3

November Issue, Our 16th Year!

November is the month we take the time to think about what we’re thankful for. This year is no different, and I have many things on my list.

First and foremost is the good health my family and me have enjoyed. This is something I will never take for granted, and I am reminded every time I step foot onto a field to photograph a team just how important it is. Being a person with a high energy level, I cannot imagine being in the position of not being able to get around. Therefore, taking care of me and my children have always been a top priority.

Having a wealth of family and friends is also at the top of the list. I love everyone in my life and the ways they each bless and enrich my life. We, as people, are designed to bond together, to grow together. I have had many new people enter my life in the past year, and I cannot thank them enough for the many

blessings they’ve brought with them.Lastly, I am thankful for the outpouring

of support for Youth Sports Today as it has expanded throughout Collin County! There are so many amazing coaches, teams, and players out here, and I hope to be able to help them celebrate their achievements in the coming years. Every day I meet a parent or coach who wants to gush about the kids on their teams. There are a lot of positive influences on the fields around Collin County, and our goal is to spotlight those that shine the brightest. For new coaches or parent coaches who are struggling, we hope to become a resource to help guide you to provide the most positive playing experience for our youth.

Whether you are coaching on the courts or in the fields, or simply on the sidelines cheering, remaining positive in all aspects is of vital importance. Please take the time to check out the column by Coach Clemens and/or visit his blog for more tips on how to be the best coach or sport parent you can be. An 85% dropout rate in sports by the age of twelve is a statistic we can only lower if we work together to improve the playing experience of our youth. It’s a trend that desperately needs to be reversed.

Together, we can raise positive, responsible athletes into mature, productive adults!

Donna Sheets, the chairperson for the Color Me Green 5k & Caterpillar Dash, at the race in Frisco with her daughters.

The Level 6 team at Kurt Thomas Gymnastics in Frisco placed 1st at the Judge’s Cup on October 6th.

STORIESWinter Games of Texas 5Friends of Frisco Run 9Iso-Soccer Exhibition 17

REGULAR FEATURESThe Game Plan 3 Positive Coaching Alliance 8Chalk Talk 10 Coach Spotlight 11 Sports Calendar & Directory 12-13A Team to Watch 14 Kid’s Korner 16Tip Off 17Athlete of the Month 22

YSTCollinCounty

ORJ PUBLISHING, LLCPresident/CEO Tresha Glowacki

tresha@orjmedia.comwww.youthsportstoday.net1

10 W. Sandy Lake Road #110 PMB 154 l Coppell, TX 75019 l 469-767-4542

ContactYouth Sports Today is published monthly by ORJ Publishing, LLC & distributed free of charge through local merchants. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect that opinion of the publisher. Youth Sports Today is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. Photographs are welcomed and must be submitted by the 15th of each month prior to publication.

Department Contact

Publisher Ruthi Elliottruthi@youthsportstoday.com 469-777-8333

Editor John Leejohn@youthsportstoday.com

Contributor Janet Calltharp

Graphics Dept. Winston T. Byrdwinston@youthsportstoday.com 469-777-8333

Cover story Tresha Glowacki

Photography Christopher Baylor

Table of Contents

Janet Calltharp

COVER STORY BY TRESHA GLOWACKIFelix Jones 18-19

4

Luke McGuire of the McKinney Football League Cougars team runs the ball down the field in their game against the Eagles on October 6th.

The Frisco Flag Football team the Horned Frogs and their cheerleaders get pumped up before their game against the Razorbacks at Bacchus Park in Frisco on Saturday, October 20th.

Chris Baylor

Ruthi Elliott

Ruthi Elliott

5

Winter Games of Texas 2013

Athletes Will Run, Lift, Kick, Skate, Swim,

Throw, Practice and Dream of

Winning Coming off the Olympic summer of 2012 means thousands of amateur athletes from across the state will be motivated to step up their game when they compete in the Winter Games of Texas over the MLK Holiday weekend January 18-20, 2013 in Frisco. The 2013 Winter Games of Texas will be the 8th year in a row for the largest on-going multi-sport event held in North Texas. Close to 4,000 youth and adult athletes, 15,000 spectators, and a host of coaches, referees, and volunteers will participate with enthusiasm and passion. The sports lineup has grown to 13 different activities including basketball, Miracle League Bowling, fencing, figure skating, flag football, gymnastics, ice hockey, martial arts, soccer, swimming, volleyball, table tennis and the newest addition – the 2013 Texas State Weightlifting Championship at the Frisco Athletic Center. Robert Sirkis, Officer North Texas LWC, says, “We’re excited to partner with the city of Frisco and TAAF to bring the Texas State Weightlifting Championships to the Winter State Games of Texas.” Medal winners from basketball, figure skating, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, table tennis and the state of Texas weightlifting event advance to the State Games of America taking place July 31-August 4, 2013 in Hershey-Harrisburg, PA.

Registration is now open to athletes, volunteers, and sponsors, visit the website www.taaf.com or call 1-877-GoFrisco (463-7472) for more information.

