Letter to the Editor: Jr. Griffins Not Involved in Burros Dispute
In a letter to the editor from the board members of the Mokena Jr. Griffins youth football and cheer program, the group said it was "disheartened" by the dispute between the park district and the Burros about field rentals.
While the Jr. Griffins Board is excited about their inaugural season, we are disheartened by the controversy surrounding the Mokena Community Park District (MCPD) and Mokena Burros as it erroneously infers some culpability by the Jr. Griffins. The situation is complicated and confusing; however, the issues are solely between the MCPD and the Mokena Burros. The Jr. Griffins had no involvement in the decisions of the park board concerning the Burros. In fact, we always expected that the community parks and fields would be shared. Park district resources are shared well in other area communities, and within other sports programs in Mokena. Many of the surrounding communities have multiple football programs and it hasn’t negatively impact their community.
The Jr. Griffins were formed as another option for the community. It is a different organization, playing in a very different league. Everything from the weight and age divisions, to the playing time options, mark clear differences. The primary driver in the Jr. Griffins formation was the appeal of competing in the River Valley Youth Football League. It is a highly organized, first-class
league. The choice was leave Mokena to play in the league, or bring the league to Mokena. We chose to bring the advantages of the River Valley to Mokena.
Here is why:
- Flexible weight structure that accommodates players of all weights so they may play with their friends of the same age in a safe playing environment.
- Fifth quarter (additional half of football) on weekend game days, and Wednesday night games, that maximizes playing time for all players
- Large, well organized league that includes virtually all of Mokena’s area communities
- Highly competitive (many of the best high school players in the state previously played in this league)
- Game times that start at 11 a.m. or later for more convenience
- River Valley League teams have great fields and facilities
- All siblings are in the same location, and on the same day
The Jr. Griffins are open to all tackle, cheer, and flag players. All players will receive brand new state-of-the-art equipment. Cheerleaders will be fitted with brand new cheer uniforms.
Our Mission Statement is: To develop and enhance the skills of our players in a competitive environment so that they may advance onto area high school teams and beyond. To cultivate a healthy, confident, and winning attitude through achievement and commitment. To create a purposeful and disciplined culture in which a determined team spirit prevails over individual self-interest.
We are thrilled to provide this program to the community, and sincerely hope that all football, cheer, and flag players find a comfortable place to play, regardless of what organization name is on the front of the jersey.
The Mokena Jr. Griffins Board
mary ellen
11:36 am on Saturday, March 3, 2012
Are you kidding me - and I've got some lake front property in Arizona for you!!
Pat Patrick
1:03 am on Sunday, March 4, 2012
WHAT A JOK; The Jr. Griffins Board are a big part of the controversy surrounding the Mokena Community Park District (MCPD) and Mokena Burros. The situation is not complicated and confusing. The Jr. Griffins involvement is backed and supported by the park board and Denis Bagdon In fact the incident that the park district and the Jr. Griffins are ralling around came and went over 4 months ago. Now it is center of the park districts dicision. The Park District barely supported the Burros. It does not want to support 2 teams so its using one incident to support the self serving personal desires of several park board members.
Frankfurter
11:47 am on Sunday, March 4, 2012
It's interesting that the Jr Griffins website doesn't list their board members. Would that show a conflict of interest with the park district board?
One for All
9:08 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I'd just like some more information on the cheerleading part of the Jr. Griffins. Website doesn't offer much information at all. Who is cheer director? Who is coaching the squads? What are expectations for cheer? Are they going to compete, and if so, provide details! Is it cheer, poms, or both? Please help. I need more info before I decide what team in Mokena my kids will play on.
carole
12:57 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
There is not much information about the Board at all! Can we have the list of individuals that are serving on the board? It is difficult to decide where to enroll my children. What nights of practice and what type of competition is there available to the cheerleaders? If this is such an organized league all of these things were set months ago can you just find out and give us the information?
CV
10:50 am on Sunday, March 11, 2012
Good luck Jr. Griffins. Its nice to see another organization in the area after 3 yrs of BS in Frankfort Square. Even though my Son has alot of friends in the Square, the overcrowding, and preferential treatment to coaches kids forced us to leave. My Son had enough. In the Square, the starters are chosen on Day 1 of practice before the kids are even observed. There is a pact among coaches throughout the weight levels that every coaches kid will start. Well I should say all the coaches except Juarez. He is the only coach out there that I have true respect for. The rest like Heimer and Belenger only look out for a select few. On Saturday game day, the second string will not play until at least a 4 TD lead. Our kids know the Wed games(2nd string) dont count and they really want to do there share on Saturdays. Mostly all of those coaches in the Square are trying to re-live there youth through their kids. My Son is so looking forward to switching over to the Jr. Griffins.