Lenoir City Youth Football Organization

Traegdy Strikes our Football Family

Joe Webb — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:06:51 GMT

I have just gotten off the telephone with Stephen Smith and he asked me to post the tragic news that former LCYFO standout Coty Bluford passed away today as the result of an accident at school.

That is all the information that I have right now but as more information comes available, it will be posted here.

For now, we express our love for Coty and the Bluford family and urge everyone to keep this family in your prayers.

I have great difficulty posting this unhappy news because the dept and scope of this tragedy is simply unfathomable.

Update: Services Scheduled Reported at WATE

Coty's family will have visitation on Saturday at First Baptist Church in Lenoir City from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will follow at 7:00 p.m.

There will be a graveside service on Sunday at Lakeview Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

The school is planning a memorial service, but those plans aren't complete yet.

Update: Memorial Fund Reported at WBIR\

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Coty Bluford Memorial Schoparship Fund through the Lenoir City Schools central office or Vaughn's Chapel Baptist Church.

Amazing example of sportsmanship!

Joe Webb — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:51:44 GMT

Injured WOU player helped around bases after hitting homer

MATT MONAGHAN, Stateman Journal

April 30, 2008

Last weekend's softball series between Western Oregon and Central Washington was supposed to be a battle between two teams trying to win a conference championship.

But as the Wolves boarded their bus back home to Monmouth from Ellensburg, Wash., Saturday, no one cared much about the outcome.

That's because a rare act of sportsmanship � a gesture that left nary a dry eye among those who witnessed it first hand � during the second game of a doubleheader overshadowed who won and who lost.

With the first-place Wolves two games ahead of the Wildcats in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings, Saturday's late-season doubleheader figured to be a hard-nosed affair.

And after WOU won the first game 8-1, Central Washington was determined to salvage a split.

In the second inning of a scoreless game two, 5-foot-2 WOU senior reserve Sara Tucholsky, batting just .088 (3 for 34) on the season, stepped to the plate.

The Forest Grove-native had never hit a home run in her four-year career, so when she hit the second offering she saw from Wildcats pitcher Katriina Reime over the center field fence, Tucholsky and her teammates and coaches went nuts.

"Finally, I was thinking, after all that hard work I finally hit one. It was my goal all year," said Tucholsky.

"The ball was a shot," WOU head coach Pam Knox said. "Our dugout erupted, and I'm jumping around like a little kid."

Knox, the Wolves' third base coach, was high-fiving the other two players as they jogged home, but Tucholsky wasn't following behind.

"I thought, 'Where's Sara?,' " Knox said.

Tucholsky, running to first base and caught up in her own exuberance, watched the ball sail over the fence and missed the bag "by five feet," she said.

Recognizing her error, she quickly turned back to touch the base and then ... then there was nothing but pain.

It was her right knee. It had given out.

One moment Tucholsky was on top of the world after hitting a three-run homer in a crucial game. The next, she lay in a crumpled heap, in tears, in the dirt off first � her only home run seemingly destined to be erased by a cruel twist of fate.

"The pain was pretty overwhelming. I don't remember much else," Tucholsky said. "It didn't go through my head (about losing the home run) right away."

Despite the ball going over the fence, a home run only counts if the player runs around the bases. Assistance from a teammate or trainer isn't allowed.

Knox's first reaction was that Tucholsky's injury was nothing more than her problematic ankles acting up again and that she'd be able to recover enough to hobble around the bases.

"I was waiting for her to sit up; I figured she just needed a minute to calm down and assess the situation, but it wasn't happening," Knox said.

Having never experienced anything like this in her 20-plus years of coaching, Knox didn't know what to do.

She conferred with the umpires, who explained that Tucholsky could remain at first base, but that her home run would officially be scored as nothing more than a long single.

Assuming no other option, Knox started back toward the WOU dugout to call for a pinch runner.

Then came a voice.

It was Mallory Holtman, Central Washington's senior first baseman and career leader in home runs and a host of other offensive school records.

