TWO FOR ONE
JTHS FRESHMAN FOOTBALL TEAMS
JOLIET -- Darvell Luckett, 14, is glad he's not playing at Joliet West High School.
For the first time since 1993, Joliet Central High School freshmen don't need to grab a bus to get to football practice at Joliet West for the district football team.
(Liz Wilkinson Allen/Staff photographer)
(Liz Wilkinson Allen/Staff photographer)
(Liz Wilkinson Allen/Staff photographer)
This year, there are two freshman football teams -- one for each school -- the Joliet West Tigers and Joliet Central Steelmen.
"It feels good. You are the center of attention and everyone is looking for you to do good. We can do it by ourselves and we don't need help from another school," said Darvell, who plays wide receiver.
This school year, there will be more opportunities for freshmen to play as the district brings back two sports teams for freshmen only. The following year, sophomores will be added. And, when these freshmen are juniors, the seniors -- Class of 2011 -- will return back to their home schools to play ball on each school's varsity team.
"It is an exciting time for us at Joliet Central. We will begin again to re-establish the identity of Central in the classroom and in extracurricular activities," said Jason Cappel, freshman coach. "The student athletes will have more opportunities to participate athletically and be the first to use the new field houses. I look forward to the increased school pride as we begin our rivalry again with Joliet West."
On Monday, about 10 new players showed up to practice after the first day of school. Coaches put up fliers letting freshmen know to show up at the athletic field across Collins Street and they were on the team.
At Central, there were about 50 students at practice -- some wearing their blue and gold jerseys. Cappel said in the past there were 120 freshmen on the township team, which meant there were fewer opportunities to play. And, for the Joliet Central freshmen, they are practicing on the field more compared to last year when they spent 30 minutes on an activity bus to get to and from practice.
Jonathan Curry, 15, a receiver, likes that the team is in one building.
"It gives you a better opportunity to know your players," he said, adding he will see them in the hallways and in classes.
As of Wednesday, Joliet West Tigers had 86 players -- up 16 players from one year ago at this time, said Steve Locke, assistant director for activities and athletics and coach of the freshman team.
"Without a doubt, more Joliet West freshmen with have a chance to play. The same is true at Central. With 44 starting positions, at the A and B levels, the opportunity is there for the taking," Locke said. "In my opinion, this situation is a good thing because you have kids playing for the school in which they attend on a daily basis. It will help tremendously with building a positive school climate and creating more school spirit. The more kids competing on the athletic field the better. We hope that grades will improve across the board while using athletics as the motivator."
The football rivalry will officially begin when Joliet West Tigers and Joliet Steelmen freshman teams face off at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Ave.
Myles Stafford, 14, tight end, is ready.
"We just want to kill West to show them we are better," he said. "It's a big deal."