Prosper’s “Light The Fire” Homecoming Parade!

Winter Games of Texas 2013

Athletes Will Run, Lift, Kick, Skate, Swim,

Throw, Practice and Dream of

Winning Coming off the Olympic summer of 2012 means thousands of amateur athletes from across the state will be motivated to step up their game when they compete in the Winter Games of Texas over the MLK Holiday weekend January 18-20, 2013 in Frisco. The 2013 Winter Games of Texas will be the 8th year in a row for the largest on-going multi-sport event held in North Texas. Close to 4,000 youth and adult athletes, 15,000 spectators, and a host of coaches, referees, and volunteers will participate with enthusiasm and passion. The sports lineup has grown to 13 different activities including basketball, Miracle League Bowling, fencing, figure skating, flag football, gymnastics, ice hockey, martial arts, soccer, swimming, volleyball, table tennis and the newest addition – the 2013 Texas State Weightlifting Championship at the Frisco Athletic Center. Robert Sirkis, Officer North Texas LWC, says, “We’re excited to partner with the city of Frisco and TAAF to bring the Texas State Weightlifting Championships to the Winter State Games of Texas.” Medal winners from basketball, figure skating, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, table tennis and the state of Texas weightlifting event advance to the State Games of America taking place July 31-August 4, 2013 in Hershey-Harrisburg, PA.

Registration is now open to athletes, volunteers, and sponsors, visit the website www.taaf.com or call 1-877-GoFrisco (463-7472) for more information.

Prosper’s “Light The Fire” Homecoming Parade!

Prosper’s “Light the Fire” Homecoming Parade!

6

Nick Kulcholtz (L) placed 2nd and Leighton Thetford (R) placed 5th in their age division at the Friends of Frisco run.

Janet Calltharp

7

The Arena family enjoying the day together at Frisco’s Color Me Green 5k & Caterpillar Dash in Frisco on October 6th.

Olivia Bullington working on the bars with Coach Josh at Kurt Thomas Gymnastics in Frisco.

Andrew Young works on his swing at the Old American Golf Club.

Janet Calltharp Chris Baylor

8

Members of the Hurricane soccer team in McKinney got to meet Tatu, Sagu and members of the Dallas Sidekicks Purple Chaos team! Hurricane team members from left are Kaleb Bates, Jose Esparza, Isaiah Serrano, Joshua E. Pereira.

Introducing a New Series of Tips from Positive Coaching AllianceYouth Sports Today proudly presents a new series of tips for youth sports coaches and parents from Positive Coaching Alliance and its local Chapter, PCA-North Texas. This month, we introduce the or-

ganization and the principles contained in its live workshops, online courses, books and free resources available at www.PCANorthTexas.org.

What is PCA?PCA is a national non-profit working in youth and high school sports to develop “Better Ath-letes, Better People.” Founded by Jim Thomp-son at Stanford University in 1998, PCA has

impacted more than 4.5 million youth athletes nationwide through its work-shops and courses for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, organizational leaders and student-athletes.PCA’s workshops, courses, and free online resources blend research from top sports and educational psychologists with video-based tips from PCA’s National Advisory Board Members, such as National Spokesperson Phil Jackson, Dusty Baker, Shane Battier, Herm Ed-wards, Julie Foudy, Doc Rivers and Summer Sanders. North Texans on the Board include Larry Brown, Tony Dorsett and June Jones.

What are PCA’s Principles?Three principles underlie PCA training for the Double-Goal Coach® (who pursues wins and the even-more-important goal of teaching life lessons through sports) and the Second-Goal Parent® (who focuses on that second goal of life lessons through sports):❑ Focusing on mastery, rather than just the scoreboard definition of “winning”❑ Filling Emotional Tanks❑ Honoring the game

Mastery Coaches and parents can teach their players the acronym “ELM” for Effort, Learning and Mistakes. Players who give their best Effort, con-tinuously Learn (both sports skills and life lessons) and realize that Mistakes are OK (so they can get over their mistakes and prepare for the next play) are in the process of mastering their sports. That pro-cess makes them winners who will succeed in life – no matter what the scoreboard says.

Filling Emotional TanksEach person has an “Emotional Tank” like the gas tank of a car. An empty tank takes you nowhere. A full tank can take you most any-where. Top fuel for a youth athlete’s Emotional Tank is a mix of five truthful, specific pieces of praise for every one specific, constructive criticism. That will keep players willing to work hard and open to all a coach can teach them.

Honoring the Game As a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship to coaches, par-ents, players and fans, PCA uses the acronym ROOTS for respecting Rules, Opponents, Officials Teammates and Self.In future issues of Youth Sports Today, PCA will provide specific tips that reinforce these principles.

To bring PCA to your school or youth sports organization, phone PCA-North Texas Executive Director Scott Secules at 972-789-4100 or e-mail Scott_Secules@PositiveCoach.org.

9

Six year old Colin Flores throws the ball in for his River Dogs team at Plano Sports Authority.

