Vigo should rally behind football feeder program

On December 14th, the Readers’ Forum had a letter regarding high school sports and stated that “The Front Porch of any community are their high schools. Specifically, their sports programs.” Although this applies to all sports, my specific experience has been football.

For years we have failed the VCSC High School Football Programs and specifically our kids. The experience is much better for all involved if teams are competitive and can win. We need to do better. It would be easy to blame the past VCSC administrations, but that is not the solution. We need significant change.

Over the past 10 years our football teams average approximately 3 wins per season. Many of our sports are in similar situations. Pockets of talented kids have provided short term success and excitement, but it has not been sustainable. Terre Haute South is currently competitive, winning half of their games the past two years. Terre Haute North, on the other hand, just finished their first 0-10 season in school history. West Vigo is struggling as well.

As a result, participation is down, and players are playing in other school districts. Yes, we have a very large number of our children attending school in surrounding counties. In addition to losing kids, you also lose families. These families, often, are the ones that are passionate and volunteer to help.

One of the reasons for the lack of success is that our feeder system is broken. We’ve had two independent youth leagues and a travel league for the past 10 years. In my opinion, there are not enough quality coaches for one league, let alone multiple leagues. Our kids are not properly prepared as incoming freshmen for high school football and the results show. We need to consolidate with strong leadership.

If the VCSC won’t add 7th and 8th grade football, like all other Indiana school corporations, they should at a minimum collaborate and support the youth programs. Also, the middle school football coaches should be accountable to the respective high school program.

Finally, all three high schools need full-time strength and conditioning coaches who teach these skills during every school day. Very few male and female athletes will reach their full potential without it.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers but am just trying to rally support for a worthy cause and predict we can and will do better.

— Scooter Grim Terre Haute