FROM THE LA VIEW -

Taking charge

Steelers form new league, regain focus on youth football

By Lisa Paine

LA View Sports Editor

LAPEER  -- The Lapeer Steelers youth football program hopes to find a more even playing field in its newly formed league.

Dissatisfied that the focus of the Suburban Youth Football Conference continued to move away from concentrating on the kids and academics, the Steelers, which had belonged to the SYFC for more than 25 years and seven other SYFC teams formed a new league.

The Northern Youth Football League consists of the Auburn Hills Makos, Brandon Junior Blackhawks, Clarkston Chiefs, Lake Orion Dragons, Lapeer Steelers, Pontiac Panthers and Waterford Corsairs. "We did this because our voice, along with other teams in the lower division were not being heard, and our concerns were not being addressed," said Matthew Hansel, president of the Lapeer Steelers.

Using the new catch phrase, "It is about the kids", the NYFL is refocusing its attention on youth football and academics. "The new teams are all of the same caliber," Hansel said. "We'll be able to offer better competition without the blowouts."

Hansel added that many of the teams shared concerns that the upper division of the SYFL used the lower divisions as practice squads at its games, and were also upset that the playoff formatting had been changed, pitting lower division teams against the top upper division teams.

The Lapeer Steelers, in existence for approximately 30 years, emphasizes the fundamentals of football and cheerleading in age-appropriate groups. The youngest members of the league, eight and nine-year-olds that weigh up to 115 lbs., play in the freshmen group. The JV group is for 10- and 11-year-olds that weigh up to 135 lbs., and the varsity is 12- and 13-year-olds that weigh up to 160 lbs., and 14-year-olds that weigh up to 140 lbs.

In his second year heading up the Steelers, a non-profit organization, Hansel does not coach but serves as league secretary. "I focus on growing our program through different types of marketing and promotions," Hansel said. A 100% volunteer organization, the Steelers are also lead by David Hartman, vice president; Donna Madeja, general manager; Angie Heckman, treasurer; Julie Boshell, secretary; and Peggy Cooper and Stacey Hansel, co-directors of the cheerleading program.

Bob Travis, who will handle all equipment issues, will champion a new equipment manager position. Rochelle Fritz takes over the fundraising efforts and is charged with coming up with new and different ideas to help the Steelers raise money to fund its programs. The ever-popular Steelers Card will be offered again this season with the addition of the Farm House restaurant. The $10 card provides discounts from a wide variety of area businesses.

The Steelers' cheerleading program will hold its first-ever camp this year. While that program has been slow to grow, two recent Dryden High School graduates volunteered to run the cheer part of the Steelers' program. "The girls have gotten most of their cheerleading friends to help design and organize that part of our program," Hansel said.

Last year marked the largest turnout for the Steelers organization who welcomed 105 kids into the program. The Steelers' pre-season football camp set a franchise record when 100 campers registered last season.

Hansel has implemented a new on-line registration process for the football camp at lapeersteelers.com. "Parents can sign their children up, print out the form and mail in a check or money order," Hansel added. "We are hoping by the 2006 season that we can do the same for the football and cheerleading registrations."

The Steelers practice at Annrook Park in Lapeer, and have switched home field to Dryden High School from Lapeer East, Lapeer West and Dryden where games were played on a rotating basis. A July 23 - 24 camp that runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. will offer basic skills for football players and cheerleaders. Each camper receives a certificate, lunch, and in some of the age divisions, the opportunity to participate in drills earning points for trophies.

Official team practice begins August 8 for the Steelers, and the three-team franchise will begin its eight-game schedule at the end of August. A two-game playoff system will align the teams at the end of the season.

For more information on the Lapeer Steelers, visit their website at lapeersteelers.com.

FROM THE COUNTY PRESS - 10/6/05

*** AWAITING TEXT FROM COUNTY PRESS SPORTS DEPARTMENT ***