Gridiron Gratitude
The “Fall Finish” hosted by the Minnetonka Football program was more than just the end of a season.
October 31, 2021
The whistle blew. The players celebrated. The parents cheered this brisk afternoon in October. But this was not another game between rivals Edina and Minnetonka. It was more significant than the end of a season. Youth football was officially over for players, coaches and families that gathered at the Minnetonka High School field. And everyone knew it.
The players and coaches from both teams, recognizing the moment, gathered at the center of the field for a group photo. The Hornets and Skippers choosing to close their youth football experience with grace and dignity – despite a dominant, 34-0 Edina victory.
We witnessed the best of youth sports that day: fellowship, friendship, and respect. More than rivals battling it out, we saw passion for football, competition, and camaraderie. The next time these young men step on this field as competitors it will be as athletes, or participants of their high school sports teams. I pray these October smiles and lessons take that field too.
4TH GRADE FOOTBALL @ MINNETONKA
Our son Macallen began participating in the Edina Football Association in the 4th grade. With his 8th grade season is over, I asked him to share a bit about his experience in the EFA program. With a few edits, here is what Macallen said:
Over the past five years, I have played football for the Edina Football Association, EFA. Each year, I learned new things, met new people, and become a better version of myself. Football has taught me many things; courage, toughness, and grit. This year Coach Warpinski stressed the importance to grow mental excellence. And I can see the changes in myself and others.
Football has clearly changed my physical presence and attitude; I’ve gone from a scrawny, timid kid afraid of being hit, towards becoming a bigger guy chopping at the bit. But football has also shown me how to mentally show up. It has given me the tools and experience to be successful and embrace failure. I am not the biggest, strongest or fastest guy on the field. But time and time again, my shortcomings on the football field were offset by my coaches’ encouragements. “Keep going” they’d shout. “Someday it will click” they said. And they were right, eventually it did. I’ve kept going because of their commitment to me, and my football journey is not over as a result. My teammates and I are already preparing for high school football training by at LifeTime fitness. I can’t thank my coaches enough for what they have taught me, shaping the person I am becoming.
Thank you, football. See you next year.
8th Grade Football - 2021
We are grateful for the Edina Football Association. The coaches, volunteers and participating families that have created a gridiron community that extends beyond football. We’ve watched as our kids have grown mentally and physically, and develop friendships that will last a life time. Football has created many memories, Some photos and lunch bags from 4th grade to 8th grade are below. (Click images to enlarge)