By Janet Calltharp Contributor

The Friends of Frisco Run was held in the Trails of West Frisco neighborhood on Saturday, October 13, 2012. Sponsored by the Trails Runners and held in the Trails neighborhood, runners ran a one mile Fun Run or a chip timed 5k.

All proceeds generated from this event will be donated to the Tisdale-Cernosek family. On March 10th, 2012, James Cernosek was involved in a terrible life-changing auto accident when an er-ratic driver ran into his van. James was partially ejected and then care-flighted to the Medical Center of Plano.

The injuries sustained in the accident by James included a broken back, broken ribs, and much more. The most tragic result of the crash was the loss of his vision. His future employment as a gear inspector at Bell Helicopter will most likely be ended due to this horrific accident.

James is married to Mandy Tisdale-Cernosek. Mandy is employed by the Frisco Indepen-dent School District, working as a physical education coach at Corbell Elementary in the Trails. Mandy and James have four daughters.

With over 1,000 race partici-pants, the Friends of Frisco Run hopes to donate a substantial amount to help the Tisdale-Cer-nosek family with their immedi-ate needs. Donations are still being accepted through PayPal with a link on the website, www.friendsofriscorun.com.

Friends of Frisco Run

Mandy Tisdale-Cernosek (on right) awarding race winners.

Chris Baylor

Janet Calltharp

10

The research is clear: Fun isn’t just fun – it drives us humans to

perform. Whether its a third grader playing soccer, 10-year-old at shortstop, high school freshman shooting hoops, or even a customer service manager at work, fun can be – should be – our competitive advantage.

Fun connects us to passion and engages us in activity. Challenges melt away. Obstacles aren’t as formidable. We’re open to new learning and trying different activities.

Let’s be clear though: fun doesn’t mean kids goofing off. It’s not fun for the sake of fun or being silly. Silly doesn’t motivate or last. The type of fun that drives performance is being on task in a positive, supportive, learning environment where our actions are connected to something larger and meaningful (team success).

As a baseball umpire this

fall I can vouch for the power of fun. A team (red) of fifth graders lost their first two games by a combined score of 55-1. One of the teams that beat them that day was a team (green) of sixth graders.

Although they were getting pounded, the red coach was positive, instructional, and joked with the kids. He helped them have fun while improving their skills. The green coach had a different approach. Instead of instructing after mistakes, he showed disgust, and even pulled kids from the field in the middle of the inning.

A month later the two philosophies produced different fruit. The younger team routed the green team 15-4. More telling was the environment. The red team still made mistakes, but the kids learned and quickly moved to the next play. The green coach continued to belittle and dwell on mistakes, pushing two kids close to tears.

It was obvious: Those that perform and improve have fun; those that don’t have fun usually disengage.

Using fun to our advantage ... this is our opportunity – dare I say responsibility – as coaches and parents.

Coach Dan Clemens is the author of A Perfect Season: A Coach’s Journey to Learning,

Competing, and Having Fun in Youth Baseball. A leadership and communications consultant, he’s coached youth baseball, football, soccer and basketball for 10 years and is a high school coach. You can email him at Dan@CoachClemens.com.

Three tips on howto make things fun1. Continuous learning. Connect their new skills and knowledge to how they will improve on the field.

2. Make drills a game. Fundamentals are like vegetables – even thought they may not always be fun, find a way to make a game out of performing them.

3. Learn from mistakes. Create an environment where kids are encouraged to learn from mistakes, not punished (we all make mistakes!).

Iso Soccer players get ready for the exhibition games and upcoming season.Chris Baylor

11

Coach Spotlight

When did you first begin coaching?I officially started coaching last football sea-son (2011), in the FFL. However, I’ve been working with youth sports for years. I’ve been hands-on with the athletic develop-ment of kids since I moved to Texas in ’08!Do you have a favorite sport to coach?I love all my athletes. I love sports, period. But football does something to me. You have to show up physically, mentally, and emotionally DAILY. Not to say that you don’t in other sports, but football is such a physical sport! It’s like going to war! I love it.What is your favorite coaching moment or memory thus far?When I trained Brandon Young who graduated from Frisco H.S. He immediately expressed his desire to play football at the collegiate level. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any premier offers, and to his knowl-edge, his highlight tape was never sent out. After training with EPT for about 12 ses-sions, he tried out at OU and made it. He was so nervous. To see him pull up on me, during his spring break, with all his OU gear on, made me proud. He was so happy and so was I!Do you have a favorite age to work with?Don’t really have one. I work with athletes ages 6-23 and they’re all fun to work with, honestly.Have you learned any valuable lessons that have shaped the way you coach?I learned that I can’t figure out every

athlete I work with and that I have to ac-cept people for who they are and coach them accordingly. What do you feel is the biggest reward you receive from coaching?To see my athletes prove the people that may doubt them wrong and exceed expec-tations.What advice would you give a parent who is considering a volunteer coach position?Simply, keep it about the kids.What sports did you play as a child and/or adult?Football, baseball, and a little basketball.Who was your sports role model as a child?Honestly, I never had one. I’ve always had a genuine respect for all athletes.What change, if any, would you like to see in youth sports?To control the adults affiliated with youth sports. The intensity is a bit much. Re-cently at a game, I witnessed a league director scream at a coach. I was in shock.

