Insights & Information

Upward football and cheerleading resume

Even at 9 a.m., the humidity and heat had everyone sweating but neither the fans in the bleachers nor the pint-sized players on the field Sept. 6 seemed to mind.

It was Opening Day for Upward Football and the smiles — and water bottles — were in abundance.

Players sometimes ran the wrong way, forgot to hand off or throw the ball or clip the flags back onto their belts, and did other things you’d expect from youngsters playing the first organized football game in their lives.

In the midst of the organized chaos stood Archie Collins, beginning his first season as the program’s director.

“Kids are the future of our church and community,” Collins said. “If we can make an impact in their lives today, it will extend so much farther into the future.”

Triad’s Upward Football program began about eight years ago, growing to today’s 161 participants from an initial season with 50 players. The 2014 flag football season, which runs from Sept. 6-Oct. 25, features 13 teams and three cheerleading squads.

The divisions of play are: Kindergarten to first grade; Second to third grade; and fourth to sixth grade.

A host of improvements have been added in recent years, including a press box and sound system, an inflatable tunnel to run through for player introductions, a sprinkler system and new turf, and a Champ mascot to prowl the sidelines.

Flag Football director Archie Collins

Collins, Triad’s new Upward Football director

Collins takes over from Steve Jones who is spearheading the creation and launch of the first booster club for the Titan teams of Triad Baptist Christian Academy.

“I’ve always loved football,” Collins said. “I played the game for 16 years and recently got involved refereeing high school football. When I first came to Triad I wanted to get involved so helped Steve out by refereeing some games.

“I was asked to consider taking over the league when Steve moved on to his current assignment,” Collins said. “I think Upward football gives us a unique opportunity to reach many people who may not be attending church and who begin to learn about a life of faith first through their children and sports.

“It’s an important part of our community outreach and also helps connect families that are already part of the church.”

Upward coach David Pointer is an example of Collins’ point that Upward football is a community program. Pointer, who attends another church in the area, first began coming to Upward Football games at Triad as a spectator. Then he began coaching his oldest child’s team until he aged out of the program.

The former Pittsburgh, Pa., resident is back coaching his youngest child Ben’s K-1st grade Steeler squad. Assisting him on the field is his mom, Joyce Spontak, a Triad member.

“I think helping kids to further their relationship with God and experience sports at the same time through the ministry is a good blend and one of the key benefits of the program,” Pointer said.

“Another is learning how to work with others,” he added. “Especially at the K-1 age, kids need to start learning about teamwork and not thinking just about themselves. You see them go from everyone wanting the ball to learning to help each other and work together.

“We ended up losing by a point in our first game, but I don’t think any of the kids were disappointed. They all had a great time.”

Phase 2 Shot of TBC B&W 17

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