Kokomo Klaws teaching discipline, accountability, respect
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The Kokomo Klaws tackle football organization is making a tremendous impact on youth football by placing character, discipline, and personal development alongside athletic development. The organization makes it clear from the beginning that being a Klaw means being part of something bigger than football.
KLAWS represents Knowledge, Leadership, Attitude, Willpower, and Strength, five qualities the organization wants its athletes to carry both on and off the field. Ty Stitts, one of the organization’s leaders, explained the mission.
“Kokomo Klaws is much more than a football team,” said Stitts. “We are building young men by teaching discipline, accountability, teamwork, respect, and commitment.”
The goal is to develop good football players while, more importantly, developing great students, leaders, and young men who will make Kokomo proud. Stitts says the organization is working toward building “a family/brotherhood and investing in the future of our community.” That commitment to character is reinforced through the team’s Character Commitment Sheet, which emphasizes doing good, respecting parents, teachers and other authority figures, taking schoolwork seriously, and following rules.
Safety is also a major priority. Through the support of local union brothers and sisters, U.S. Motor Sales, First City Recovery, and Certor Sports, the organization was able to provide its athletes with brand new 2026 Schutt Air Helmets. Stitts expressed his appreciation to everyone, including Damitz Physical Therapy, for a fully stocked medical box, and to teachers and parents who hold kids accountable for their actions and for keeping up with character accountable sheets. All have helped support the Klaws and their mission.
While character is of the utmost importance, the Klaws are also serious about becoming better football players. Their schedule demonstrates that they are not looking for easy competition or “cake walks.” The organization is intentionally facing serious talent from Indiana and surrounding areas, giving its athletes opportunities to compete, learn, adjust, and grow against some of the toughest opponents available.
That balance is what makes the Kokomo Klaws stand out, developing the person while developing the player.
“Thank you to all of my parents who trusted in the vision,” said Stitts. “When you bring your kids back after the first year, that’s the real win. I’ll also give a special shout-out to my coaches Tyrone “Taco” Brown, Chris Cline, and Cameron Hoyle for taking their time out of their busy schedules.”
For families searching for a youth football organization that values competition, safety, education, character, teamwork, and community, the Kokomo Klaws are building something worth watching.
For more information, contact Ty Stitts at (765) 432-7564 or tianyved@gmail.com.