The coach was just calling to the on duty trainer for help for one of his injured play-ers. If the kids see the adults acting in this manner, what are they to learn from that? That can’t continue to happen.Do you have a coaching philosophy?I tell my athletes to invest in themselves. Every time they put in work is like mak-ing a deposit at the bank. No matter how much work you put in, it’s better than nothing and it will not go to waste. Even if it’s 45 minutes a day, it adds up. Game time is when we “spend that money”. If you don’t work, you’ll be broke.What is the biggest benefit you see in your athletes from being a part of a team?A team is a group of individuals working together to reach a common goal. Each individual has to pull their end and con-tribute in some way; if not, the team will not succeed. Nobody wants to be the weak link. With that being said, I believe being part of a team helps athletes gain a sense of integrity.What is something most people don’t know about you? A lot of people don’t know that I’m 23. Some think I’m way older, or way younger. I think it’s cool though.If you were granted one “coaching wish”, what would it be?I wish I could’ve spent more time with Ethan Empey before he left us. Maybe I could’ve done something to help. It burns me that he’s gone. RIP Big E.

Thomas Allen is positive proof that attitude is contagious. Athletes don’t have to spend a lot of time with him to discover how to play with heart and leave it all out on the field! He was nominated for this month’s Spotlight by the many familes that have come to love him for his dedication and commitment!

McClure Pediatric Dentistry

5100 Eldorado Pkwy Suite 108

McKinney, TX 75070

972-549-4036

drjonmcclure.com

‘Let us create big smiles for the little people in your family’

Coach and Current Program: Thomas Allen, founder of EPT

Program Location: Collin County

Coaching Philosophy: “Keep it about the Kids”

12

Calendar Your guide to area events, registrations, games and tournaments If you would like your listing to appear here, email Ruthi Elliott at frisco@youthsportstoday com

Basketball

Baseball

❑ Allen Registration, 7th-12th grades, ends Nov 30

❑ PSA Registration, K-6th grades and 9th-12th grades, ends Nov 4

❑ PSA Registration, 7th-8th grades, ends Nov 10

❑ PSA Hoop-La-Palooza Players Clinic, Nov 13

❑ PSA Holiday Tournament, Dec 12-18

❑ McKinney Sports Winter registration, ends Nov 18

❑ Plano YMCA Winter registration, ends Nov 7

❑ Frisco YMCA Academy classes, K-8th grades, ends Nov 29

Directory

❑ Frisco Baseball/Softball Association Spring registration, begins Nov 15

❑ 2012 North Zone State Tournament Nov 10-11, The Ballfields at Craig Ranch, texastournamentbaseball com

❑ 2012 Turkey Trot Nov 17- 18, texastournamentbaseball com

❑ Battle Of Bat Nov 3, The Ballfields at Craig Ranch, texastournamentbaseball com

Soccer❑ Frisco Soccer Association Spring registration, now open

❑ PSA Registration indoor, PreK & Kinder co-ed, ends Nov 6

❑ PSA Registration, indoor, 1st grade-high school, ends Nov 6

❑ McKinney YMCA Registration, indoor, 3-6 year olds, ends Nov 2

Chris Baylor

Chris Baylor

❑ Celina Youth Sports, www celina-tx gov

❑ Frisco Amateur Summer Swim Team, www swimfasst info, 214-335-8081

❑ Frisco Baseball/Softball Assoc., www fbsa org, 214-537-3272

❑ Frisco Football League, www friscofootballleague com

❑ Frisco Ice Hockey, www friscoice hockey org

❑ Frisco Lacrosse Association, www friscolacrosse com, 214-407-9373

❑ Frisco Soccer Association, www friscosoccer org, 972-712-4625

❑ Frisco YMCA, www ymcadallas org/locations/frisco/sports, 214-297-9622

❑ Lonestar Volley-ball, www lonestarvolleyball net, 214-334-3105

❑ McKinney Base-ball Association, www mbatx org

❑ McKinney Football, www mckinneysports connection org

❑ McKinney Lacrosse, www mckinneylacrosse com

❑ McKinney Soccer Association, www mckinneysoccer org, 972-569-6808

13

❑ McKinney Softball Association, www mckinneygsa com, 214-622-1668

❑ McKinney Volley-ball, www mckinneysports connection org

❑ McKinney YMCA, www ymcadallas org/locations/ mckinney, 972 529 2559

❑ Plano Baseball Association, www planobaseball org, 972-517-5800

Plano Sports Au-thority, www psa-plano org, 972 208 KIDS (5437)

