Brown: “Never Give Up!” Lower Merion HS May 19th co-ed youth football clinic raises money for LM Township scholarship fund
Yes, indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Look at the players who participated in the 17th Annual LMHS Co-ed Youth Football Clinic held at the historic Arnold Field.
“Audibles” are a big part of football and the coaches and varsity players put the kids in on-the-field situations which required quick thinking and adjustments.
Throughout the two-hour clinic, managed expertly by LM Varsity Assistant Coach Kevin Herron, on Sunday morning May 19, “never give up!” was also heard as the kids worked through drills and plays.
And they even did some styling on the gridiron.
All proceeds and sponsors’ dollars go to support the Dr. Joseph W. Foote Memorial Award given by the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund.
This year’s recipient is Connor Texada, a second-generation senior at Harriton High School.
Along with other LMHS and Harriton seniors, Connor was recognized on Wednesday, May 22 at the Merion Tribute House during the annual Reception, conducted by Katie McGlade and Sarah Altman, LMTSF Board Members.
The Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund (LMTSF) was created in 1964 by a group of community leaders, with the support of the district’s school board.
These citizen-leaders recognized that the means and circumstances of Lower Merion residents vary widely, and that access to higher education will always be vital to sustaining and growing the Lower Merion and Narberth community and beyond.
With this in mind they had a vision, to help make post-secondary studies affordable for Lower Merion and Harriton High School graduates having a true financial need.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, LMTSF relies on support from the community to fulfill the “acorn” mission.
Contributions from families, alumni, businesses, school activities, sponsors, and neighbors all help Lower Merion and Harriton students to succeed.
The LM Varsity Players working the May 19th Clinic had also played a role in the Saturday, November 4th victory versus Radnor’s iron men at the fully-renovated Jules F. Prevost Field and Complex.
Now generally known, with a final score of 56-12, Lower Merion regained the coveted trophy which signaled the 127th matchup between the two squads of “lunch pail” players in this rugged ongoing series dating to 1897.
To note, prospective youth football players should know that helmets and protective gear are at their most efficient and effective levels to date.
Upgraded gear, state-of-the-art weight room training, and speed conditioning have attracted more local athletes to the game of football.
Regarding the May 19th Clinic, special thanks go to LM’s Joe Augustine, Varsity Football Head Coach, Jason Stroup, LMHS Athletics Director, Jimmy Chimekas, LM Athletics field event manager, LM Principal Mike Johnson, and staff.
Invaluably, Narberth Athletic Association President Melissa O’Connor each year directs the online registration leading up to the Clinic date.
Also, NAA covers the cost of the Clinic shirts silk-screened by Mark Williams, owner of Jellen Designs.
The bulk of the 2024 proceeds have come from these sponsors: Mrs. Susie Foote, Joseph A. Foote, DMD, MD; Barry H. Hendler, DDS, MD; Anthony M. Zalis, DDS.
Also, Edward L. Woehling, DDS; Catherine M. Foote, DMD; Penn Health for Women at Radnor’s Ann Honebrink “Emerita,” MD, F.A.C., OG; and Narberth Athletics Association.
Most fun for the Clinic kids are the donations of branded gear bags and water bottles supplied by LMHS Alumnus Brett Strohsacker, Vice President of Football Communications for the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the hearts and minds of all Clinic participants is the memory of deceased LMHS Principal Sean Hughes whose “Character Counts” maxim is shown on the t-shirts given to kids, coaches, and sponsors, since May of 2022.
Finally, a “heads up,” Varsity Coach Joe Augustine, his Staff and Players will be hosting a week-long football camp on campus in June, for students in grades one through eight.
The camp will run June 17-21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. until noon on Friday.
The cost is $250 per student. Siblings from the same family are $200 each. A t-shirt and pizza lunch on Friday are included.
This is a non-contact skills camp. All positions and skill levels are welcome.
Financial aid is available by emailing lowermerionfootball@gmail.com. Register at https://lowermerionfootball.weebly.com/camps.html#/
Mary Brown, a weekly columnist for Main Line Media News, is a Board Member of Narberth Athletic Association, Sponsor of the Annual LM Football Clinic since 2008, and a professor of Latin at Saint Joseph’s University.
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