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DECEMBER 6, 2007, was a landmark day for the Lakeshore Athletic Association Raiders Pop Warner organization.
Not only did the Jacksonville (Fla.)-based Midget football team (ages 13-15) win the national championship at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex, but University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was also awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy in New York.
Tebow was once a member of the Lakeshore Athletic Association.
“It was quite a day for Lakeshore,” president Diane Moschella said. “It was a very proud day for everyone associated with our program.”
The national title was the third for the organization and the first since 1995. A Lakeshore team consisting of kids ages 8-10 initially won a championship in 1993.
“This is our oldest team and it was a great experience for them,” Moschella said. “They just played so well in the tournament.”
Moschella has been associated with Lakeshore for more than 20 years, four as president. She hopes to be involved for many more years to come.
“I’ve had nieces and nephews go through the organization and it’s been a thrill,” Moschella said. “It’s pretty rewarding and a lot of work. Things don’t always go smoothly, but it’s for the kids. I don’t have any children of my own, but with my nieces and nephews, and really for all the kids, it’s been fun. I love kids. Plus, I’m retired now and this is like a full-time job. It definitely keeps me busy.”
It sure does when you consider the organization features about 400 kids participating in football and cheerleading. There are eight football teams, with about 250 kids ranging in age from 5-15. The remaining 150 kids participate on one of the six cheerleading squads.
Moschella was quick to praise her board of directors and everyone else close to the organization. Without their help, it would be much harder to oversee such a large amount of kids.
“I really do have excellent help on our board,” Moschella said. “They’re always there for me. They’re very open to new ideas and they’re all very experienced. For instance, Mickey Spillane, our football commissioner, has been here for 40 years. Others have been here for 20 years or more. We have a lot of experienced members here. It helps to have that kind of experience on your board because things run smoother. They are the best group of people you could ask to work with.”
Moschella used to work with the city of
“Going to school and making good grades are important,” Moschella said. “We talk about that with the kids and the coaches talk about that with the kids. “
Moschella wants the kids to realize that becoming a player the caliber of Tebow is rare. The road to success will almost certainly come through a route that doesn’t include football.
“Tim Tebow’s brother spoke to the kids at a banquet and talked to them about hard work and school,” Moschella said. “We asked about Tim, but he was really busy with appearances at the time. If it worked out, we’d love to have Tim come and talk to the kids. We’re proud of him and all our graduates. We stress academics and the importance of making good grades.
“Sometimes, the children come back as adults and they’ll say, ‘Remember me?’ I still remember my days here and you helped me become the person I am today. That’s very rewarding to me.”
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Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.