❑ Plano YMCA, www ymcadallas org/locations/ russell_creek_ymca, 214 705 9459

❑ Plano Youth Soccer, www pysa org, 972-422-7972 ext 302

❑ Prosper Youth Sports Association, www prospertx-sports org

❑ The Colony Youth Football Association, www tcyfa com

❑ The Colony Youth Soccer Association, www tcysa net, 972 370 3091

❑ Upwards Sports - FUMC Allen, www fumcallen org/ recreation php, 972-727-8261

games, tournaments, events, campsDirectory

Cheerleading❑ Plano YMCA Spring registration, ages 5-12, begins Dec 8

❑ McKinney Sports Spring registration, begins January 2013

Football❑ McKinney Sports Flag football spring registration, begins January 2013

Golf❑ Prosper Youth Sports Association Golf Tournament Nov 3, Gentle Creek Golf Club

Kickball❑ PSA2K-Life Kickball Tournament, Nov 17

Softball ❑ 3rd Annual Thanskgiving Giveaway Nov 17-18, McKinney, 10U & 12U, Fastpitchsoftball net

❑ November RainNov 17-18, McKinney, 12U & 14U, Fastpitchsoftball net

Running ❑ Color Me Cooper Challenge Course Nov 3, McKinney, Active com

❑ The Spirit Run 5K Nov 10, Richardson, Getmeregistered com

❑ Arbor Day Run, Nov 10, www arbordayrun com

❑ American Heroes Run 5k & 10k Nov 10, The Colony, Saluterun com

❑ St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk. Nov 17, Fort Worth and Frisco, Fundraising stjude org

❑ Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney 5K & 1 M Nov 17, McKinney, Getmeregistered com

❑ North Texas Turkey Trot November 22, Frisco, Northtexasturkeytrot com

❑ Believe! 2012 Nov 24, McKinney, Believemckinney org

❑ Nickel Run Nov 24, Plano, Nickelrun net

❑ 11th Annual Frosty 5k, Dec 8, FriscoMerryMainStreet com

❑ Dallas Jingle Bell Run Dec 19, Dallas, Dallasjinglebellrun com

❑ New Years Double - New Year’s Eve race Dec 31, Allen, Newyearsdouble com

Swimming❑ FASST Stroke Clinics at Frisco ISD Natatorium on Mondays & Wednesdays thru May 2013

Tennis❑ Turkey Tune-Up at Canyon Creek Nov 11, Canyon Creek Country Club, tennislink usta com

❑ DPTA Novice Tennis Tournament, Prestonwood CC Bent Tree CC, Nov 13, www dptatennis org/novice

❑ DPTA Junior Tennis Tournament, Nov 17, www dptatennis org/page3 html

❑ DPTA Junior Tennis Tournament, Dec 1, www dptatennis org/page3 html

Activities❑ 12th Annual Gingerbread Contest, Dec 1, FriscoFun Org

❑ 22nd Annual Merry Main Street, Dec 1, FriscoMerryMainStreet com

❑ Breakfast with Santa and Friends, Dec 1, FriscoFun org

❑ Prosper Christmas Festival, Dec 9, www prospertx gov/specialevents

Volleyball❑ PSA Registration, ends Dec 16

❑ Prosper Youth Sports Association Spring registration, opens mid-December

❑ McKinney Sports Registration, begins January 2013

Chris Baylor

A Team to WatchThe 5th Grade Cougars

14

“Come Join Our Family”www.friscohonda.com

1601 North Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034 ~ 972.731.3000

Sometimes a team has a certain chemistry that makes them special. It doesn’t mean they’re undefeated or always “beast” on the field. The truth is, the majority of this Cougars football team are on the small size for their division. What makes them special is their work ethic and how they make each game count. Win or lose, they take what they learn from each game and start working on the next.

Focusing on coaching the players first and then the game, Coach Albert describes his players as a diverse group of players who are all responsible, hard-working, and respectable young men.

The coaches emphasize responsibility and teamwork on and off the field, and their formula works. Not because the team can run complex plays and win every game, but because you can see the smiles on their faces and the desire to return to the field again and again!

The 5th Grade Cougars from left to right on back row; Coach Mendoza, Grayson Self, Jaylen Gallardo, Coach Self, Carlos Garcia, Broc Smith, LukeMcGuire, Coach Brooks, Nicholas Ruschill, and Coach Jay. Middle row; Joshua Mendoza, Jesus Sepulveda, Emanuel Chamosa, Gavin McGee, Jason Hoglund. Front row; Noah Brooks, Divaad Terry, Adrian Solorzano, Matthew Gallardo, Isaiah Rojas, and Bradley Wolgamott

Peyton Garbett of Allen pitches the ball for his 9U select team the Frisco Riders.

15

Abby Harkness returns a serve for her Rally Stars team at Plano Sports Authority.

They Know the DrillDentistry has come a long way since most of today’s parents were

kids and many things have changed. Dr Jon McClure combines the best of yesterday and today. While the current trend is to give your practice a catchy name that appeals to children, he chose to put his own name on the door the way it used to be done so can you know he is putting his name on the line for the care of your children.

