Please help us celebrate Homecoming with an all-program Football Dinner Thursday night, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

All parents are invited to bring food to our annual Homecoming Thursday Night Dinner. Please bring covered dishes, desserts, bread, etc. The dinner is open to 7th through 12th grades. Cheerleaders are invited. Please email touchdown@olympianfootball.com or post to our Facebook wall what you plan to bring.

Thank you!

The Olympian football players have been getting in shape for their 2011 season. The first game is at Tamaqua, Sept. 3 and we’re very excited! Click here for the complete schedule.

Please note that while the field is under construction, our home games will be played at Panther Valley Stadium in Lansford. Please be sure to come and support the kids while they sacrifice for the good of Olympian Stadium. These kids would like nothing less than to play on their own field but thanks to their flexibility future teams will enjoy Olympian Stadium.

I’d like to personally thank the Touchdown Club volunteers who have worked throughout the summer to raise money to support our team. you all know who you are and our program would not be what it is today without your commitment and support ALL YEAR LONG.

The community will see a new program this year thanks to the sales efforts of our volunteers and the generosity of Jim Thorpe and Carbon Co. area businesses. Our book will be just as big as last year and we could not have done it without the local businesses. THANK YOU!

So, let the countdown to Sept. 3 begin and we hope to see EVERYONE at Tamaqua to cheer on our 2011 Olympian football team.

Pearl Sheckler was honored and recognized for her ten years of service to the Touchdown Club.

The annual Jim Thorpe High School football Banquet was held today, Jan. 23, 2011 at Jim Thorpe Area High School. Many players were recognized for outstanding sportsmanship, leadership and dedication. We also honored Pearl Sheckler for her ten years of service to the Touchdown Club, five as president.

Award winners are:
Sean Green, Anthracite League Sportsmanship Award which is presented to a senior who is a leader, has a strong work ethic and shows extreme sportsmanship on and off the field.

Cody Mann, Lehigh Valley Scholar Athlete nominee which is given to the student-athlete who demonstrates academic achievement, football ability and school and community leadership. Cody will represent Jim Thorpe at the regional awards ceremony later this year.

Terry Moll, Phil Heraty Award, which is given to the player who has been the greatest inspiration to his fellow players, never misses practice, and continues to participate and be actively involved even if injured or otherwise cannot play.

Alonzo McGill, Ed Fuzzy Fahey Award, which is presented to an underclassman who has shown leadership, hard-work, ethic and desire to improve. The award is given in memory of Edward “Fuzzy” Fahey, a Mauch Chunk Catholic High School graduate who served in World War II. Fahey was paralyzed in an accident at Lake Harmony when he was home on leave. He was a life-long supporter of Jim Thorpe football and this award is given by the Redline-Fahey family.

Offensive MVP:

Co-Defensive MVPs: Tyler Mangold and

Special Teams MVP:

Co-Linemen of the Year: Wes Hurley and Sean Leslie

Award winners are from left: Phil Schron, special teams MVP, Shane Edwards, offensive MVP, Terry Moll, Phil Heraty Award for inspiration, Tyler Mangold, co-defensive MVP, Jon Fritz, co-defensive MVP, Sean Green, Anthracite League Sportsmanship Award. Back row: Sean Leslie, co-Lineman of the Year, Wes Hurley, Co-Lineman of the Year, Alonzo McGill, Ed Fuzzy Fahey Award for leadership, and Cody Mann, Lehigh Valley Scholar Athlete nominee.

The seniors are from left: Chris DeMarco, Justin Cannalley, Terry Moll, Shane Edwards, Jon Fritz, Sean Green, Mike Munoz, and Josh Dean. Back row: Sean Leslie, Wes Hurley, Pete McGuire, Cody Mann, Steven Hayes, Dante Lynch and Tyler Mangold. Missing from the photo are: Cody Baier, Ryan Boileau, James Denny, Rich Emery, Alex Rivera and Renard Tabron.

Seniors with outgoing Touchdown Club President Pearl Sheckler.

Notice: the next meeting of the Touchdown Club is Monday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the high school commons.

The Touchdown Club is the booster club for the junior and senior high school football program which involves hundreds of student-athletes. We meet once a month to discuss fundraising and other events to support the program. This Club doesn’t operate without YOU. Here’s your chance to make a difference to your student-athlete(s) and our community.

Agenda: Awards Banquet and officer elections for next season including President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Get involved! Our football program represents much more than the game. It teaches our kids life lessons and provides a weekly entertainment venue for Jim Thorpe and fundraising opportunities for countless clubs and organizations.

Please come to the meeting and check it out! We have fun! We make a difference. You can too.

Download the parental consent form here.

Below is a letter from OAA Orthopaedic Specialists regarding a new free program they offering in conjunction with the Jim Thorpe Football Program:

In the United States, the annual incidence of high school sports-related concussions affects approximately 300,000 students. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season. Research performed by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) concludes that as many as one in five high school football players will experience a concussion this year.

Once an athlete has sustained a concussion, they may begin to suffer from Post Concussion Syndrome, with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sleep difficulties, personality change, and sensitivity to light/noise or deficits in memory or problem-solving abilities.

In response to the increasing number (and severity) of concussions each year, many of the professional sports leagues—including the NFL, NHL, WWE, and NCAA—have adopted ImPACT™ testing, which is a neurocognitive test developed for the management of sports-related concussions.

OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, in partnership with your high school Coach and Athletic Director, is excited to offer ImPACT™ testing for your athlete free of charge.

Below are common questions asked about ImPACT testing:
1. How is ImPACT testing performed?
a. ImPACT is a computer-based program that will be administered at your local high school by OAA’s ImPACT-certified Staff.

