For Media & Press Release Inquiries please contact Heath Peek at 828-216-0938 or heathpeek@yahoo.com
or Jeff Hunter at 828-778-7024 or jeffhunter@naibhcommercial.com .
Asheville Citizen Times Article
September 7, 2009
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SWANNANOA — Two years ago the Owen District Youth Football League didn't have a very good reputation.
It was known for fighting players, cursing coaches and a board of directors that didn't care.
In 2007, the league was almost certain to fall apart when the entire board stepped down. But Jeff Hunter stepped up.
Hunter has been league commissioner for two years and is slowly resurrecting the program.
“We had to almost recruit children and talk to their parents to let them know that the league was different because there were some challenges with the league in the past,” he said.
People are starting to notice the changes. Last year, for the first time in league history, Owen High football coach Kenny Ford permitted the league to use the school's stadium for games. In 2008, the league had 103 players; this year the number is up to 123.
“The people that are running it now are Christians, and they really care about the kids,” said Debra Hulse, a mother of three children who are involved in the league. “It's all about the kids for them.”
The league is composed of three age divisions. The termites — ages 6-8; the mites — ages 9-10; and the midgets — ages 11-13. Last season, only the midgets won a game. This year the termites and midgets won their first games Aug. 29, and the mites lost in overtime.
“It was very exciting,” said Hunter of the midgets' win over Haywood.
“Parents went out there with the cooler and dumped the cooler on the coach (Shawn Patton).”
Midgets quarterback Kaleb Waycaster is excited about the talent on the team.
“We have a bunch of better tacklers, better offense, better receivers; everything is better.”
Added defensive end Jordan King, “We gained a reputation real quick of being a good team. We won our first game starting off the season, and we've never done that.”
Patton is one of the program's fresh faces. Hunter estimates 85 percent of his coaches — including Patton and termite coach Robi Meyers — are new to the league. They're helping turn around the Owen league's losing culture.
Parents and other family members are also getting more involved.
Johnny Cole, the grandfather of Waycaster, has survived five heart attacks. On June 10, 1999, he received a heart transplant. Cole is making sure he takes advantage of his second chance at life by giving back to the kids in the football program.
“This means everything not only to the Swannanoa Valley, but to the county,” Cole said.
“These are the kids that are going to be Owen Warhorses someday.”
In tough economic times, Cole said he has raised almost $2,000 for player equipment.
“God left me here for a reason, and if it's going to be to help these kids, then I'm going to do it because now I've got time to do it,” said Cole, who retired in May 2007.
WLOS (News 13) Coverage
Saturday, September 5, 2009
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Swannanoa - Local Man Helps Disadvantaged Youth
A former Buncombe County deputy gives back to his community after they gave him a second chance at life. Monetary donations from friends and family helped Donnie Cole get a heart transplant several years ago, now he's repaying the favor.
Donnie noticed a need in his grandson's youth football league. There were a lot of kids who wanted to play football but couldn't afford it. Donnie hit up local businesses for donations and raised $1,200 in three days. The money will help register and outfit three or four children.
Local Man Helps Disadvantaged Youth
Posted: Saturday, September 5 2009, 10:05 PM CDT