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What's Glo in the 'Mo? We're glad you asked! It's our neon night run happening on the first Friday of October. Run or walk the scenic course that begins in downtown Kokomo. It's a party atmosphere with glow in the dark powder, glow sticks, a DJ pumping out tunes, and a foam party! There will be local vendors to come out and support, too. We can't wait to see you on Oct. 6. Party starts at 7 p.m. The race will follow at 7:30 p.m.!
The Mt Pisgah Lions organization is ramping up for another season to play on the competitive state and national level. The Lions football club has grown in the tackle program, which has increased from 16 kids last year to 28 this season. This rising program appears to have a head of steam and is showing no signs of slowing down.
One of the driving forces behind the Lions program is a relationship with Kokomo High School. The ability to utilize the KHS practice facilities for games brings a whole new element and level of commitment to the organization and from the city than ever before.
Omar Daniels, a head coach of the Lion organization stated, “Coach Ty Stitts did an amazing job making a relationship with KHS to be able to achieve playing on their practice field.”
The practice facility is ideal for hosting games for the Lions which have three home games scheduled there this season. The facility has concessions and space for teams that will be coming into town. The Lions do not seek to take away anything from the local youth leagues.
“Some kids need to play on a local level,” said Daniels. “What are we doing for the kids that need to play beyond the local level and on the state and national level? That’s what we are here to provide.”
In recent years, youth sports across the board have taken a turn from local to expand beyond the borders of one’s city, state, and even the country in some cases. To be able to compete, there are some youth who have parents who are willing to invest in their sports endeavors.
Daniels stated, “we must understand when change comes, we have to adjust. Adaptation is necessary. We cherish and are thankful for the old way, but we must begin to think outside the box.”
The tackle organization made it to the northern semi-state last season and is looking to take another step forward in its progression. The program was 2-3 and ended one game in a tie last season which should put a big smile on the faces of community members. That could mean a tremendous amount for how local community members consume sports at the high school level in the near future.
Aside from the fact that these young football players are representing their city well, the Mt. Pisgah Lions organization is doing more to produce quality people than making football players.
The Lions teach discipline and respect. They are taught about God and how to love one another. In a time when old-school values aren’t wanted anymore, Pastor Lonnie Anderson Jr., the fearless leader and pastor of Mt Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, gives the values the Lions are to abide by for the sake of the youth sports experience, and for their own personal salvation. Mt. Pisgah is a church that is meeting the needs of inner-city youth athletes and has a desire to help single mothers by getting kids involved.
The Mt. Pisgah Lions has some talented players. JaMichael Gilliam, first-year coach who primarily works with the defense, expressed, “I think we have some kids that can go above and beyond the expectations all the coaches have. I think we will have a successful year on both sides of the ball.”
Kyle Brown, a veteran coach, sees something special in this year’s group. “The potential out the roof,” said Brown. “For a lot of them, this is their first year, but the ones that are coming back are doing great at being leaders.”
The program is making tremendous strides. The competitive nature of the game itself and the environment that is being created appear to be pushing these young men to achieve greater things.
Doc Hicks, veteran coach, said, “in the drills and the tackling, a lot of the young guys are doing just as good or better than some of our older guys. I think they are fighting for positions. Young guys are showing a lot of potential.”
Hicks also made a point, “this is for the kids. If you see our stuff on Facebook, come on out and support us.”
Those who happen to be looking for something to do this weekend and have some time to drive, the Mt. Pisgah Lions have a scrimmage at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sun., Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. The Lions have three dates on the schedule for home games at the Kokomo High School football practice field. All dates will be on a Sunday: Sept. 10, Oct. 1, and Oct. 22.
The Lions thank God, Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist church, and KHS for all their wonderful support.