PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

We will field a team that excels on the field, achieves in the classroom, and positively impacts our school and community.  Every athlete in our program will be treated with respect and dignity as we strive to reach our potential as a team and as individuals.  We will honor the great game of football by always playing with class, within the rules and as hard as we physically can.

 Provide an Environment for Learning

• #1 Priority is the welfare of the players

• Safe, reconditioned & new equipment

• Coaches constantly being educated of teaching skills

• Teaching proper fundamentals with the safest technique

• Practice & video to develop players & the team

Develop a Strong Program & Tradition

• Desire to win

• State playoffs

• Be a T-Bird forever

Promote a Family Atmosphere

• Touchdown Club - Booster Club (Information at Bottom of Page)

  • pre-game dinners, game snacks & drinks, posters

• Team Camp

  • Mom’s Clinic, Dads vs Son's game, Alumni Game, Cookouts

• Fundraisers

  • Hunk Auctions, Battle of the Bigs Lineman Challenge, Touchdown Club Sponsorships, Card Sales

• End of Season Banquet

• Promote Family & Community Support

Promote Qualities that Players will use in Everyday Life

Character - Accountability - Leadership - Communication - Resilience - Time Management - Teamwork - Respect - Discipline Humility - Perseverance - Community Engagement

Provide a Program that is Positive & Rewarding for Players

• Improved athletic performance

• See progress/sense of accomplishment with hard work

• Recognition from teammates, coaches, family, etc.

• Change in body composition, improving confidence and self-esteem

• Competitive experiences for multi-sport athletes

• Enhanced resume for future opportunities

  • College Student-Athlete Eligibility Information at the bottom of the page

SUMMER WEIGHTS - PRACTICE

Mondays - Thursdays - May 28th - July 18th

(Except Week 1 is Tuesday May 28th - Friday May 31st)

• Strength & Conditioning - 6:15a - 7:30a

• Practice - 7:30a - 8:30a

• Strength & Conditioning - 8:30a - 10a

Each football related activity counts as an opportunity. The expectations are for each player to make 40+ opportunities, 50+ for a summer T-Shirt, & 70+ to receive pocket shorts & a varsity letter.

Game uniforms will be handed out based on seniority in the program (opportunities determine order within class).

There will be a summer contest with rewards for the team with the most opportunities.

NO FOOTBALL/WEIGHTS JULY 1ST - 7TH - KSHSAA MANDATRY MORATORIUM

Tuesday May 28th - Friday May 31st 3p - 6:30p

Tuesday May 28th - Seniors vs Alumni @ 5:45p

Wednesday May 29th - Moms/Aunts/Sisters/etc. Clinic @ 5:45p

Thursday May 30th - Dads/Uncles/Brothers/etc. Clinic @ 5:45p

Friday May 31st - Family Cookout @ 5p

Tuesday June 11th 7:30a vs Lawrence HS @ Shawnee Heights

Wednesday June 26th 9a vs Eudora HS & Olathe Northwest HS @ Eudora HS

Thursday July 18th 6:30p vs Holton @ Holton HS

MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL CAMP - Monday June 3rd - Thursday June 6th 10a - 11:30a

YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP - Monday June 10th - Thursday June 13th 10a - 11:30a

YOUTH SPEED & AGILITY CAMP - Monday July 8th - Thursday July 11th 10a - 11a

Monday August 5th - Thursday August 8th 7a - 8a

1st Week of School

• Monday August 12th - 1st Day of School 9th Grade ONLY

  • OPEN WEIGHTS -

    Monday August 12th @ 3pm

• Tuesday August 13th - 1st Day of School 10th - 12th Grade

  • OPEN WEIGHTS - Tuesday August 13th @ 3pm

• Wednesday August 14th - Friday August 16th

  • BOOT CAMP - @ 3p - 4p

  • EQUIPMENT CHECK OUT - @ 4p

1st Week of Practice

• Monday August 19th: 2:50p - 6:15p HELMETS ONLY

  • Parent Meeting 6p HS Auditorium

• Tuesday August 20th: 2:50p - 6:15p HELMETS ONLY

• Wednesday August 21st: 2:50p - 6:15p HELMETS & SHOULDER PADS

• Thursday August 22nd: 2:50p - 6:15p HELMETS & SHOULDER PADS

• Friday August 23rd: 2:50p - 7p FULL PADS

  • Uniform Check Out & Team/Individual Pictures

• Saturday August 24th: 8a - 11a FULL PADS TEAM SCRIMMAGE

2nd Week of Practice

• Monday August 26th: 2:50p - 6:15p FULL PADS

• Tuesday August 27th: 2:50p - 6:15p FULL PADS

• Wednesday August 28th: 2:50p - 6:15p FULL PADS

• Thursday August 29th: 2:50p - 6:15p HELMETS & SHOULDER PADS ONLY

• Friday August 30th: 6p/7p BLUE & WHITE SCRIMMAGE

Senior Night - October 18th vs Lansing

Youth Football Night - TBD

* Acknowledging the Young Thunderbirds youth tackle football program

Homecoming - September 27th vs Leavenworth

1st Place - Blue Valley High School - 965 Points

2nd Place - Eudora High School - 890 Points

3rd Place - Blue Valley West High School - 856 Points

4th Place - Shawnee Heights High School - 815 Points

5th Place - Highland Park High School - 786 Points

6th Place - Topeka West High School - 733 Points

7th Place - Royal Valley High School - 732 Points

8th Place - Washburn Rural High School - 660 Points

Top 5 athlete individual scores per school are counted towards the total team score

