Monday, October 2, 2023

Winning on the Field: More than the Scoreboard

Written by: Jordan Hoover  Photos by: Emily Hoover  September 29, 2023

Last night our family attended a JV football matchup between Kingsford and Hancock...our sons were invited by the Flivvers to help the team on the sidelines...water, kicking tee, retrieving extra point kicks, etc. The Kingsford faithful showed up in BIG numbers despite the 2 1/2 hr drive North to the Copper Country. Their fans were welcoming and we felt like part of the neighborhood in minutes. There were no rude comments and no excuses no matter the play no matter the call the refs made...just a community of folks with a love for their kids and the game in their hearts. The blue and yellow were impressive...there were hats, jerseys, hoodies, jackets, windbreakers, specialty bleacher seats, you name it! Serious fans to be sure! 

It wasn't long into the first quarter before it was evident that the Flivver brand of football would prove too much to handle for the Hancock Bulldogs...26-0. The Flivvers were on point and came to town with winning in mind. They were crisp, quick, and disciplined. Clearly well well-coached young men who took wearing that K on their helmets seriously. They praised each other, they encouraged each other, they picked each other up, they motivated each other, they corrected each other...and together...as one...they brought home the W. 

At the half, I listened to their coach in the locker room. They were up big and he wasn't telling them to stop playing hard...but he was clear...they would not humiliate the other team. Sportsmanship and character were placed above all. He spoke of appreciating the opportunities and facilities that they have at home. He encouraged and looked after a player who got dinged up. He was everything you'd want a coach to be if your kids were playing. 

It was a beautiful fall evening spent with the Flivver faithful...and we were grateful to be invited. It was a breath of fresh air watching that team play. Not only was it great to see some good football...but more importantly it was great to see good character being coached above all else. Those were fine young men clearly off to a great start in life...and upholding the expectations and traditions of excellence Kingsford obviously works so hard to instill. The difference in culture is remarkable, to say the least. More than ever my wife and I cannot wait to see our sons suited up in blue and yellow for the first time. Cheers Flivvers! Lets goooo!!!!

#FlivverNation

Friday, September 29, 2023

1993 State Championship Reunion Game

 On Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 9:13 PM Matt McCarthy <sweetsmccarthy@gmail.com> wrote:

KINGSFORD — In sports, anniversaries of major accomplishments are often celebrated. Recently in conjunction with their home opener of the 2023 football season versus Gladstone, the Kingsford High School athletic department organized a reunion for the 30th anniversary of the 1993 MHSAA Class B state champion Kingsford Flivvers football team. 

Approximately two dozen players from the undefeated squad, as well as the four coaches took part in the festivities. Head coach Chris Hofer, as well as assistant coaches Andy Wiltzius, Dan Short and Jeff Harry took part in the pregame coin toss as honorary Flivver captains for the game. 

Kingsford athletic director Chris Hartman, who organized the majority of the event, had a tent in the north end zone set up for the reunion participants and their families, where everyone was provided a tailgate style meal, along with an outstanding view of the game. 

At halftime, the players were introduced to the large opening night crowd at Flivver field, as well as assistant coaches Wiltzius and Short. Hofer and Harry, who are currently on the Flivvers coaching staff, had halftime obligations in the Don Edens Field House. 

As the players who attended were introduced, each of them lined up on the track in front of the grandstand to a large ovation. 

Once all the introductions were complete, the public address announcer read the four names of the players from the ’93 squad who have passed away. A moment of silence was observed for Scott Guiliani, Jeremy Gendron, Scott Jones and Todd Schoen. 

Many fond memories were shared in the tent, with the championship team players and coaches Wiltzius and Short. The most significant thing from that season three decades ago that stands out to reunion attendees is the epic battle they had with crosstown rivals Iron Mountain, coming out on the winning end, 24-14 at Flivver Field. 

Both the Flivvers and Mountaineers won state championships at the Pontiac Silverdome on Nov. 26 of that year, however only the Flivvers were undefeated at seasons end.

“One thing I remember vividly is once we got home from the title games, both us and Iron Mountain, was the police escort we got coming into Iron Mountain on US 2,” said Flivvers running back Jason Gendron. “Turning and going down H street past the VA (Hospital), how many people there were, tons of people. The whole community coming together, both towns as one to celebrate both teams. I’d bet that will never happen again with the same circumstances.” 

The week 7 game between the Twin City rivals wasn’t the only game that stood out in that season to coach Wiltzius. 

“What gets lost in that season when we all recall the Iron Mountain game and the playoff run, is the great regular-season game we had with Menominee,” Wiltzius said. “They were a really good team, they finished 7-2, but in those days, two losses didn’t make the playoffs most of the time. They pushed us right to the end of the game.” 

Of the four playoff games the Flivvers won that season, their 19-8 win over Belding in the semifinals at the Superior Dome sticks out in coach Short’s memory.

“Their (Belding) fan base was something else. As we came out of the locker room, they were chanting at you,” Short said. “They were really well coached and had lots of years of success.”

Both Short and Wiltzius were in agreement that the overall team toughness in ’93 set them apart from their competition. The whole season had a one game at a time focus - pound out each game and move on to the next one.

Gendron and some of the other players also recollect practicing at Michigan State University on their way to Pontiac for the title game, and how enjoyable of an experience that was as well.


A great night was capped off by a 35-12 win for the 2023 Flivvers over long time foe Gladstone. 