Without prompting, the four-year starter asked if she and a teammate could carry Tucholsky around the bases, ensuring Tucholsky got her home run.

"I was in shock," Knox said. "I never even thought of it."

Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace each grabbed one of Tucholsky's legs and carried her firefighter-style to each base, gently letting her down to tap each with her uninjured left foot.

The poignancy of the moment wasn't lost on anyone, especially Tucholsky.

"I just said, 'Thank you guys so much,' " Tucholsky said.

The three fell into giggles as they slowly made their way, briefly lightening the moment, but everyone else was in tears.

"I was bawling like a baby," Knox said. "Fans were crying, players. We were so moved."

Holtman recalled her act in an interview with ESPN.com.

"Honestly, it's one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me," she said. "She hit the ball over the fence. She's a senior; it's her last year. ... It's the right thing to do. She was obviously in agony."

Western Oregon went on to win the game 4-2, not that anyone really cared.

As soon as the players boarded the bus they each got on their cell phones, telling family and friends about the unique turn of events. State Sen. Peter Courtney, a Western Oregon administrator, called the Statesman Journal to make sure a report would be published in Sunday's edition.

And soon the story caught fire.

Western Oregon's sports information director, Russ Blunck, was bombarded with media requests, including one from the New York Times.

"I was really surprised, because we're a small, D-II school, and it's women's athletics," Knox said.

Tucholsky said she doesn't know quite how to react to all the attention.

"I'm wondering why everyone wants to talk to me, they (Holtman and Wallace) were the ones who did it," she said.

"But if this story can bring some good, then it's worth it."

The injury to Tucholsky's knee won't be diagnosed until after the swelling has gone down, but her season is definitely over, she said.

That's too bad, considering the Wolves are in a good position to make an appearance at the NCAA D-II regionals for the first time in school history.

Knox already has assured Tucholsky that she'll travel with the team if they qualify.

But no matter how WOU's season plays out, it won't be remembered for wins and losses.

"It was a huge lesson in teaching us that although we're always trying to work hard and be the best, it's moments like that that you respect that it's just a game," Knox said. "I hope it's a lesson my players will never forget. I certainly won't."

mmonaghan@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6700

Refund for T-Shirts and Hoodies

Joe Webb — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:27:13 GMT

Submitted by: Stephen Smith

I have been unable to talk with Jerry about the tees and hoodies, so we will be refunding the money to everyone that paid for them. Please contact me at 256-1481 to make arrangements, and once again, I apologize for the delay and inconvenience.

I would like to thank everyone who attended the members meeting, I believe it was a good meeting. I will be sure to keep everyone informed when we will meet with Coach Zellers and Coach Wampler about the middle school program.

Stephen Smith

Hoodies and T-Shirts / Membership Meeting Attendance Urged

Joe Webb — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:45:38 GMT

Submitted by: Stephen Smith

I talked to Jerry, and the Hopper hoodies and t-shirts will be here Wednesday, March 26. Sorry for the delay. Please contact me at 256-1481 to make arrangements to pick them up. I also have Cutter Jackets for Matt Davis and Abe Marquez, but have been unable to reach them at the phone numbers I have. If anyone knows how to reach them, please contact me.

We had another great year in 2007, and I hope we continue to grow in 2008.

I would like to encourage All members that can to attend the members meeting, we want everyones input on the new challenges we face this year. We will be discusssing the middle school program, electing officers, and opening the floor for members to express their views on how to make our program better, so please try to attend.

Thanks,

Stephen Smith

Annual Membership Meeting

Joe Webb — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:20:16 GMT

The Annual Membership Meeting and Election of Officers for 2008 will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at City Hall in Lenoir City at 6:00pm. It is important that everyone come out and let their voices be heard as we face a new year of opportunities and challenges.

NOTE: I got this information through a brief phone conversation with Stephen Smith. If I got anything wrong, someone please correct it. UPDATED: Thanks for the corrections Rachel.

