Sandcrab Nation

Our tenth year as an organization has drawn to a close.  As I reflect back on the accomplishments of our league, I cannot help but smile.  You see, smiles warm the hearts of all that come in contact with them.  A smile is a sign of happiness, jubilation, pride, etc.  This year, more than any other year as your chairman, I saw more smiles from our children, coaches, and parents then in years past. 

2010 was a year of change.  We had several new head coaches in football and cheer.  Collectively, I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts.  Our cheerleader numbers were up 50% over last year (way to go Kathi)!  Our football numbers were also up!  There is an attraction to the Ormond Beach program that is a direct result of the volunteers that make up the organization. 

Our relationship with the City of Ormond Beach is spectacular.  The city employees are very quick to respond to any need we have.  Our game facility at the airport is the BEST playing surface we play on!  The support of the Mayor and City Commissioners is inspiring to say the least!

Our relationship with the local schools is also very special.  Principal Persis at Ormond Middle is awesome.  He makes sure that our practice facility is always available to us no matter what the circumstance.  The teachers at all the schools are big supporters because they know about the emphasis we put on academic performance before athletic performance.

Our mission statement is very basic.  “Create good citizens.”  Simplistic?  Yes.  However, much goes in to that.  Our coaches stress discipline, team uniformity, respect for rules, respect for others, winning with dignity, losing with pride, functioning as a team, etc.  What we do is teach life skills that carry these children into their adult lives with a foundation that will help them succeed under any circumstance.  We teach them to believe in themselves and believe in their team.  What a great way to help “create good citizens!”

As I reflect back on my four years as a Chairman, I realize that the organization has grown tremendously.  I have been blessed with a wonderful Board of Directors that put in many hours of hard work.  Words cannot express how much I appreciate what they do for this organization.  Ormond Pop Warner is a full time, year round job.  These Board Members take it very seriously and I believe that is what makes us so successful.

To all my Pop Warner Family - The Children, Parents, Board, City Staff, Teachers, Coaches, and all Volunteers….  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve as your Chairman.  Here’s to the continued success of Ormond Beach Youth Football and Cheer Association!!!!

Mike Mitchener

Chairman