Children have always been Dr. Jon’s priority. He has over 6 years experience as a youth and children’s minister and over 4 years experience as a teacher. As an added bonus, Dr. Jon has employed a staff with gifted backgrounds as well. Travis was a teacher at the same high school with Dr. Jon in Waco, TX. He has a Masters degree in Education and over twelve years of teaching experience. He believed in Dr. Jon’s vision so much, he left his teaching career to join him in dentistry. Amy has over fifteen years experience working in the dental environment both in the clinic and the front office. There’s nothing she hasn’t seen and she is no stranger to making a child feel comfortable. She met Dr. Jon through a mutual friend and found that they shared the same aspirations for patient care. Their goal is to provide the best dental care possible by educating patients and parents while building lasting relationships.

It’s refreshing to see a dental office that places more emphasis on working with the whole child as opposed to just addressing their teeth. Dr. Jon and his staff take their time getting to know each patient, gathering and discussing information regarding the patient’s lifestyle and habits which help them to better determine the best course of treatment in a variety of situations. They offer the most

progressive treatment options available to ensure a comfortable and positive experience. Their warm and friendly environment will have your children asking to go back to the dentist!

Editor’s note: Dr Jon and his wife are expecting their first child in December. Travis has a son that is 8 years old. Amy has an 18yr old son and 16yr old daughter.

Pictured left to right are Travis, Amy, and Dr. Jon McClure.

Anna Sousa working on the vault at Kurt Thomas Gymnastics in Frisco.

Chris BaylorChris Baylor

16

Q. Where did the first corn come from? A. The stalk brought it.Q. Why did the Indian chief wear so many feathers? A. To keep his wigwam.Q. Which side of the turkey has the most feathers? A. The outside.Q. Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building? A. Yes - a building can’t jump at all.Q. What are unhappy cranberries called? A. Blueberries!Q. What do you get when you cross a turkey with a centipede? A. Lots of drumsticks!

Q. Why didn’t the turkey eat dessert? A. He was stuffed!Q. What’s the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie? A. Your teeth!Q. Why did they let the turkey join the band? A. He had the drumsticks!Q. What kind of vegetables would you like for Thanksgiving dinner? A. Beets me!Q. Why did the turkey sit on the tomahawk? A. To hatchet.Q. Why did the Pilgrim eat a candle? A. He wanted a light snack!

Thanksgiving is the time when you take a moment to think about what you’re thankful for. While you’re visiting with your family, here are a few turkey riddles to make you the star of the day!

17

There is a consistent trait among each coach in our Coach Spotlight every month. While many of them have a genuine love for the game they coach, have played at a high level themselves, or have a competitive spirit, the one thing they ALL share is the philosophy to “coach kids first and the game second.”

These coaches understand that having happy, well-rounded children on their team naturally creates a positive learning environment. Instilling a strong work ethic teaches dedication and responsibility. Understanding the benefits of teamwork gives them the motivation to learn the importance of each position within the team and how to support one another. Showing them how to both win and lose with respect for each other and the opposing team

gives them the opportunity to develop humility and dignity. These are all traits needed to be mature, successful athletes and human beings.

There are many coaches that feel teaching those things should be left to the parents, that it’s not their “job” to coach anything beyond game skills. As a coach, you have many unique situations the parents will never be presented with. It only stands to reason your players will be able to make better decisions during a game if they are respectful, have sound principles, and mature thinking skills. Therefore, you can consider teaching those traits as game skills as well.

Here’s hoping the coaches in your child’s life are good leaders and mentors and are out there teaching the rest of the game!

Last month we discussed parents coaching from the sideline. Here’s what our readers had to say!

Kristi M. of Frisco - “I’d be lying if I said I never did that. It’s hard not to yell out to your kid when you do it all day! I guess I need to let the coach do her job.”

Victor S. of Plano - “I coach baseball and it’s very frustrating when a parent calls out plays that goes against our objectives. It also puts the kid in a position of trying to decide who they’re suppose to listen to and that’s not fair to them.”

Charles B. of Prosper - “Players should never be corrected by a parent for game errors. Especially in front of their team. That’s what coaches are for!”

Coaching the Rest of the Game

Commentary By: Ruthi Elliott

Iso-Soccer Youth Exhibition - 2012

Iso-soccer is a brand new sport played on a uniquely designed square court with four goalposts. It is a spectacular-action, fast-paced game with multi-directional, multi-value, high frequency and double digit goal scoring opportunities. On Sunday afternoon November 11th, 2012, the Williams Stadium in Plano, TX will host the first youth Iso-soccer exhibition game.

This new sport is played on a 40 X 40 yard court with four goalposts and a 4ft-high boundary fence. The ball is kicked, as in soccer; however, two teams of six players each take turns playing defense or offense in each of the two five-minute terms per quarter. Goals are worth 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 points depending on which part of the court they are scored from, and for every minute the defense

team does not concede a goal, they gain points, increasing from 1 to 5 points per minute. Furthermore, the defense team can score a “Takeover” when a defense player is able to enter the core zone or center circle with the ball. A takeover is worth

5 points and is similar to a touchdown in American football.

