When my kid started high school, I had no clue about football programs honestly. But other parents kept buzzing about St Marys High School Football, so I dug into it myself.
First up, we went to a tryout session
Got the schedule online, showed up early Saturday morning. Coach Johnson greeted us at the gate shaking hands real firm. He made every kid say their name into a megaphone – sounds silly but my shy kid actually laughed doing it! Players were running drills nearby, all mismatched socks and grass stains, but man they were moving FAST.
Equipment inspection shocked me
Thought helmets and pads would cost a fortune? Nope. Team manager sat us down with this beat-up clipboard: “Parents pay zero dollars for gear”. School reconditions everything yearly. We got:
- Nearly new helmet (smelled like cleaner, not sweat!)
- Shoulder pads with fresh foam
- Cleats in 3 sizes to try
Saved us $300 easy.
Academic surprises hit hardest
After practice, coach lined players against the lockers checking report cards. Any grade below B? Automatic study hall before next practice with volunteer tutors. Saw this lanky senior helping freshmen with algebra problems right there on the bleachers, his cleats still muddy. That study table runs every day until 6PM.
Unexpected perk? Medical access
When my kid sprained his ankle during scrimmage, trainer sprinted over waving that weird spray can. School partners with city clinic so same-day X-rays don’t need appointments. Doctor’s note was faxed to school before we even left the parking lot!
Biggest eye-opener? How much they feed these kids. Post-practice snack tables look like a grocery store aisle – apples, peanut butter packets, chocolate milk cartons stacked knee-high. Team mom whispered they use booster fund money strictly for food, “Hungry players quit” she said. Mine now eats dinner without complaining cause he’s actually hungry for once!
Final proof? We ran into last year’s quarterback at Walmart. That kid carried himself different – stood straight, looked adults in the eye when talking. Said football taught him accountability when he messed up plays. Now that’s what I call a benefit you can’t measure on any scoreboard.