LITTLE INDIANS FLAG FOOTBALL CLINIC ENDS SEASON

The Little Indians Flag Football Clinics have ended their seventh season. The first was started in the fall of 1991 with 30 third through sixth grade boys sponsored by the Jackson Noon Optimist Club. The Optimists hoped that it would be a great way for the boys to learn the rules of the game, what each player's job was and to have a good time.

This year, the program grew to accommodate 165 girls and boys. The Optimists provided other activities for the players this year besides the Saturday morning practices and games. Members attended the Jackson-Vianney football game as guests of the school district and were introduced at the halftime activities. They were also the guests of honor at the Optimist Club Chili Supper before the Jackson-Cape Central football rivalry.

Team pictures were taken on the last Saturday of the clinic. At that time, graduating seniors from Jackson High School Todd Wessel, Nick Lohmann, Ryan Beltz, Pee Wee Bartels, Andy Callis, Ryan Probst, and junior Tori Meyr came to play and sign autographs for the Little Indians. Jackson Football head coach Carl Gross also came and spoke to the players about the value of scholarship, physical fitness and dedication to trying to do and be the best all their lives.

Sam Birk returned again as head coach for the Little Indians and Alice Faye Thompson served as their coordinator. Rob Scheper, Bob Kinder, Mark Dumey, Jim Litzelfelner, kelly Waller, Tod Rayburn, Tim Clippard, Mike Ruppel, Mike Ganz, Chuck Wolters and Terry Davidson also helped out as coaches. Coach Eric Venable helped with arrangements for the use of the high school property.

Optimist Club members who helped with snacks and water at the practices were Anita Sieves, Dixie Moore, Beverly Nelson, Mary Purcel, Kim Anderson, Mary Jane Sauer, Terri Pope, Jodean Holshouser and Pat Reisenbichler.

On the last day of the clinic, the participants all signed a giant get well card for Christopher Palmer, a Little Indians participant who is currently staying at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The team members and organizers wish the best for him and look forward to his return next season.