Cheerleading DVDs / Spring Camps

Joe Webb — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:51:26 GMT

Submitted by: Rachel White

Parents of Cheerleaders that purchased a DVD at the Grand Competition.... I have been informed that the DVD's were not correct and for that reason they are refunding all the monies. If you purchased you should receive a check from Riceville in the next couple days if you haven't already. Sorry for any incovenence this may cause.

Spring Camp! Parents of returning Cheerleaders or new cheerleaders... Keep your eyes on this site for upcoming dates on Spring Camps for Boys and Girls!

Junior Trip

Joe Webb — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:22:09 GMT

Submitted by: Bryan Williams

The Champion Juniors will leave this Friday for the team trip. Be at civitan between 5:15 and 5:30.

Cheerleading News

Joe Webb — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:45:01 GMT

Submitted by: Rachel White

Parents, if you purchased a DVD at Grand Competition! There was a problem with production. They are trying to work it out and will try to deliver the DVD's to me at the next conference meeting in Feburary. I am hoping there is a list with everyone's name and numbers with them. I will contact everyone I can with them when She delivers them. Feel free to email me if you made a purchase.

Cutter Cheerleading Parents:

Our Banquet will be Sunday, Jan. 20 at Kingston Pike Church on Hwy 95 in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a dessert and a 2 liter drink. Please try to wear your warmup or and LCYFO shirt for pictures.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful new year.

Happy New Year!

Joe Webb — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:20:59 GMT

Submitted by: Rachele White

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Have a safe and Happy one!

Happy Holidays from Bryan Williams

Joe Webb — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:52:25 GMT

Submitted by: Bryan Williams

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP EACH OF YOU IN THE COMING NEW YEAR!!!!!

Note to Rachel

Joe Webb — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:30:03 GMT

Submitted by: Eve Studwell

RAE WHITE,

WANTED TO SAY A SPECIAL "THANK YOU" FOR THE HELP YOU GAVE TO THE JUNIOR CHEERLEADERS/FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN DECORATING FOR THEIR BANQUET. YOU WERE THERE (AND GIVEN WITH SUCH SHORT NOTICE) WHIPPING OUT YOUR EXPERIENCED TALENT. WE MARVELED AT YOUR SIGN MAKING SKILLS.

MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO AND DID FOR OUR JUNIORS AND THAT WHICH YOU DO FOR LCYFO ALL YEAR.

YOU ARE GREAT--EVE STUDWELL

Message from Bryan Williams

Joe Webb — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:35:45 GMT

Submitted by: Bryan Williams

Well, the banquet was a great success and I want to thank all those that contributed to making it a great afternoon. I just finished watching a fantastic video put together by Hayden and his dad and man...what a feeling..to re-live many of those great plays over and over again. This was a fantastic gift and I am sure all of the coaches cherish and appreciate it as much as I do. This championship will always be one of the most special times in my life and words can't express how grateful I am to have been part of such a special group of young men, who, through perseverance and teamwork achieved the ultimate goal they strived for.This group is destined for great things in their lives on and off the field if they will always stick together and work as a team. This Juniors championship is only the beginning. Have a great holiday everyone and may God bless each of you and remember, put those trophies in a spot where Santa can see that We Are The Champions...Ho! Ho! Ho!...Coach Bryan "BRUNO" Williams

Cricket and Hopper Banquets (combined)

Joe Webb — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:20:08 GMT

Submitted by: Julie Bowen

The Crickets and Hoppers will be having their banquet together on Saturday, December 15, 2007. The banquet will be at North Middle School from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. If you have any questions please contact your team mom.

Message From Hayden Bliss

Joe Webb — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:28:45 GMT

Submitted by: Hayden Bliss, 2007 LCYFO Junior, #30

Well Well Well, What a year we had. When I came into this year I expected nothing more than a normal football season, but it turned out to be so much more.

