Sycamore Youth Football teams wrap up 2022 season
MONTGOMERY, Ohio — Strong high school varsity athletic teams bring pride to a community, and are often the branches of a deeply-rooted youth program.
For 32 years, young players have earned their “aviator” wings in the Sycamore Aves Youth Football program, which has served as the training ground for programs at the junior high and high school. Teams recently completed their 2022 season, with the kindergarten/first-grade and fourth-grade teams winning the Greater Cincinnati Youth Football League Super Bowl, and the third-grade and sixth-grade teams reaching the Super Bowl. During the regular season, the third-grade tied for its league championship with an 8-1 record.
Other GCYFL programs include Anderson, Edgewood, Fairfield, Hamilton, Kings, Lakota, Little Miami, Loveland, Mason, Milford, Northwest, Oak Hills and Talawanda. According to its website, GCYFL “is the largest public school youth tackle football league in the United States. It is home to 16 organizations, 3,500 kids, and currently has 150 teams playing weekly games against each other in grades kindergarten thru sixth-grade.”
Janine Tismo, who retired at the end of the season after seven years as Sycamore Youth Football president and 13 years on the board of directors, answered questions about the organization:
How is Sycamore Youth Football governed?
Janine Tismo: 100 percent volunteer-driven.
How many teams/athletes/coaches compete in Sycamore Youth Football? What are the age groups?
Tismo: Currently we have six football teams, 45 football coaches and 145 football players. The number of coaches and players can vary year to year. Age groups: kindergarten/first-grade, second-grade, third-grade, fourth-grade, fifth-grade, sixth-grade.
Where do Sycamore teams play their home games?
Tismo: Sycamore High School Stadium.
How has the program grown over the years?
Tismo: Sycamore Youth Football was founded in 1990. We are the feeder program for Sycamore Junior High and Sycamore High School. We are seeing more female football athletes and coaches. We have alumni from this program go on to play college football at Tiffin University, Kentucky Wesleyan, United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Cheerleaders have gone on to cheer for Northern Kentucky University, the Miami University All Girl National Competition Cheer team and for the Cincinnati Bengals as a Ben-Gal cheerleader.
What is the mission/goal of Sycamore Youth Football?
Tismo:
- We serve children of Sycamore School District.
- All football coaches are ‘Tackle Certified’ by USA Football.
- Age-appropriate progression and instruction.
- Focus on safety and developing the individual athlete and competitive team.
- Our participants learn and apply the fundamentals of football and cheerleading. Our participants will strengthen their character, and learn the concept of team and sportsmanship.
- Fun with families and friends of the Sycamore community.
Any other interesting facts about Sycamore Youth Football?
Tismo: We have several teams that won the Super Bowl for our league over the years. Our 2021 K-1 team won the Super Bowl, which was very exciting for our players and coaches.
How does someone get involved with the organization (for future seasons)? What are the fees?
Tismo: Please email [email protected] if you want to get involved with the organization. Fees: K/first-grade and second-grade – $160; third-grade to sixth-grade, $225. Fees include loaner practice jersey, practice pants, game pants, shoulder pads and helmet. Athletes keep custom game jersey and game socks.
Final 2022 records for Sycamore Youth Football teams:
Kindergarten/first-grade – 2-7 (Super Bowl champion).
Second-grade – 6-3.
Third-grade – 8-1 (Super Bowl runner-up).
Fourth-grade – 3-6 (Super Bowl champion).
Fifth-grade – 2-7.
Sixth-grade – 4-5 (Super Bowl runner-up).
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