 HYS
FORMS NEW FOOTBALL TEAM
We at
Harborcreek Youth Services are looking forward to August 16, 2008. That’s the
date of the initial scrimmage for the HYS Spartans, the first football team in
HYS history. The scrimmage will take place at Kennedy Catholic High School in
Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The HYS Spartans have been accepted as a District 10
team of the PIAA and will play at the Class A level. Click
here to view the Spartans'
schedule.
The new football team resulted
from discussions among HYS employees who sought to offer our clients an
additional opportunity to develop their athletic skills and their ability to
work as a team.
According to HYS Child Care
Counselor Rob Matz, “This is about giving these kids a second chance. Many of
these boys have not had an opportunity to play organized sports.” Matz, who
serves as the Spartans’ head coach, has coached at Cathedral Prep for the past
nine seasons. He has also coached at Mercyhurst College and Holy Rosary
Elementary School.
Harborcreek Youth Services admits
adolescent males between the ages of 12 through 18. Teens who are enrolled in
grades 9 through 12 at HYS are eligible to play on the team. Younger boys, or
clients who prefer not to play, may serve as managers or statisticians.
At present, the team is
concentrating on weight training, plyometrics, and speed exercises. In the
months to come, boys will compete against each other and engage in summer
workouts.
The Spartans have widespread
agency and community support. A booster club meets monthly, local individuals
and businesses have contributed money toward uniforms and equipment, and local
media coverage has been favorable. But those who are most enthusiastic about the
football program are the members of the team.
There is a possibility that as
the program develops, a football field may be constructed on the HYS main campus
on Iroquois Avenue. In the meantime, Spartan home games will be played at
Mercyhurst College.
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