South Putnam Youth Football looking for coaches and staff

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The South Putnam Youth Football League came to the school board for support of its new program during Monday evening's meeting. As the football league is going through a transition of power, president and treasurer Nick Teeters updated the board on its current status.

Currently, the league has a balance of $1,087.74. The league is hoping to utilize the existing funds and player fees to obtain new equipment and uniforms for the upcoming 2012 season.

"We have a lot of equipment issues," explained Teeters. "We are going to need to do more fundraising."

Teeters, who took over Nov. 8, 2011, was the only member left after the entire group who was running it left the league at the same time and with that, they are currently looking for new coaches and officers.

The league now has a 501 (C) (3) status, which allows it to solicit donations and sponsorships from community organizations and businesses and in return give them tax credits.

"We feel that the tax status will greatly increase the amount of support that our community will give to the program," said Teeters. "We are currently researching grant programs from several organizations and would appreciate the support of the board, athletics department and Quarterback Club."

The league is hoping to receive grants to not only help finance new equipment, but to help build new football fields as well.

"This is something in the end I'd like to make the community proud of," said Teeters. "The youth programs are the future of our high school program and if we don't build the program from the ground up, the parents of students and players will move their children to other schools to play sports."

For more information on becoming and officer for the league or a coach contact Teeters at 812-360-9118.

Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt recognized the outstanding achievements that the students and corporation have been awarded within the recent weeks, including being recognized as one of the top three schools in Indiana that increased its percentage on the Advanced Placement test.

"The percentage of students increased 15 percent," said Bernhardt.

Bernhardt also recognized its sports programs, spelling bee contestants and Central Elementary's academic growth in the mathematics department.

"South Putnam schools are at or near the top in the county on many different levels," said Bernhardt. "We've got good schools and we are very pleased with the efforts of everyone at the schools, including the parents and students."

The corporation will be hosting a walk-through for parents of fifth and sixth graders in May. Although the date is not yet certain, parents will be invited to tour the junior high wing of the high school.

The board approved several resignations including Mary Jane Glaze as a part-time instructional assistant at Fillmore, Brian Gardner as the high school boys' cross country coach, Ryan Gilman as the seventh grade boys' basketball coach and Nathan Aker as the eighth grade boys' basketball coach.

The board also approved the hiring of Heath Pruitt as the jr. high boys' track coach and Becky Plunkett as the varsity cheer coach. Nathan Aker, Carl Coons and Allan Rains were also approved by the board as new hires for drivers' education.

The termination of Pam Riner of Central Elementary food service was also approved.

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