Thanks, JAYF, for everything

Thank you, Jackson Area Youth Football, for making a difference for my two boys.

My oldest son has played for years and is an athlete, but coaching was key. He learned more than fundamentals. He learned to love the game. Thanks, Ronnie Hobeck, Kevin Schneider and Todd Schneider, for treating him like one of your own and taking care of him on and off the field.

My youngest is autistic. He went to sign up with big brother and said, "I want to play, Coach." I was doubtful, but the coaches were not. They spent extra time with equipment. Ches Salyer, who I cannot thank enough, insisted on being his coach. My son hated it, but this was a battle of autism, not football. It was a battle to get to the field, then on the field. It moved to finishing practice and games. With the help of other coaches and referees, Coach Ches set up a touchdown play. It was one of the best moments of my son's life. I cried as 200 people cheered. Thank you, coaches and parents, for that moment. Thank you for understanding.

Thanks also to Tim Smith and Cole Rodgers. Cole was great his last game. You read it correctly: the last game. He scored another touchdown, Thank you, parents and coaches. His team lost, but he won. His favorite part: the game ball.

All this was possible because of JAYF and teaching more than football. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

JENN VANDEVEN, Jackson