"Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority." This was once said by Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest coaches in the history of football. Now over 50 years later, hundreds of youth football players are learning what Lombardi's famous quote means as they begin their paths in football right here in Downers Grove.
The Downers Grove football community is fortunate to be the home of two rapidly growing youth tackle football organizations: Crusaders Football and Panther Football & Cheer. The spike in the numbers of both programs has shown youth football is on the rise again, as these programs have offered the knowledge, communication, and safety certifications needed to change the misconceptions about concussions and violence in football.
Safety is the priority of both programs. All coaches and volunteers are certified annually through organizations such as USA Football Heads Up and Tackling. During the certifications, they learn the proper techniques of tackling, concussion awareness, and protocol enforcement. Having trained medical staff on the field is essential to determine if injured players are allowed to return to the field. Making sure all helmets are re-certified yearly by the manufacturer is mandatory for the safety of all players.
Both the Crusaders and the Panthers also believe a big misconception is the age at which one should start their child in tackle football. How young is too young? "Confidence. The younger the player starts, the more confidence they gain, which provides awareness and comfort on the field," said Pete Jezyk, the head Crusaders football coach. "They learn the game, how to tackle properly, and the repetitive movements produce muscle memory which is important at an early age," added Rudy Garcia, President of the Panther Board.
The mission for both programs coincides as both strive to foster good sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, hard work, and discipline while developing a love for the game. They both provide positive role models in their volunteer staff and promote a team atmosphere that encourages athletes to be the best they can be on and off the field. The feeling of community is strong in both programs, and many remain friends after they have aged out of the program.
Downers Grove Magazine had the chance to sit down with Jezyk and Garcia to learn more about what makes each program unique.
Faith, Family, Community and Football
"The Crusaders continue the tradition of prayer before each game and carry on competitiveness with Christian values, which we instill in each," said Jezyk. "These values stick with the players both on and off the field for years after they are done playing with us."
The Crusaders football program has been running for over 65 years. It consists of a junior varsity (fifth and sixth grade) and varsity (seventh and eighth grade). Both teams have an average of 30 players. The players in the program come from St. Joseph's School and St. Mary's of Gostyn School, both in Downers Grove. Public school students who are enrolled in Religious Education are also eligible to participate on the team.
The Crusaders played in the Suburban Parochial Football League until last year. Over the last ten years, the varsity team has brought home four championships and was runner-up three times. They are now playing as part of the Southside Catholic Conference League. The conference consists of seven regular league games, plus the playoffs and an All-Star Game. There are two summer camps provided in July for fifth through eighth graders.
One of the biggest additions to the Crusaders' programs is that 100% of players use Insite Helmet Technology (IHT). IHT is a smart-helmet technology that records and analyzes the location and the severity of the impact and reports them directly to the coaches. "This technology gave us peace of mind knowing about the extra layer of safety provided, especially with the coaches monitoring it," said Cindy Clifford, mother of eighth-grade student Cannon Clifford who has played tackle football for three years.
The Difference is in the Heart
The Panthers Football & Cheer organization, established in 1964, is a founding member of the Bill George Youth Football League (BGYFL). "We are proud of our football and cheer athletes, that are Panther alumni, who give back to our community as positive role models both on and off the field," said Garcia.
The organization consists of athletes ranging from second grade through eighth grade for tackle football and cheer, plus a Flag Football program starting as early as kindergarten. To date, there are 480 athletes signed up for the upcoming season. The Panther teams consist of players from surrounding suburbs, and the league plays across 24 towns. Last season, the Panthers had 17 teams and hoping for 21 this fall.
The Panthers have a nine-week regular season followed by the playoffs and a Superbowl. This past season the organization had nine teams in the playoffs and two Superbowl Champions. There are two camps available in the offseason to anyone, which allow athletes to get acclimated to football and understand what it means to be a Panther football player. This is a great opportunity for those who signed up for the season or want to try it out before signing up. "These camps allow our athletes, both football and cheer, to have a taste of the Panther Family; many sign up for the real season," said Garcia.
Along with six football coaches clinics held during the off season, one of the biggest additions to the Panther's program is the coaches development program. The program, overseen by two individuals with IHSA Football Certification, is designed to provide, educate, and assist all coaches in using the same terminology and verbiage used at the high school levels. "This will help the athletes acclimate and better understand what a coach is teaching them and will allow them to be more successful when they transition to high school," said Garcia.
Downers Grove is fortunate to have the options in this football community. Jezyk and Garcia both believe the camaraderie the kids have for each other starts at a young age and sticks with them throughout high school – sometimes even against each other. They make great memories playing football. And many have returned to give back where their career once began, right here in Downers Grove.
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Cynthia Maquet
Downers Grove Magazine July 2023
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