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