Traveling Titans reflect on successful first season
The Warren County Traveling Titans are making plans for their second year as a member of the Mid-State Youth Football League, and expressing their gratitude to the sponsors and others that helped make their first season possible.
Last year, the idea for the Titans was formed when the Pioneer Youth Football League had a shortage of players in the 11-12-year-old age group. Only enough players for one team were available, resulting in a traveling schedule that brought new enthusiasm and success.
“Our boys seemed to flourish so well with out-of-town competition, we decided to form a new team and enter another league,” recalled Pat Moran, who would become vice president of the Titans. “Instead of playing against their friends, playing those boys from other towns seemed to spark a little something extra in them, and we thought it would be good to give them an opportunity to continue that competition.”
In January, a nine-member board began raising funds for what would become four Titans squads: a 7- and 8-year-old team and a 9- and 10-year-old squad, as well as teams in the 11-12 and 13-14 age group.
Over 60 players came out for the four teams, which began practicing in August and playing their respective eight-game schedules in September.
While planning for, and during the course of the season as members of the Mid-State league, Titans organizers raised almost $39,000 for team expenses, earning funds through concession stands, a fair food booth and numerous donations.
Funds were doled out almost as quickly as they were raised, however, spent on team supplies, league fees, insurance and other expenses — including over $28,000 on equipment for the teams.
With their first year in the books, Moran said the Titans’ board is now gearing up for the future, both on the field as well as in the fundraising department.
“We’re planning to visit all the schools before the end of the year, to hopefully generate some interest among the kids who want to play on next year’s teams,” she said. “Also, the board is getting ready for our end-of-the-year meeting, where we can see which areas need improvement, and correct any mistakes.
“We’re very thankful to our sponsors from the last year, and to coach (Gerald) Tidwell and Andy Jacobs for allowing us to play our home games at Nunley Stadium,” she continued, “and we’re hoping to continue working next year with the community’s help.
“We’re proud of what we’ve done so far, and we want to keep working for these kids. That’s what we’re here for.”