying of mainstream victims, nor victims who are teachers, staff, administrators, or school board members, rather than students. As of September, 2009, most states have laws about bullying. Bullying laws do not exist, however, in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Preventing Bullying With Consequences With a carefully written and precise bullying definition in place, there is a need to follow up with appropriate and fair consequences when bullying occurs, whomever the perpetrator and victim are. Victims must know that they will get a fair hearing in order to be persuaded to come forward. Bullies must not be perceived as immune on account of longevity or position. Consequences need to be applied consistently in order for policy to be effective. In states in which there are laws about bullying and in cases in which bullying involves physical altercations or damage or theft of property, the consequences of bullying may include criminal prosecution, as well as school sanctions. In addition, bullies, both students and teachers, not to mention schools, school districts, and parents of
bullies have been sued for damages. Preventing Bullying and Family Education Perception of bullying has changed over time, and while policy can touch organizations such as schools, it is harder to reach families. People who come from families in which bullying was the norm have been exposed to behavior models that are not considered acceptable today. These people, whether teachers or students, may need explicit models of how to act on thoughts and feelings that could lead to bullying and/or they may need greater assistance to learn new behavior patterns and break old models, such as counseling, rather than simply punishment. Community education is difficult and takes time: many people feel that what happens behind their closed front door is their business and is private and resent and reject suggestions for change. But if dad bullies mom, or vice versa, and the children take this behavior as a model, what’s behind closed doors can flow out into the community. Within the home, parents can prevent bullying both by modeling alternative behaviors as well as explicitly pointing out behaviors that fall into the category of bullying and differentiating ways of acting and sharing that are acceptable within a family - in which people often know more about each other’s characteristics, faults and failings, for example, because of how space is shared rather than because someone has “outed” someone else - from what is acceptable in school and other public settings. Other Means of Preventing Bullying Supervision and appropriate intervention can help stop bullying that is in progress. Teach appropriate assertiveness to those who are, or may be, targets of bullying. If the bullying is linked to something that can be changed - such as an article of clothing or a lack of skill or training in some area - discuss various responses with the person, including changing the behavior, by making a different choice or by working to improve in the area that is lacking if this is an appropriate response, or learning to assert his or her right to be different, if this is appropriate. For example, if a student is ridiculed because his or her desk or locker is a mess with things falling out of it, some assistance in creating and maintaining order could both be beneficial and remove the reason for the bullying. If, however, the student wants to continue to wear a Yankee baseball cap in Red Sox territory, a different approach will be needed. Staff training can help make sure that the school (and state, if applicable) policies are widely understood. Some bullying occurs at the rate of “almost every day” according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 2007 data. Head off repeat offense by encouraging reports of bullying and making sure reports are dealt with expeditiously. A victim who has accepted another student’s derision as “jokes” up to should be able to report the derision without feeling complicit or guilty for the bullying being ongoing. Sources stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov nces.ed.gov stopbullyingnow.com youthviolence.edschool.virginia.edu
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Why are the Polynesians made for football? By Tuli Mateialona It has been reported that Polynesian kids are 56 times more likely to make it to the NFL than any other kid in the United States. Also, attribution to that statistic. Most of these NFL players are offensive or defensive linemen, but the numbers of skilled players are growing. What gives them this edge? The first thing that people will notice is their size. The majority are much bigger compared to the average American. A three hundred pound teenager is the norm among Polynesians. If a high school happens to be surrounded by Polynesian fami-
sian was welcoming one of their own to their village. This is the island way, and the city of Euless treated these families as such. This act of kindness went a long way and helped the families adjust and belong to the community. As a Polynesian custom, you are to give back, and give back they did. This showed up at Trinity High School. Many of the Tongan kids attended Trinity. As time went on, more and more Polynesian families followed – Samoans, Hawaiians, etc. -, and more three hundred pound teenage kids were showing up at the school yard. These kids were recruited to
lies, it is very likely that you will find three hundred pound offensive and defensive linemen on the team. When you have that kind of size in those positions combined with good coaching, it will give any high school team a tremendous advantage. Back in the 80’s a couple of Polynesian families of Tongan decent migrated to Euless, Texas to work at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. City officials welcomed and allowed the Tongans to continue their customs in the community. This made them feel more at home and gave a sense of pride and belonging to Euless. It is as if another Polyne-
play football and found a way of acceptance among other kids. Their size helped Trinity rank among the top high school football programs in the country and win three Texas state football championships – 2005, 2007, and 2009. There is no coincidence that the influx of Polynesians helped build a winning program. They didn’t do it alone because football is a team sport, but the addition of their size gave Trinity High School an advantage that they have been riding since the turn of the century. Big kids playing on the Trinity High School football team was not the only thing that the Polynesians gave back. They also introduced their culture to other kids that was soon adopted and emulated. Their values of family and respect also helped them become fifty-six more times likely to end up in the NFL. But this will be on the next issue.
