Letter to the Editor: Mokena Burros Tradition Continues

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 , 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 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.