Friday, June 9, 2023

The Crucial Bond: Why High School Football Players Should Work Out as a Team During the Summer

High school football is more than just a sport. It's a platform for young athletes to learn life skills, build character, and forge lasting friendships. One vital aspect of this journey is the summertime workouts conducted as a team. Beyond the physical benefits, these collective training sessions foster camaraderie, trust, and confidence among the players.

Summer workouts serve as the perfect opportunity for football players to bond and develop a sense of camaraderie. The shared experience of intense training sessions, pushing each other to their limits, and facing challenges as a team strengthens the bonds between players. These connections extend beyond the field, creating a support system that translates into lifelong
friendships.

Teamwork is the cornerstone of any successful football program. By working out together, players learn to rely on one another, trust each other's abilities, and understand the importance of individual contributions for the greater good of the team. The summer workouts provide a platform for players to build this trust, ensuring a cohesive and synchronized unit once the season begins.

Confidence plays a pivotal role in the performance of football players. Working out together during the summer enables athletes to witness their teammates' progress, pushing them to strive for personal growth. The encouragement and support received from teammates during these workouts foster a positive environment that builds confidence. As players witness their own physical improvements and witness the development of their peers, their self-belief soars, leading to enhanced performance on the field.


The significance of high school football players working out as a team during the summer cannot be overstated. The bonds of camaraderie, trust, and confidence forged during these training sessions extend far beyond the football field. They lay the foundation for success, both on and off the field, and equip young athletes with invaluable life skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. So, let the summer workouts commence, for they hold the power to transform a group of individuals into an indomitable team.


Linktree: https://linktr.ee/flivverfootball

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Dickinson County Football Camp 2023

 Are you a high school football player looking to take your game to the next level? Then the Dickinson County Football Camp held on June 12th and 13th at Flivver Field is for you! 

This camp features some of the best coaches in the U.P. and Northern Wisconsin, including Michigan Tech Head Coach Dan Mettlach, NMU Head Coach Shane Richardson, and St. Norbert Head Coach Dan McCarty. These coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the camp, and they’ll be there to help you develop and hone your skills. 

During the camp, attendees will receive instruction on both offensive and defensive skills. You’ll learn the fundamentals of the game, such as blocking, tackling, and route running. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on your speed, agility, and strength. You’ll be able to practice specific drills and skills to help you become a better player overall. 

The camp is designed for any high school football player, regardless of experience or skill level. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced player looking to take your game to the next level, this camp has something for you. 

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to improve your football skills and get instruction from some of the best coaches in the area.

Sign up for the Dickinson County Football Camp today and take your game to the next level!

Cost: $75 payable on the first day of camp.

Click HERE to register online or print this REGISTRATION form.

Original text generated from: https://beta.openai.com/playground with writing prompt by Coach VanDusen (4/20/23)

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

FLIVVER DISCOUNT CARDS!

 Are you looking for a great way to save money while supporting the Flivver football team? Then the Kingsford Flivver Discount Card is the perfect choice for you!

Discount cards are available from all Kingsford football players and provide discounts to local businesses, food and drinks, and more!

For just $20, you can enjoy discounts at Bimbos, Solberg's, Moose Jackson, Henry's, 51st
State
, Dobber's Pasties, Antonio's Pizza, Main Street Pizza, Farmers', The Big 10, A&W, Dunkin' Donuts, Culver's, Burger King, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, McDonald's, Subway, and Domino's.

In addition to food and drink discounts, the card also offers discounts at Protech, Krist, Iron Mountain Automotive, Ink Design, Dunham's, Mama Bear Drinkware, Maurices The Man Cave, Salon 323, Cost Cutters, Youngs, and Recreation Lanes. With all these discounts, youll be sure to save money every time you shop or eat out.

Plus, when you purchase a Kingsford Flivver Discount Card, youre helping the team! All proceeds from the card sales go directly toward equipment, uniforms, and player practice gear. Your support is invaluable and helps ensure that the team has everything it needs to be successful on the field this fall.

So what are you waiting for?
Show your support for the team and get your Kingsford Flivver Discount Card today. Its a great way to save money while helping out your Kingsford Flivvers. Go, Kingsford!
Link to Discount Breakdown available HERE!

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Why do we lift?

Weight training is an essential part of any successful high school football teams training program. Proper weight training can help players increase their strength, speed, and explosiveness while helping them prevent injury. Weight training exercises such as bench press, power clean, and back squat are especially important for high school football players, as they help to build the strength and power needed to compete at a high level.

The bench press is a great exercise for developing upper body strength, which is important for tackling, blocking, and throwing. Power clean is an exercise that helps to build strength and speed, making it ideal for football players who need to be explosive on the field. Finally, the back squat is an exercise that helps players to develop leg strength and power, which is essential for running and agility.

In addition to developing strength and power, weight training is also important for preventing injury. Stronger muscles and ligaments are more resilient to injury and fatigue, helping to keep players on the field.

Weight training is also an important part of a successful football teams culture. When players work out together as a team, it can help create a sense of camaraderie and unity that can be beneficial both on and off the field.


Original text generated from: https://beta.openai.com/playground with writing prompt by Coach VanDusen (1/26/2023)

Winning on the Field: More than the Scoreboard

Written by: Jordan Hoover  Photos by: Emily Hoover  September 29, 2023 Last night our family attended a JV football matchup between Kingsfor...