By Alex Groome

After many years of discussion, Collegiate has successfully launched a 6th Grade tackle football team, with over 28 players joining in its inaugural year. Even more exciting, 26 of the 28 players are Collegiate students. This team is an extension of Cougar Sports Zone, a program that gives kids in the community the ability to compete for Collegiate before Middle School Cub Sports begin. This program, open to students from any school, includes Geronimo Lacrosse, Game Changer NFL Flag Football, Sandlot Baseball, and other memorable sports teams where many current Collegiate athletes started to develop their skills.

A sign in Andrew Stanley’s office.

I spoke with varsity football head coach Collin McConaghy about the benefits in getting kids started in football earlier. McConaghy said, “it is a redshirt year… starting a year earlier will give the players time to learn how to put on equipment, catch, and tackle, before having to play games.” The comparison to a “redshirt year” is a reference to when players in college sports don’t play their first season. When I started playing tackle football for the first time in 7th Grade, I had never put on a set of pads, or even a helmet. Many other players were new to the game as well. Two weeks after putting on pads for the first time, we had our first game. The lack of experience did not go well for our team, as we ended the season with only one win. 

McConaghy said Collegiate is pioneering the 6th grade entry point into tackle football within the local private school sector. The team will focus on building skills and learning to play as a team in practices. Games are not currently part of the program. McConaghy said, “the players will only practice three to four days a week, as opposed to other teams’ five to six days per-week schedule.” This decision was made to encourage kids to try out tackle football while allowing them to continue their various after-school activities. 

6th Grade football practice on Grover Jones field.

In an interview with The Match, Athletic Director Andrew Stanley spoke about the decisions that led up to the creation of the 6th Grade tackle football team. He said, “the administrators were very supportive of the idea.” When asked if they had trouble finding coaches for the new team, he said, “People are really excited to help football develop the right way… We have four great coaches that are excited for the opportunity to teach the kids the game of football.” The 6th Grade football team is led by Collegiate parents Stephen Spraker (Charlie Spraker (‘26)) and John Arendale (Milton Arendale (‘26)), along with alumni Cole Eck (‘17) and Patrick Kirchmier (‘17). Eck and Kirchmier played football for Collegiate during their state championship team back in 2016. Stanley also stated that he “hopes that all the kids come back again next year and grow into great Collegiate football players in the future.”

I had the opportunity to attend one of the 6th Grade football practices recently. As I walked onto Grover Jones field, I could hear the players’ excitement. The players were on the field in full gear, performing Oklahoma drills. This is a running tackle drill that involves two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a linebacker, and a running back. This type of drill requires teamwork and physicality. When the coach brought the players together in a huddle, I was able to ask them about their favorite part of the game. They said they enjoyed being with their friends. Coach Spraker shared that his favorite part of coaching is seeing the camaraderie that comes with being on the football team.

Now into my 5th year of Collegiate football, I enjoy all aspects of the game, but I believe the building of friendships and team camaraderie will stay with the kids throughout their time at Collegiate. Starting a year earlier than all the prior Collegiate football teams gives them an even greater advantage toward building relationships that help strengthen them both on and off the field.

All photos by Alex Groome.