Week 5
Well, it is the midpoint of the season, and time has flown by. It is exciting to see all the success that is happening across the high school football landscape. Now, it is not just about the wins and losses, of course the game is played to be won, but looking deeper into these programs; it is about the development of players and the teams. Each program is fighting every week to get the win, but the underlying factor is the development, and it is amazing to see! And this is the true measure of successful seasons! This week, I wanted to highlight a program that continues to foster a winning (on and off the field) culture. A program that is far and away (literally) been highlighted as a consistent force to be reckoned with.
West Plains Football
West Plains football continues to have great numbers for its football program and even more so with the 14 seniors that they have this year. Moreover, Coach Joel Wyatt was ecstatic about this year being the third year for him. Having worked with the upperclassmen for the last three years has really given the program the continuity that they need on the gridiron. Furthermore, this has allowed the team to adapt to Coach Wyatt’s style. As a result, the team has shown improvement in both their offensive and defensive strategies, making them a formidable force. The support from the community and the relentless spirit of the players have been pivotal in driving the success of the program, creating an environment where young athletes can thrive and achieve their potential.
Community Impact
West Plains football program takes pride in serving their community with dedication and enthusiasm, demonstrating their commitment in various impactful ways. One significant way that the team makes a positive impact is through their consistent efforts in greeting and meeting elementary school-aged children; the players actively engage with these young students, building rapport and serving as role models through meaningful interactions and fun activities. Another impactful avenue is the players’ voluntary involvement in the youth football camp and the flag football program, where they mentor younger aspiring athletes, fostering a love for the game. Additionally, the commitment of the players extends to participating in the Special Olympics, where they volunteer their time and energy to support these extraordinary athletes. The team’s presence at such events provides much-needed assistance and shows the inclusive spirit and strong character of the West Plains football program. By engaging in these diverse activities, the players leave a lasting positive impression on the community, embodying the true essence of leadership.
Quarterback Club
Another great aspect of the West Plains football program is the Quarterback Club. This is an organization that helps the program with financial constraints. The QB Club has a few focus points, such as fund raising, providing meals to the team, and purchasing larger items. Not only do they ensure that the team is well-fed and equipped, but they also take pride in enhancing the overall experience for players. A highlighted recent purchase was the acquisition of 50 open lockers for the players to use, along with the purchase of a couple of tackling dummies and linemen gloves. This equipment has significantly improved the team’s training sessions and provided a sense of ownership and pride in their facilities. Additionally, this initiative is part of a broader community-based outreach that fosters a deeper connection between the team and the community. The QB Club also organizes various community events, engages with local businesses for sponsorships, and collaborates with alumni to strengthen the program’s support network. Annually, the QB Club will host a dinner, which is their biggest fund-raising event of the year. This highly anticipated event usually includes auctions, making it a night to remember for all attendees.
Tough to Play in West Plains
It is tough to play West Plains in West Plains. Opposing competitors have mentioned that one of the challenges is the bus ride to West Plains, it is a long way from everywhere. This makes game preparations tough because timelines are adjusted, changed, moved, and accommodations to schedules must be made. Essentially, from a planning perspective, everything is moved. This creates a break in routine, which throws everything off. Another challenge to play West Plains at the house of the Zizzer is that that the opposing team locker room area is a bit of a walk from the school to the field, not to mention that it is downhill to the field and…yep, uphill back. Just another obstacle that coaching staffs must prepare for and plan around. Lastly, it is the environment that the community creates rallying around their football program that causes challenges for teams to overcome. Their support his heard and felt during the game, and I say, good on you West Plains keep it roaring!
Feeder Schools
One unique thing that I learned from visiting with Coach Wyatt was that West Plains has four feeder schools. This means that there are four community schools that will eventually send their freshmen to West Plains High School to finish out their education. This aspect of tapping into the talent that is in the surrounding areas of West Plains can have a positive impact on their football program. Now, this does not come without its own unique challenges. For instance, it is difficult to get the youth from the schools plugged in early to the youth football program, however, in the cases where they were able to, the impact was positive. Moreover, working with multiple feeder schools requires a streamlined approach to ensure consistency in training and skill development across the different schools. Coach Wyatt mentioned that establishing a robust communication with these feeder schools is crucial for synchronizing their efforts. Additionally, there is a need to foster a sense of unity and pride among the players from different schools, which can be achieved through camps and community events. Finally, the integration of these schools into a single competitive team demands an inclusive culture where every player feels valued and part of the larger West Plains football community.
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2 responses to “Week 5 – West Plains Football”
Go ZIZZERS!!
Yessir!