THE ‘WEIGHT OF THE SHIELD’ – ‘ISAIAH 61’ SOCAL COYOTES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM MORE THAN ‘JUST FOOTBALL’

(ANZA) – When the two-time champion SoCal Coyotes – wearing their traditional deep navy blue jerseys and silver pants – climbed the concrete steps to the playing field at Anza’s Hamilton High School to defeat the Downey Apaches 59-13 for the Western Conference Championship of the nation’s top-ranked LaBelle Community Football League, they carried the sovereign ‘weight of the shield’ on their shoulders.

Nearly 10,000 Facebook ‘likes’ indicate how the public has embraced ‘The Shield,’ which for the snarling Coyotes and their fans, represents more than just football. It signifies God first, family second – the heartbeat of an entire organization committed to ‘changing the culture’ of AAA football through player mentoring and development, organizational management and dynamic service to their community.

“We’re pretty much an Isaiah 61 football team – ‘hope to the hopeless’ – that’s each one of us,” says head coach J David Miller, referencing a passage of scripture. “Sooner or later, somewhere in our lives, everybody stares hopeless in the face. If that describes you, well, here we are. We play for you. All who are thirsty – anybody and everybody who ever asked for another chance – there’s plenty of room on the bus. We all had to start somewhere.”

The Coyotes exhort players to fulfill their human potential, encouraging them to practice daily ethical skills and competencies associated with effective leadership. Veteran wideout Rashad ‘The Franchise’ Roberts, who holds every club receiving record, describes the Coyotes ‘footprint’ as “more than ‘just football’ … we’re working hard every day to become better fathers, better leaders, better friends, better men.”

Says defensive end, Marine and war veteran Jake Sheffield, who is working on his master’s degree at Arizona State University, “Every day, you’re either getting better or worse, and someone’s following you. You have no idea who is watching you, but you will be held accountable.”

The Coyotes’ published leadership curriculum is embraced by public schools, and in the past 11 months alone, players and coaches have addressed more than 14,000 students. “We teach youth that until you’ve had the taste of finishing something incredibly difficult, you will never respect yourself,” says Coyote rookie linebacker Kelvin Cain, a University of Miami graduate.

As a benchmark program that raises the competence, conscience, and compassion of its players, the Coyotes are also “advocates and protectors for those less fortunate, challenged or struggling, and passionate about serving as community role models.” Stewards of their faith, the Coyotes have donated thousands of dollars to the Palm Springs Unified School District, and financially supported the football program and senior class of Hamilton High School, where they play their home games.

The team’s published mission statement proclaims that “we see every player as an opportunity to plant a tree under whose shade we never intend to sit. Over five seasons, two championships and now thousands reached, we have addressed different cultures, backgrounds, generations and experiences. As Mother Teresa said, ‘if you can’t feed a million, start by feeding one.’

“Among football teams, we are determined to lead the nation in prayer, mentor young men, instill faith-based initiatives in their lives and homes, and challenge them as men.”

For the Coyote organization this means attention to every detail, “right down to pulling up game socks and tucking in jerseys,” says Shane Helms, assistant head coach and Senior VP of community development. “It’s a message that now resonates from player to player.”

The perspective of quarterback Michael Karls, a candidate for LCFL Rookie of the Year, personifies the Coyote program.

“If God can’t trust you with the little things, how can He trust you with the big things?” asks Karls, who graduated this past May from Midland University. “Every detail counts. For me, something as simple as tucking in my game jersey is sending a message, especially to God.

“I’m saying, ‘Yes, Lord, I get it. I’m listening. I want to be an example. I’m willing to do even the smallest things to give thanks, to be that leader you called me to be, and to get better every day.’”

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COYOTES on any mobile device, via the free Coyote Mobile ‘Yapp. Visit iTunes or Android Market for the free download (search So Cal Coyotes, ‘space’ between So and Cal). The Coyote Mobile ‘Yapp’ has stats in real time, box scores, rosters and much, much more.

TO SEE HOW THE COYOTES stack up against their LCFL opposition, visit www.lcflwest.org.

–GM Sam Maggio