Iso-soccer is exciting to play and provides a fun way to exercise and develop skill. The Iso-Soccer Youth Exhibition is the first in a series of games designed to formally introduce

Iso-soccer to the general public. It will feature talented male and female youth Iso-soccer players from various cities in the Dallas - Fort Worth metro. This is a fun event that will offer sports fans, city officials and various stakeholders and decision makers an opportunity to experience the excitement of Iso-soccer for the first time. Furthermore, the event will be informative for those interested in participating in or hosting upcoming Iso-soccer youth leagues and programs in 2013 as well as organizations interested in enriching their current sports offering with an Iso-soccer program.

Iso-soccer is being launched by Isosports International, Inc. For more about Iso-soccer and the Iso-Soccer Youth Exhibition game, visit the website http://isosoccer.com.

The first youth Iso-soccer exhibition game will be played in Williams Stadium in Plano on Nov. 11.

Chris Baylor

18

On the Tuesday after Dallas Cowboys’ disappointing loss to Seattle, you’d expect to

find the team nursing its wounds. However, that wasn’t the case for running back Felix Jones. Felix teamed up with Nike to surprise the DeSoto Eagles High School football team during practice. He spent time helping with practice, and had a private Q&A session with the team. Although Felix had just come off one of the worst days of his professional career, he took that bad day at work and turned it into a teaching opportunity. During his chat with the team, he made sure to emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes on the field, instead of dwelling on the bad games. On the Friday following the practice with Felix, Nike further surprised the Eagles with new playing and practice uniforms just in time for that night’s game. The uniforms are made the same as those in the NFL. They were one of only eight teams in the nation chosen for the honor.

Felix, a former All-American player

Jones Helping students play, lead, succeed

FelixBy Tresha GlowackiYouth Sports Today

Felix Jones photos courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys

19

YST: So we’re sitting here with my all-time favorite running back, Felix Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, #28. You’ve been out here with the DeSoto High School football team. Tell me what it was like when you were in those shoes.

FJ: Man, it was great. I remember the fun [high school] was. It was so much fun coming out and practicing with your friends and you know, just being out here in this atmosphere. It was nothing but fun and I just enjoyed every minute of it.

YST: You started playing sports at a very young age. Did you start with football?

FJ: No, I actually started with basketball. It was one of my favorite sports, I believe my first love, and I tried to excel in that, [but I] found my calling in football.

YST: How old were you when you made the switch to football?

FJ: I started taking football seriously when I got to high school. I’d say my junior year in high school, I started thinking I could really do something with the game of football, and possibly take it to the next level. It definitely took me beyond my dreams.

YST: At what point was it, high school or in college, that you thought the NFL was in your future?

FJ: Well, it had to be…my sophomore year in college. I just thought I could get better and play with some of those guys in the NFL. And it was a blessing from God that He kept me healthy. I kept pushing and it got me to where I wanted to be.

YST: You grew up in Oklahoma. How big is your family?

FJ: There are four of us. I have two older brothers and a little sister. They kept me going, my brothers did. I really owe them the credit for pushing me to the limit. They defi-nitely did a lot of things that I feel helped me in the long run and I thank them every day, and every time I see them, for just being the older brothers that I needed. They definitely pushed me and wanted me to do the best they knew I could.

YST: Who has inspired you the most in

your life? FJ: I want to say my dad and my mom and

my siblings. They kept me in it. They kept me going, and they pushed me when I didn’t feel like going. That definitely just showed me that they cared about me, and what I do, without them pushing me, there’s no tell-ing where I would be right now. They are my inspiration, and still to this day, I go to them to seek guidance. It’s a blessing that I have them in my life.

YST: I heard you sharing with the guys something about “You can do your dirty business on the field, not after”. What was that all about?

FJ: One young man asked me how I work around a team playing dirty, and basically I was telling him, don’t do your dirty work after the whistle. Do your dirty work while the play is going on. That’s when you can either run past them, or make a good tackle, or make a big catch, you know, make a good block, whatever it may be. You do it while the play is going on, not after the whistle is blown. You take advantage of that and that’s the way you get that guy back.

YST: When you come out to speak to a team like today, what message do you instill in these guys?

FJ: Well, I just try to inspire them and definitely let them know to take advantage of every opportunity that you get. It’s a blessing when you get opportunities and when you make the best of them. You never know how

far that can take you and I just try and let them know that there are dreams they can reach; to just keep pushing and never give up.

YST: You just came off of a tough week-end. How do you prepare for the next game?

FJ: You know, you review the last game. You seek those mistakes and correct them, and then you go and forget about it. You make sure it doesn’t happen again, and you make sure you make things better. You just try to keep pushing and keep working to the point where you can go out there and play your best. So you know, I just have to forget about it, learn from it, and keep on going. There’s a long season ahead of us, and we can’t dwell on it. We just have to keep push-ing forward and make the best of the next week.

YST: Looking forward 5 years from now, where is Felix Jones?

FJ: Oh man. You know, hopefully around some young men like these or still playing the game, but you know, this is something I would love to do. Either to go back to my high school or somewhere I can make a difference in the lives of some young men, and let them know my experiences and hopefully guide them and get them to where they want to be.