The majority are much bigger compared to the average American. A three hundred pound teenager is the norm among Polynesians.
Junior Pomee appears to have a rather promising future ahead of him on the football field. Keep in mind, the 6-foot-3, 225-plus pound senior from Moreno Valley Rancho Verde High is one of the country’s top tight end prospects with a scholarship offer on the table from several NCAA powerhouse programs.
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Cover STory
Feature
and
Presents the first ever North South All American game 2-3 kids from each team will be picked by Indian Nation Committee
South teams
Jenks, Union, BA, Glenn pool, Coweta, Bixby, Bishop Kelley, Metro Christian, Tulsa South, Stillwater, Sapulpa, Muskogee, Berryhill, Locus Grove, Hilldale,Sand Springs
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North teams
Tulsa North, Tulsa East, Owasso, Collinsville, Catoosa, Bartlesville, Claremore, Skiatook, Pryor, Catoosa, Wagoner, Inola, Jay, Grove, Miami
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Seth M. Quealy, MS is a sport psychology consultant/mental skills coach. He works with teams, coaches & individuals from all walks of life who realize the importance the mental aspect plays in peak performance. Seth shows them how to maximize their potential by developing the correct attitude & mind set through mental skills training. This empowers them to start getting control of themselves so they can take control of their performances. He has worked with athletes who excel in baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, field hockey, speed skating, downhill skiing, football, gymnastics, swimming, cycling, running, snowboarding, surfing, golf, fencing and more. He also works with actors, dancers and entertainers to help them deal with the anxiety and pressure that affects all performers. Seth says “while the sports and performance disciplines may differ, the commonality lies in the fact that the participants and coaches all want the capability to do their best more consistently. They are also willing to utilize all the resources at their disposal, most importantly sport psychology & mental skills training.” The pursuit of excellence and peak performance is a trait associated with champions and top achievers. Seth stated “I love working with these people, they motivate me and inspire me, together we accomplish more than we could alone!” Seth obtained a Masters in Kinesiology, Applied Sport Psychology from California State University, Fullerton under Dr. Ken Ravizza. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah with a minor in Psychology. “I love helping others realize their dreams though the discovery and application of the mental game!” Seth looks forward to the opportunity to work with you or your team!
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T
he world of sport and performance in general has become increasingly competitive. Individuals, teams, coaches, parents, schools & businesses are looking for that extra EDGE on the competition. People are training harder and smarter to get bigger, faster & stronger with more technical skill than ever before. However, these don’t always equate to victory. To ensure you have the complete game, the complete EDGE and the best chance at victory start working on your mental game! As a sports psychology consultant/mental skills coach I work with teams, coaches & individuals who realize the importance the mental aspect plays in performing their best on & off the field. I show them how to maximize their potential by developing the correct attitude & mindset through mental skills training. This empowers them to get control of themselves, their thoughts & emotions so they can take control of their performances. If you want to be your best & take your game to the next level working on the mental game will get you there faster and keep you there longer! Sports psychology/mental skills training is about inspiring the exceptional in us all to
start believing that impossible is nothing. It’s about learning to accept our strengths and weaknesses and the importance of taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions. Most importantly, it’s about getting ourselves to trust our abilities and instincts to stop focusing on things we can’t do by choosing to focus more on the things we can do! Give your mental game a chance and be astonished at the dramatic change in your performance, attitude and circumstances!
CATCH THE VISION! PLAY WITH PURPOSE!! LIVE YOUR DREAMS!!!