2. What is the process of Impact testing?

a. A 20-30 minute computer-based test will be performed at your local high school to determine your child’s regular brain function. In the event of a concussion, this test will allow a comparison of the post -concussion brain function of your athlete. Essentially, the baseline test is used to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete’s post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion. Prior to the athlete’s post-concussion release to participate in sports, the athlete’s neurocognitive function would need to return to these baseline scores.

3. Once the baseline test is completed, are there follow-up tests?
a. If the athlete does not sustain a concussion, then there are no follow-up tests. Once the athlete sustains a concussion, he or she will be evaluated by either your team physician or a member of OAA’s ImPACT-certified staff. Once an athlete is symptom-free, arrangements will be made for a post-injury impact test. This test, along with physical exam findings, will determine the athlete’s ability to safely return to sports participation.

4. Where will the follow-up tests take place?
a. The follow-up impact test—as well as the physical exam—will likely take place at OAA’s medical offices. A follow-up ImPACT test alone can be performed at your high school.

5. Does the PIAA require pre-participation ImPACT testing?
a. The PIAA has established guidelines for the management of concussions; however, they have not mandated neurocognitive testing. At present, State Representative Tim Briggs of Montgomery County has introduced HB 2060, which would mandate evaluation and clearance by a healthcare professional prior to an athlete’s return to play once a concussion has been sustained.

6. Can I choose to NOT have my child tested?
a. Yes. However, in the event that your child experiences a concussion, you would be responsible for having him or her evaluated through your own healthcare provider. OAA will not evaluate or clear athletes who do not have baseline tests performed.

7. What is the cost of the baseline ImPACT test?
a. The cost is FREE. As a service to our high schools, OAA is offering the baseline test at no charge. If needed, the subsequent evaluation and testing will likely be performed at your convenience during an OAA office visit.

In the next few weeks, OAA will begin to finalize testing dates with your Team Coach and school Athletic Director. Enclosed please find an information packet about ImPACT testing. You may also visit www.impacttest.com. Also enclosed is consent form that you should sign and return if you elect to have your child tested.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Brayford, DO, ATC
Medical Director, OAA Concussion Program

Download the parental consent form here.

At the March Touchdown Club meeting, the following fundraisers were scheduled:

Cookie Dough – more information will be forthcoming but please plan on having these great cookies again! All players will have the goal of selling 25 boxes so please support the players!

Sam Miller Festival -  The Touchdown Club will be at the annual Sam Miller Festival with great food for sale. On the menu:  tacos-in-a-bag, sausage & peppers and meatballs. The festival starts Friday night, May 14 and runs through the weekend with rides, music and fun!  Volunteers are needed to work the concession stand and food contributions are needed as well. Please sign up here.
 
All Players are required to sign up to assist with the concession stand.  RSVP is required by April 30th  by sending an email to annclark@ptd.net with the date and time of your preference—please provide (3) choices so we can ensure all shifts are covered. Or click here to sign-up.

We’ll let you know when you’re needed once we have all the choices submitted.

Event dates:       May 14, 15 and 16. 
Times:                Friday Evening 6-9 p.m
                          Saturday 1-11 p.m.
                          Sunday 1-7 p.m.

Car Wash – May 22, locations to be determined

Also at the meeting, Pauline Passio was elected Vice President. Thank you Pauline!

The next meeting is April 6 at 6 p.m. at the high school commons. Please join us!

Please join us on Wednesday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at the High School Commons for an important reorganization meeting.

There are several key positions up for election including Vice President.

Please be there and also do not forget to sign-up on the Volunteer page so we can update our records and make sure you’re kept informed about meetings, announcements, fundraising activities, etc.

Thank you!

The next meeting of the Touchdown Club is Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in the commons area of the high school.

The agenda includes: new officer announcements, fundraisers, publicity, field update and more. There is an open position for Vice President. Interested candidates should e-mail Ann Clark.

Please encourage as many people to come.  Please pass the word out about our club, the more people that get involved the more support we can provide the  TEAM (our children).  People working together is always the greatest achievement.

Thank you!

The Indian, created by Joni Bensinger (Carp's mom)

Tonight, the Jim Thorpe Olympian football team honored its seniors along with the band and cheerleaders at Olympian Stadium. The rescheduled Senior Night included a short parade from the high school around the block and into the stadium. Seniors were acknowledged and then everyone went to the bonfire where an “Indian” was ceremoniously thrown into the fire.

Everyone please come out to the Fan Bridge at 4:30 tomorrow to cheer the bus over Route 903 on the way to Lehighton and then come to the game.

Click here for photos from Senior Night and the bonfire. Please remember all photo purchases benefit The Touchdown Club, aka your kids!

The Touchdown Club is hosting a series of events to prepare for the big game against Lehighton this Friday. Events include crafting decorations for the Fan Bridge and Street Spirit and posting those decorations.

Fan Bridge is a new tradition in which we all stand on the Route 903 bridge, wave red, white and blue pom-poms, hold signs and cheer on the buses as they pass on their way to the football game.

This week’s game against Lehighton is a big one — we want to KEEP THE ROUTE 209 TROPHY. We need as many people as can spare the time to help make decorations.

Tonight (Tuesday, Nov. 3) 5:30, high school commons
Everyone is invited to make spirit decorations for this Wednesday’s Street Spirit and Friday’s Fan Bridge event.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5 p.m.
Meet in front of the high school to hang decorations and signs along Olympian Way and North Street.

Friday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m.
Meet at back parking lot to blow up balloons and hang them around Olympian Way and the town.

Friday, Nov. 6 at 4:30 p.m
Meet at the 903 Bridge to participate in Good Old Fashion Spirit for our new FAN BRIDGE tradition.