YST: If you had not chosen the NFL as your profession, what would you have done?

FJ: Wow. Well, my major was kinesiology, so I was dealing with some similar things to right now and I think I could see myself out here coaching, teaching class, doing some-thing similar.

YST: What’s one thing that people don’t know about you that you want to share? What’s something we should know about Felix Jones?

FJ: Hmm. I don’t know what people know. Oh, back in elementary school, I used to play the saxophone.

YST: Really? Do you still play?FJ: No, I haven’t picked it up since I left

elementary school. Laughs.

from the University of Arkansas and a first round pick in the 2008 NFL draft, knows it’s important to give back to the community. He started the “Running Back to Make a Difference” Foundation, a non-profit organiza-tion that focuses on helping low-income student athletes. The foundation provides resources for achieving athletic goals, but also stresses the impor-tance of being more than just an athlete. You don’t have to spend much time around Felix to discover that he is a perfect example of how hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can pay off.

GETTING PERSONALFavorite movie: Friday Favorite vacation spot: Vegas

Favorite food: Chicken, however it comes

Music: Rap, R&B, Soul, some old school

Hobby: Automobiles I like customizing, make your vehicle yours Personalize your car It makes a difference too; it makes you feel good when you drive your vehicle We spend a lot of time in cars and I think they should be person-alized to who you are

ABOUT THE FOUNDATIONMission: To inform, inspire, and empower low-income high school student-athletes to become well-rounded and productive citizens through education and relevant life skill and college preparatory training

Target Demographic: Low-income 13-18 year-old, high school student-athletes

Website: www felixjones28 net/foundation/

Hitting the new 2.5 mile Frisco Mountain Bike Trails that just opened in northwest Frisco.

Nicholas Gheisar working on board breaking with instructor Chris Gagne at NTA Taekwondo in Frisco while Mia Cluff watches.

20

TM

Performance Blueprint❑ Enhanced foot speed

❑ Change of direction

❑ Quickness

❑ Core & strength training

❑ Linear & lateral speed

❑ Improved foot work

❑ Plyometrics

❑ Resistance-training

❑ Static & dynamic stretching

Taking Your Game to the Next Level

Elite Performance Training Frisco, TX 75034

404-423-2949www ElitePerformanceTrainingUSA com

Janet Calltharp Ruthi Elliott

21

Connor having fun in his Soccer Tot class.Shelby Blansett works on the bars with Coach Casey at Kurt Thomas Gymnastics in Frisco.

Tara Erry working on board breaking with instructor Zach Statzer at NTA Taekwondo in Frisco.

Brooke Pareti of Purple Crush returns the ball against the Rally Stars at Plano Sports Authority while teammate Emma Hale cheers her on.

Chris Baylor

Chris Baylor

Jesus Sepulveda catches the ball for his McKinney football team, the Cougars.

Chris Baylor

Ruthi Elliott

22

How old were you when you started playing sports?I was 4 years old when I first began to play sports. The first sport I ever played was soccer.Which sport is your favorite and why?Football is my favorite because it’s the sport I have loved to play for a long time. Every game, I am excited and pumped to play. Who is your sports role model and why?Darrelle Revis because he plays the same position as me (cornerback) in football. He is the best and I model my game after him.What do you like to do when you’re not playing sports?I like to hang out with my friends. I also like to work on my speed, agility and skills at the cornerback position with EPT.What is your favorite subject in school?My favorite subject in school is math.What would you like to do for a profes-sion when you graduate?I would like to make it to the NFL when I graduate. If not, maybe a sports broad-

caster or ana-lyst.What has been your big-gest challenge while playing sports?I have been thought of as soft, shy and not aggres-sive, but when the time for

football came, I proved myself. I proved I could play and that I can be aggressive and outspoken. I proved I can play against the best and biggest and am not intimi-dated by the other players’ size. Who is your favorite sports team?My favorite teams are the Texas Long-horns, the New Orleans Saints, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Rangers.Who has been the biggest influence in your and what have they taught you?My parents are my biggest influence. They got me involved in sports to keep me ac-

tive when I was young. As I have gotten older, I have come to love the sports I play. They are always encouraging after and before a game, always giving me positive feedback. I love that I get up every morn-ing at 6 o’clock for practice, never with a complaint. It is what I look forward to everyday. What accomplishment are you most proud of? I’m most proud of being part of a family of football players who love the sport of foot-ball and would do anything for each other on and off the field. We are a tight group of friends on and off the field.What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know? I have the nickname “Dawg”, my friends call me by “Dawg,” I rarely ever go by my real name. Do you know what college you would like to attend and what you would like to major in?I want to attend the University of Texas, but I do not know what I would major in other than playing football there.

What makes a Youth Sports Today athlete special? They know how to keep things in perspective and have fun on the field! Let’s get to know this month’s Student Athlete of the Month!

Student Athlete of the Month Thirteen year old Ty Mehr is an 8th Grader at Griffin Middle School in Frisco. He currently plays football, basketball, and soccer and began running track in 7th grade.