Letter to the Editor: Mokena Burros Tradition Continues
As the Mokena Burros youth football, cheerleading and flag program readies for its 49th season, a letter to the editor from board President Joe Lentz.
Players of the Mokena Burros Blue Light Jr. team watch the rain during a delay of their game, Saturday, Aug. 20.
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The Mokena Burros Football, Cheerleading and Flag program begin plans for the 49th season. The rich tradition, high spirit and fulfillment live on in Mokena. The current board is working diligently to prepare for the 2012 season.
For as long as there has been a Lincoln-Way High School, the Mokena Burros Tackle Football and Cheerleading Programs have provided the School with a range of talent for the high school programs.
A “feeder program” that built confidence, understanding of the game, skill sets and leadership. All allowing for the young boys and girls to excel at the high school level. The program inspires teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity that aid our young athletes, not only in sports, but in life. Until the early 2000’s, the Burros wore the Lincoln-Way colors of Red and Black. Today, after the split of East and Central, we proudly wear the Lincoln-Way East colors of “Blue, Black and White.”
The Burros have come a long way since 1963 when Mr. Krueger began a program with just one team. Most of the equipment was used or borrowed, including the spikes worn by the boys. Today, the Burros have storage trailers full of helmets, shoulder pads and such to provide for tackle football players from second to eighth grade.
Ten teams played for the Burros in 2011. Our sixth-grade Black Pee Wee Jr’s and the seventh-grade Blue Light Weight Jr’s took the Southwest Midget Football Super Bowl titles. The sixth-grade Black Pee Wee Jr’s made it to the Super Bowl Championship Game, coming up just short. Nearly all 10 teams registered a winning season.
Thousands were spent last year on Cheer Uniforms to showcase our seven cheerleading squads. The Burros Cheerleaders not only looked good, but rocked the competition scene in October and November last year. Many squads boasted multiple First Place wins. All seven Squads stole the show at the SWCCL League Competition; bring home the First Place Gold. An unprecedented achievement in League Competition.
Our Flag Football Program is our “feeder program” for tackle football. Young boys and girls learn the basics of football in a non-contact format. The skills they learn early on propel them to do great things in tackle football. In 2011, the flag program expanded to include a 9- to 11-year-old level for those who wanted the competition, but did not feel tackle football was for them. The Burros are looking into expanding the Flag Program again for 2012. Check our website often for news on this new level.
The Burros Board comprises volunteer individuals with football and cheerleading experience. The Board works 12 months each year to prepare for each season. Our Football, Cheer and Flag coaches work tirelessly to prepare their teams each years starting in August. This year will be no different. The dedication and devotion of the volunteers to the Burros Program cannot be matched.
2012 registration is schedule from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 8 for alumni and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 22 for open registration. Both dates will be held at Mokena Elementary School in the cafeteria.
Forty-nine years and going strong. We have several players that are now second generation to the Burros. We look forward to these young men and women bringing their children back in the years to come. As said by so many, and for so long, "Once a Burro, Always a Burro."
For more information on the Mokena Burros, go to www.mokenaburros.com.
In This article
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Lincoln-Way Central High School
1801 E Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL -
Lincoln-Way East High School
201 Colorado Ave, Frankfort, IL
DR- Mokena
7:54 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
Good for the Burros organization....however the coaches have to tone it down a bit....it's not about you guys, but rather about the kids. No Burros coach has ever or ever will go onto the NFL. I enjoyed the Burros much more back in the 80's and 90's, as the coaches attitudes and demeanor have deteriorated in this new "me generation".
patrick markham
11:39 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
"Example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach" (Albert Einstein). Dennis Bagdon (Pres of Park District) arranged for Mokena School District 159 to allow his park district usage of some property. Mr. Bagdon made that ground available to Burros. Bravo !
Together we can do so much.
Patrick Markham
patrick markham
2:16 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
Can one say too much about town pride and leadership? I hope not, I want to be sure to mention that Mr. Dennis Bagdon has gone on to expanding opportunities for community children, parents, in forming do i dare call it an expansion team???
Mokena Junior Griffins Football , will now be expanding the opportunity , flexibility , for the children/parents.
You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they're going. So athletic and other activities are very much appreciatted, kudos again Mr Bagdon.
Patrick Markham
Dave Mench
8:20 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
The burros are on a rapid decline. The hunniford clan ruined this tradition. They only care about their kids not yours. They are not a Lincoln way feeder program They ate a providence feeder program
Dennis P. Bagdon
4:20 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Mokena Jr Griffins is a program for all kids who will play,and where safety, fun and learning the game comes first. The Jr. Griffins will participate in one the best youth football programs in the Southwest. They will be part of the River Vallet youth football league,where they will play teams from Frankfort,New Lenox, Joliet , Lemont, Orland Hills, Romeoville, Morris and Manhattan. It will be a true feeder to the Lincoln way school dist.
mt
12:45 pm on Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Burros is an outstanding program. I've had three boys and one girl go through the program and our memories as a family will last forever. All youth programs will have their issues, as will the Junior Griffins. There will always be disgruntled parents and organization officials, as is the make up of this new organization. Bagdon's track record speaks for itself. He left the Wildcats to come to the Burros... now he's leaving the Burros to go to the Junior Griffins. That in itself speaks volumes.
lori
12:34 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
. Dennis Bagdon is all about the kids and Mokena unlike many of the Burros board members .It takes good people to have a good organization--- which is why the new Jr. Griffins will be a great addition for the children of Mokena.
Pam
1:09 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012
It will be a great addition to Mokena Football, I agree. It just shouldn't be the ONLY Mokena Football.
Brett
7:56 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Dennis Bagdon is all about himself.
MA
5:48 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
There is a very interesting article that was published in the South Town Star about the Burros organization and how they treat children. Read it for yourself at www.southtownstar.com
Concerned mom, and resident!!
2:56 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
People we are loosing perspective here, its all about the "KIDS", fun, and safety. I am a Mokena resident and have had all 3 of my kids go through the Cheerleading and Football program, and now I am ashamed at the behavior and self centerness of the "Adults" that are suppose to be mentors for our children!! My child will not play this year as a result of all the BS that is going on. Step back and take a good hard look of what selfish childish behavior the Adults are displaying!! Get aloong kids, be the best you can be, welcome change, stop dwelling on the BS!!