Points will be given for each event and then the individual athlete will be given a total score for all the events completed. The athlete with the highest individual score will be awarded the individual Battle of the Bigs Lineman Challenge winner. For team results the top 5 athletes with the highest point totals on each team will count towards that teams overall score. If a team has less than 5 all athletes scores will count. Bench press reps will be the tie breaker as needed.

Program Philosophy

The Young Thunderbirds tackle football program focuses on the 3 F’s; Fundamentals, Fun, and Future for players grades 1st-6th.  The program and the coaches focus on teaching the correct fundamentals to the youth so that they are better prepared for future athletics.  Coaches will expect a lot out of players but in return players will grow athletically, learn character, and develop team work.  Once the players grasp the fundamentals the program focuses on fun.  Youth sports are a time for athletes to develop and learn more about life than what is on the scoreboard or the end of the year record of wins and losses.  We do not allow college or professional recruiters at practice or games so the players do not need to perform at an elite level.  If a player does not have fun then they will not want to continue the game and the focus is to have our players eager to play each season.  The future is bright.  If the program teaches fundamentals and fun then the future comes next.  The goal of the program is to develop young athletes with great character and continue to play the sport. 

Coaching Philosophy

All coaches need to be USA football certified to be on the field during tackle practice, even if it is just holding bags.  We work together as a whole and good competition brings out the best in players but bad sportsmanship (against our own teams or opponents) will not be tolerated.  Football is the ultimate team sport so team cohesiveness is a must.  A team must bond and recognize each player has a role and each role is vital.  We are a team so we look like a team (game day uniforms match, including socks).  Coaches need to expect their players to make practices and if a player is going to miss they need to get the coach that information (taking attendance is highly recommended).  Coaches will explain to parents the 24 hour rule before the season starts and remind them often throughout the season.  This 24 hour rule means that discussions about a game, coaching, or an instance where emotions are high or an individual is upset, the issue is not discussed until 24 hours have passed.  This is to allow all parties involved to emotionally level out, regain the ability to think critically, and have the ability to have a rational conversation, this includes message threads and virtual communication. 

Parent Expectations

Parent are expected to support the coaches and the program.  Parents are not to yell at any player, coach, other fans in attendance during practice or games.  Parents are expected to support the coaches decisions and not undermine the coaching, positions, or philosophies at practice or games, or at home.  Parents are expected to communicate with coaches if a player will not be at practice or a game.  Parents are expected to get their player(s) to events on time.  Parents are expected to set a good example for all the players. 

Player Expectations

Players are expected to be at all events and to give 100% effort and focus.  Players are expected to be great teammates and support all players and teams in the program.  Players are expected to be on time to all events.  Players are expected to listen and focus during events.  Players are to be respectful during all events.  Players are expected to learn the game so that they can play their positions correctly and take ownership of the role they have within the team.  Players are expected to learn the fundamentals of the game.  Players are expected to be team players and not individuals; including but not limited to, game uniform, game socks, no special game apparel (pink for breast cancer).  If the program decides to do something unique all will be included and it will be for a purpose. 

For more Information on the program contact us at:

www.youngthunderbirds.com

youngthunderbirds@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/youngthunderbirds

What is the TOUCHDOWN CLUB (TDC)? 

We are non-profit organization comprised of dedicated parents and community members that support SHHS football. Our organization is here to assist the players to grow with the program allowing them to have the best experience possible. By joining TDC, it is an opportunity to get involved and show your support for a group of young adults who have come together through hard work. 

Where Do the Fees Go? 
TDC uses these funds to purchase football equipment and accessories for the players. We have purchased equipment bags, sled pads, an end zone camera and an extended Hudl package (football statics website). Other items on the programs wish list are towers for the cameras, the ability to purchase better equipment and even possibly add another coach. These are only possible with the support of our family, friends, and our community. Please consider becoming a member.

Stay In Touch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThunderbirdTouchdownClub
Email: ShawneeHeightsTDC@gmail.com

How Can You Help Our Team? 
•    Join the Touchdown Club
•    Volunteer to help with Thursday night dinners, meals and hydration, fundraising events.
•    Attend Touchdown Club meetings. 
•    Volunteer at a football events or before/after games.
•    Serve and/or Donate beverages/snacks at away games, donate cases of water and Gatorade, bring to each game.
•    Plan team meals. Help serve and/or contribute to team meals.
•    Purchase Touchdown Club spirit wear/items.

Shawnee Heights High School football program encourages the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and honesty so that our young men & women become can become better citizens in our community.  

See you at the game! GO THUNDERBIRDS!