At first, I could care less what we did this season. But, after a few practices and games I realized we had a chance to something special, all we needed was the right coaching.....and we definitely had it. Coming into the season I didn't expect much, but Mr. Willis, Bruno, Eddie, Elmo, Jason and the rest of the coaches thought me the value of teamwork, and in order to win it has to be a total team effort. Not only did they help me get better as a football player, but they helped me become a better person.

After this school year as some of you know I will be moving, so I most likely will never see most of my team mates and coaches again. As i started to realize that I started to appricate the game of football, and the time and effort our coaches made in order to make us a championship football team. I will cherish the friendships I made this year forever.

This was a special year for the LCYFO Juniors and I am proud to be a part of it. Thank you to my coaches: Elmo, Eddie, Jason, Bill Studwell, Butterbean, Bruno, and especially head coach Mr. Willis. You've all tought me so much and I am very greatful for that. I will take the things you have taught me and use them to become a better player, student, and person.....THANK YOU!

Message From Coach Billy Willis

Joe Webb — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:57:07 GMT

Submitted by: Billy Willis

I would like to thank my parents, my players and my LCYFO for allowing me to be a part of your lives. It's a wonderful feeling to know that each of you have supported me the past 4 years. It's an honor to be associated with you all.

I'm anxious to see what the next 20 years or how ever long God and LCYFO allows me to be a coach. We have some great players coming up and moving on to the High School. We need to support these fine athletes all the way thru High School no matter what might happen from here on out. I can guarantee you that this Fat Boy will be there on Friday nights, and I'll coach these kids with all my heart and soul!!

I'd like to thank all my coaches for the dedication and support that you all have given to the team and me. I hope and pray that you will continue helping me for as long as you can. You did a great Job preparing these kids each week. You made me look pretty good and I like that. My job was easier because of you.

Here is a special and heart filled thanks to the worlds greatest team mom a feller could have. Eve Studwell!! She has made my life as a coach easier for the past 3 years. I love her like my own mother. She has taken care of me and the team and allowed me to focus all of my attention to coaching these young men. I will always keep her and her wonderful family in my thoughts and prayers!!

Congratulations to my senoir players for a wonderful Championship year. This team will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because we won the championship, but for watching these kids turn into fine young men. Knowing that I had a part in that will always make them a true champion. I love each and everyone of these young men like they were my own. I think they've taught me more than I could ever teach them. I pray they will always keep God first and know that they have someone to come to if they ever need to talk, not just about football, but life in general!
God bless you all in everything you do!!

Coach Billy Willis (986-0210)

Juniors In Christmas Parade

Joe Webb — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 22:10:06 GMT

Submitted by: Bryan Williams

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I was talking with Coach Billy Willis and he thought it would be great for our undefeated champion juniors to be in the Christmas parade THIS Sunday. The parade is at 3pm, however all Juniors need to be in the YALE parking lot, by 2PM to line up. PLAYERS NEED TO WEAR THEIR WHITE JERSEYS....This will be a great way for Loudon County to see our undefeated champions..See you at the parade line up..2PM Sunday....GOBBLE...GOBBLE...GOBBLE...Coach Bruno

Happy Thanksgiving!

Joe Webb — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:45:47 GMT

Submitted by: Rachel White

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Request for Contact Information

Joe Webb — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:48:40 GMT

Submitted by: Julie Bowen

I am trying to get the cricket banquet together. However, I am missing a few of the players phone #'s. I need #'s for Andrew Hackworth and Taylor Green. My email address is juliebow911yahoo.com (replace AT with @ sign). Thanks.

Member Submitted Photos

Joe Webb — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:39:12 GMT

Lori Williams kindly submitted some photos of the bus trip to the championship and the game itself. They are in the photo gallery under "Member Submitted Photos".

Thanks Lori!

Championship Gallery

Joe Webb — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:04:22 GMT

The 2007 Championship gallery is up. There are lots of problems with the junior photos. Some of them are good, but many are not as clear as I would like. That is mostly because the lighting conditions at Riceville after sun-down are horrible, and partly because I had trouble getting my settings right in the changing lighting conditions.

Anyway, I hope you find something in them to enjoy.