[pitchfork]

Facts: The 1978 Russell State Champs were seventh graders when the Middle School first fielded a team and the 1977 runners up were eight graders.
They continued the program for some 5 yrs and went back to the JFL.
Then 9 -10 yrs ago the numbers were falling off and the 11- 13 yrs old were getting slimmer every year. It got down to 3 teams with about 14 - 15 players per team and then we started the 8th grade team about 6 - 7 yrs ago. They were not part of a conferance yet but was playing the area schools. This would be the class of 2005, again STATE Champs. About 5 yrs, after going to the school and asking there permission to represent the school and be named Russell Middle School to be in the conference to play for a title. This would be this years Senior class, I think, that they were first reconized as a Middle School team. But it seams that it was a very good success cause each State Champs and Runners up teams were a product of the Russell Middle school program. And the High school benifitted from it.
Ivan has never been a part of the JFL decision making until just the last few years. But it looks like a few has tickled his ear and with him and his staff not really knowing the whole story has let him make decisions for the league. All in all the Middle School program was a success cause the kids made it that way. Some of the kids realize to be on the football field they have to step there game up and break suction. The problem is that parents won't take off there maroon colored glasses and put a foot were it belongs. But would rather whine about the coaching and playing time. The kids want to play for the Middle School and the few sqeeky wheels won't let it happen. Mark it down the same ones that whine now will be whining when they get to high school. This may seam a little harsh but it is the fact.
The Russell JFL has never in the past let the parents or kids dictate the decisions of the league. They went by the By - Laws and the board, some times very distasteful, had to make the hard decision, even if it went against the select few of the JFL.
But the decision has been made, I will continue to support the JFL, and this arguement will come up again when down this group of parents gets out of the JFL and on to high school.
I would like to thank the Russell Middle School for there support in the past, and the coaches and there asst. for the time spent away from there families and to the progress to the football program.