Stories from the PSJFL:

I have been part of the PSJFL since its inception in 1997, first as a parent, then volunteer, President of the Federal Way franchise, and finally for the last 7 years, Commissioner. I have three sons who spent a combined 15 years playing for the Hawks, and have seen first-hand what that experience has done for them - they have grown into responsible, respectful, well-rounded guys who have continued to play football, baseball, basketball, track, tennis and wrestling. The life lessons that football instilled at an early age has absolutely made the difference for them and I'm convinced will continue to make a difference for them as they grow into adults. (Update 7/2006: Ryan was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy!)

The experiences that our children go through in football and cheer are the ones they will eventually go through in life: they will have to work hard, when they get knocked down they will have to get up again, they will have to be part of a team and so will have to learn how to be a good teammate, they will have to take resposibility and will rely on others to take responsibility, they will learn how to win and lose with humility, they will learn commitment and dedication to make themselves better, they will learn punctuality, they will learn respect for their coaches and teammates, they will learn that life is not all about just them anymore - it takes others to help reach your goals, they will learn that they really can get into shape if they run every day for two hours :- ), and the experiences they have here will stay with them forever...

This league is a place where I have met friends who are some of the best I've ever had. They are people who want to share their positive energy and experiences for the benefit of our kids. Sometimes the work is very hard and it doesn't always seem to be rewarded, but I keep going with this thought in mind: although the kids who take part in our program probably will never know my name, I'm trying hard to be a part of what's right here in the PSJFL, and that some of my decisions will help make them better people as they leave our league and move into the rest of their lives...

Walt Ottenad
Commissioner
PSJFL

My family has been involved with PSJFL for many years starting with my dad, Sam Rhodes being a coach for over twenty years with SWAC (back then they were know as Red Shield), followed by my nephew Dejon Rhodes who played for many years during the 80's and now my son, Dareon Hall, who started out as an 89er with SWAC. He is now a Bantam but is no longer playing for SWAC, he now plays for Auburn Panthers. This is our first year with Auburn and are very excited.

I was team mom for the last three years that my son played with SWAC. I enjoyed bringing out the oranges during half-time, I loved handing out the snacks after the games and listening to the coaches go over the highlights of the games and I especially loved weighing the kids in before their games. Unfortunately I may have to just be a spectator this year and am going to miss doing all that great stuff. I even went as far as helping with sign-ups and roster. I viewed the weigh-ins as my chance to individually meet all the team players and their coaches.

When I first signed my son up for football, I had expected that after the first day of practice he would inform me that he did not want to play any longer and it would be done and over but alas here were are 4 years later and I am proud of him because that's all he talks about. He was reluctant to find out that this year he would no longer be a Sweet Pea but a Bantam and after these last few days of practice, he has already made a plan to work diligently to get the position he had with SWAC. To all my buddies at SWAC, we will see you in September. I look forward to seeing you all and I miss you greatly. To all my future new buddies at Auburn, please don't get mad at me when you see me on the SWAC side. Just know that I will always cheer for the team that my son is playing on (GO Auburn Panthers!) but I also have to remember were we started from (Hats off to SWAC).

Sincerely, PJ

My son played for the Kent Knight Sweet Peas last year. It was our first year being involved with the program, and what a program it is! My son had Coach Sampson. Yes, although a tough coach, he made such a difference in my son's life! Jerrod wanted to quit after just 2 weeks, but I told him "No, I'm not raising a quitter!" Coach Sampson got wind of this and called my son - spoke with him for 20 minutes and then spoke with me. Jerrod stuck it out and had a great time - couldn't wait for football to start this year. He's much tougher, stronger, and a higher self-esteem . . . and I give this credit to Coach Sampson! Jerrod is a Bantam this year, with once again, awesome coaches! My daughter will be a Kent Knights cheerleader this year, and we're looking forward to that! The Board, Coaches, and the volunteers do an incredible job - my hat goes off to all of you involved!!

Thank you !
Cherii Dalton (A very proud Kent Knights mom)

To PSJFL,
I want to start by telling all of the volunteers, if it wasn't for you, our children would not get this learning experience. My daughter cheered for Benson Bruins for six years, and she has become a wonderful cheerleader at her high school. Starting out with this league has been a great experience for both of us. I volunteered as an assistant coach and was a member of the PSJFL board. I would recommend any family with children to join any of the franchises in this league. These teams get our children prepared for junior high or high school compition. You can deffently tell which kids were involved in sports that prepared them early. Thank you PSJFL for the wonderful experience we shared.

Mandy and Tracy McClement