Mental Edge Sports www.mentaledgesports.com seth@mentaledgesports.com
AYF AND CHEER 2010 NATIONAL TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS The #1 Youth Football League in America
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On December 4th 2010, American Youth Football (AYF) and Under Armour kicked off the world’s largest football competition as they welcomed more than 15,000 football players, cheerleaders, and their families from across the U.S. to the 2010 Under Armour American Youth Football National Championships. Since its inception fourteen years ago, AYF has become the nation’s largest youth football program with more than 650,000 athletes aged 5-16 playing on 18,000 teams in all 50 states. The organization strives to use football as a means to ‘give back’ to the community and fulfill its mission to provide all kids with a place to play. In order to qualify for the National Championship event, coaches and league administrators participated in months of education, training and fundraising while players had to demonstrate excellence both on the field and in the classroom. “Qualifying for the Championships far exceeds simply winning games, it requires months of dedication from an entire community,” Said Galat, “Incredibly, we could have invited 300 teams to participate this week which exemplifies the strong commitment to youth football from across the country.” The top 140 youth teams competed in 20 divisions allowing players of all ages the chance at a national title, with over 300 games being played. In addition to high-intensity football, players had the chance to participate in Under Armour Combines with top trainers, events at local area theme parks, appearances by NFL players and celebrities and national media coverage. Watch the 2010 Under Armour American Youth Football National Championships, as seen on Fox Sports Net at youtube.com/ ayftv. To view the full brackets visit, www.ayfchampionships.com. 34
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Teams
California Cowboys
California Cowboys vs Titans The Great Cowboys High Low Tackle
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Southwest Region is the fastest growing region in American Youth Football and in the nation. For more information call L.E. Chamberlain at 713.978.9940 or email llechamp1@aol.com
Teams
Chargers
Coach Scott and his crew show their moves as the Chargers take another victory. In the 4th biggest city in America where football is a religion, its a challenge to win back to back championships, but the Chargers seem to find a way each year.
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Chargers
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Sarasota Gators
Teams
The Competition Starts early in the state of Florida
In the state of Florida speed is the key to success. Each year in the state of Florida programs seek for the top athletes in their conference to prepare for the season.
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Sarasota Gators
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Teams
Sarasota Gators
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Sarasota Gators big boysIn the sunny state of Florida thousands of kids each year are targeted for their ability to play the game of football. Justin Austin one of Florida’s elite, has carried the torch of being dominate between tackles, his cat like speed and shifty moves makes him difficult to tackle.
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2011 Kick-Off Classic and Battle in the Rocky Top 2011
You’ve
AUG. 5-7 NOV. 18-20 310 teams from 21 states participated in 2010 during these two huge tournaments make sure you’re a part of the action in 2011!!! UNDER RATED I Youth Football
Here’s what a few people are saying about “Huddle Up” Success is a decision…”Huddle Up” is a tool that can help the student athlete make the decision to be successful.
HUDDLE UP! is a phenomenal, powerful, and practical guide to preparing student athletes, parents, guidance counselors, and others for the tremendous and unique challenge of guiding students and parents for the next level.
-Cedric Penn-Business leader, Author, Radio Show Host Former Purdue University OL, Western Kentucky All-American~
“Huddle Up” unveils many of the mysteries of the recruiting process that leaves so many athletes and parents clueless and wondering what happened? Don’t be a “Would Have,Could Have Should Have”. Be a person who did! Get the book today! -Coach Ray Hardy-Head Coach-All American
M. R. Emery’s passion and vision for the development of people is immeasurable! She has committed her life to making a difference in the lives of many, and this book is just one example of her eagerness to propel others toward greatness!
Bowl National Scout & Recruiter…www.chosenonesports.com
-Angela L. Williams, M.Ed. Founder and CEO Angela’s Circle of Sisters
To the young man or woman that plays from the heart, the information that parents and students will learn as a result of reading this book is priceless… -Eric Jones ~Former Defensive End AFL CFL WFL~ www.athleteamp.com
About the Author: M. R. Emery As the daughter of a former athlete and scholar, I am no stranger to athletic terminology or the culture. And as a former career and college specialist, I have assisted countless numbers of students in exploring their options beyond high school. As a result, I have also witnessed bias, and in some cases, a lack of program and coaches accountability, for which I have been outspoken until adequate change or compromise was reached. Lastly, if you are wondering what my “Why” is for Huddle Up! It’s for all of the young men that I watched sadly hang up their cleats or put their balls and gloves away because no one informed them that they had not taken the courses necessary to garner eligibility It’s for all of those parents who don’t have a clue as to what the process is in regards to their student athlete being eligible to participate in sports beyond high school It’s because I often hear and see particularly young men making bad choices and I want them to process positive interpersonal skills and understand what is appropriate and what is not. Why do you ask...It’s because this divorced single parent, who had the rug snatched from beneath her early in the game cares... Unlike some single parents, I had a strong foundation that could with stand the winds of adversity that can often destroy a family...I’ve lived a blessed but yet not an unblemished life...In my life’s playbook there’s no “Option” when it comes to giving back...I must go for the “Blitz” or “Hail Mary” Huddle Up is just one of many “Audibles” that I chose to call as a way of helping others achieve their goal. For more information on Huddle Up! Email Ms. Monica, the team mom, at huddleupteam@gmail.com or visit www. huddleupteam.webs.com
Football Moms from St. Louis came to support their sons in the hard fought game versus the Truth these mom’s represents all of the football mom’s all across america!
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Play Hard Read Well A National Call to Action to Build Character and SelfEsteem in At Risk Children and Youth through Athletic Achievement and Reading Efficiency.
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