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In a time when the world often focuses on challenges, these young individuals are shining examples of how even the smallest actions can make a big difference in our youth. 16 current Hays High School athletes have chosen to give back to the youth of Hays in the best way they know how, through sports! These young men are currently volunteer coaches for the Flag Football league through the Hays Recreation Commission. No, it’s not a Tik-Tok trend they are following, it’s what is in their hearts. Of course, they want the bragging rights over their fellow coaches when they win as well!
Spring sports at Hays High are in full swing. After leaving their own respective practices these coaches then go pour into the young athletes of Hays, just as their coaches have in the past. Tanner Giest, Hays High sophomore says, “Seeing the little kids improve each week is so fun. It is worth all the evening practices, no matter how tired I am.” Being great role models and showing the kids what they can achieve as they get older will have profound impact on the youth of Hays. “One of my favorite things about coaching the little kids is having them look up to me and want to be like me,” said Giest.
“We are always so thankful and grateful to have the high school students work with our youth. The parents enjoy the break, and the kids seem to respond well to their leadership,” Hays Recreation Youth Sports Director, Keith Smith said about the HHS athletes coaching.
Being on the coaching side of the ball isn’t always glamorous as the HHS athletes had maybe thought in the past. “Hearing the boys bounce ideas off each other or trash talking about an upcoming game is always entertaining. Seeing them put their heart and soul into coaching these younger kids and then come up short on the field is always a humbling experience for them. Accepting the defeat, learning from it and moving on will be a skill they use the rest of their lives,” Coach Crough, Hays High Head Football Coach said.
While this isn’t the first-year high school students have coached teams for Hays Rec; this is possibly the most that have coached at the same time. According to Hays High Senior, Cooper Lindenmeyer, “There is nothing like seeing one of your players get in the end zone. It’s what keeps me coming back.”
There is a different type of fire and intensity the Hays High athletes bring to their teams. The passion they have for the younger kids and the game is unmatched. Without question they have fun and provide excitement at every practice and game. “For me, coaching flag football isn’t just about winning. I enjoy making bonds with the players and giving them an opportunity to have fun and compete. It’s very rewarding to see the kids happy and having fun. That’s why I choose to do it,” Wyatt Kirkpatrick, Hays High Senior stated.
All their lives these young men have been mentored and supported by their coaches. Being able to provide that same kind of experience for the younger generation and lay a strong foundation as they grow in sports and in life is admirable. “Flag football had a big impact on me and it’s why I play football still to this day. I really want these younger kids to have the same experience and love the game like I do,” Brody Burns, Hays High sophomore said.
It’s not just the high school coaches living their best life out on the football field; their players are having an absolute blast. According to Holly Harrington, mom of Hays Rec flag football player, “The positivity these coaches shower the younger boys with is great. This is no doubt my son’s favorite year of flag football because he has these HHS athletes as his coach. He truly idolizes each of them.”
While it might just be a game, the lessons being learned by the coaches and the players will go far beyond the conclusion of the season. These Hays High athletes are giving the youth of Hays memories that will forever be remembered by their teams.