A Look Back at 2013

We set our goals high for 2013, and it turned out to be an incredibly busy and successful year for the Sanford Power-Riggs Premier Football Academy. We celebrated our grand opening first year anniversary in September, 2013, and the year was filled with great stories, performances, and accomplishments. Some of the highlights of 2013:

Dale Moss was one of the first athletes to train with us, and he now coaches wide receivers at the Academy and signed on to offer an annual WR Clinic for area athletes. We hosted the clinic in March, and had 200 athletes from 3rd grade-college attend. It was a tremendous success, and we are looking forward to Coach Moss' continued involvement with our training sessions and his clinic.




During 2013, we assembled a top-notch group of coaches at every position, and put together a Think Football program to offer 12 camps, clinics and 7 on 7 tourneys to area athletes during the traditional off season. By bringing together excellent coaching, the state-of-the-art Fieldhouse, and a variety of training options for area athletes, we believe we have started to change the culture of football in SD. We saw over 800 athletes take advantage of our training options in 2013, and it was exciting to see so many kids working hard to learn and improve their skills!


We also teamed up with SD Junior Football to offer the first ever full-contact camp for kids in the area and to help bring Heads Up Football and a 'better, safer game' to young athletes. Over 250 kids participated in the SD Junior Football Camp, and our coaches worked extensively with athletes and their coaches throughout the summer and fall to ensure proper training in football fundamentals.

The 7 on 7 format has been widely utilized in other states to develop individual skills and a team's passing game, but it hadn't been used in this area. We ran a series of competitive tournaments in 2013 for elementary, middle, and high school athletes, and also developed our Premier Passing program, a non-competitive, skill-building program for area high school athletes. All four of the semi-finalist teams in this year's 11AAA tournament participated in the Premier Passing program, and we hope to build on that success in 2014.

One of the values we have tried very hard to instill in our athletes is a focus not just on physical skills, but on sportsmanship, and being part of the greater community. To help emphasize the importance of that, our coaches, athletes, and families came together and ran as a team in the Susan G. Komen SD Race for the Cure in September. It was a tremendous experience to be part of this community event, and we intend to field a team every year! Our team members had a great time, and we will be continuing our focus on sportsmanship and community involvement in 2014.

2013 also saw further development of the Sanford Sports Complex and emphasis on providing big league opportunities to area athletes. We were able to have over 100 of our athletes meet several Minnesota Vikings players in October, and the Pentagon's opening has brought big events and additional focus on Sanford's sports medicine program. I feel very fortunate to be partnered with Sanford with their clear commitment to providing quality programs, facilities, and opportunities for area athletes.

Over the past year, we have built great relationships with the athletes and families who are part of the Academy, and I feel extremely lucky to have surrounded myself with top caliber people in every facet of the program. The Academy is enjoying tremendous success because of the people who are involved at every level, and 2013 demonstrated how fortunate we are to have deeply committed staff and families working together.

What will we do to build on the successes of 2013? We will be offering another series of camps, clinics, and 7 on 7 tourneys in 2014, along with our Premier Passing program and a Recruiting Combine in May. We are partnering with Special Olympics SD to bring 'All Champs Camp' to area athletes and allow athletes with and without disabilities to share their love of football. We will be expanding our camp offerings in the area, and we will continue to provide the best coaches, the best facility, and the best training options for area athletes.

Stay tuned for another exciting year, and we hope you will join us at the Fieldhouse in 2014!

NFL Week 16

Playoff time is quickly approaching, and NFL fans are beginning to feel the excitement of a possible Super Bowl appearance or the possibility of having the 1st round pick in the 2014 Draft. Going into Week 16, there are only two games that do not have any playoff relevance, and the playoff picture is still clear as mud when it comes to seedings. Teams like Denver and Kansas City could be the #1 seed in the AFC, or they could end up being the #5 seed if they do not win their division. Teams like Miami, Baltimore, Carolina, San Francisco, Dallas, and Green Bay are all considered in the chase for wild card spots and potentially division titles as well. It has been an interesting and unpredictable year in the NFL, and the playoffs will definitely reflect the season. Here are a just a few of the things to watch in week 16 of the NFL playoff chase:

New Orleans at Carolina

If New Orleans wins, they will win the division and receive a 1st round bye. If they lose, then they are still battling for the division title and a wild card seed going into week 17. The first time these teams played in New Orleans, Carolina was able to start fast, but Drew Brees and the Saints offense were unstoppable. Carolina will be in the playoffs with a win and a chance to win the division going into week 17. Cam Newton and the team were hitting their stride and playing very well going into New Orleans, and they were left feeling they did not play up to expectations. Look for Newton and the Panthers to come into this game playing very inspired football!

Chicago at Philadelphia

Both teams are sitting atop of their division, but they have huge division games next week with Green Bay and Dallas. Neither team can afford to suffer a loss here, and losses this week could decide their fate for the playoffs. Both teams could potentially fall from the division lead to not even making the playoffs. The Eagles were embarrassed last week in Minnesota, and the Bears beat a stingy Cleveland Browns team with Jay Cutler back at the helm. Look for an emotional and hard fought game, as the players on both teams realize what is on the line.

New England at Baltimore

New England will win their division with a win this week, but they have a very inspired Miami Dolphins team close behind. Baltimore was able to get a huge win at Detroit last week with a game ending 61 yard field goal. New England will have to travel to Baltimore, and the Ravens appear to be playing the outstanding defense that everyone is used to seeing. Tom Brady will have his hands full trying to avoid pressure from Suggs and Dumerville, but can Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense put up TD’s and not just rely on field goals? Baltimore still has a chance to win the division and needs a win to maintain their wild card position. This will be another hard fought battle, and minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on opportunities to score will make the difference.

At this point in the season the playoff hunt is still pretty open, and the teams that are finding their momentum now will keep things interesting! These Week 16 games are going to be exciting and hopefully will clear up the playoff picture. Enjoy!

Being a Better Sports Parent

 

Sitting at a recent basketball tournament for young kids, I witnessed a parent get removed from the gymnasium for constant verbal attacks at the officials. As parents, we often become so engaged in the event that we forget about our most important job: We are role models, and we are trying to teach our kids about much more than wins and losses.

"Ten Things Parents of Athletes Need to Know" is a blog post by Stefanie Mullen that was passed along to me recently by a friend. She gives us 10 simple but important points to consider as we attend sporting events with our children. I felt it was worthwhile to pass along. Many of the points were relevant for all of us who continue to follow our kids all over the country for sporting events.

I thought she made some great points that are solid reminders for parents, and I expanded on the ones that I think need to be repeated often:

1) Remember that sports need to be fun for kids. When it is not fun, then things need to be evaluated. Kids should not play sports because we want them to!
2) Never talk to a coach about your child's play or performance after a game. Emotions are always high after the game, and it's best to let cooler heads prevail. If it is absolutely necessary to meet, then do it at the appropriate time.
3) Your kids are always watching you! Never yell at the officials. Do not ever make a scene that embarrasses your kids. Don't be so wrapped up in winning that you are losing your mind on the sideline. Your most important job is to model sportsmanship, win or lose.
4) Do not coach your child from the stands. One of the worst things you can do is create an environment where your child is always looking up in the stands for guidance or coaching from you. Be a supporter of your child and your coach. Always.
5) Let your kids fail. Some of the greatest lessons and challenges come from a tough loss. Kids need to learn to be gracious winners and losers. It's an incredibly important lesson that they will carry with them forever.

In her blog post, Mullen also encourages athletes to stay fit and active year-round, but not to focus on one sport. I agree that maintaining physical activity is the most important thing, and making sure it is enjoyable for kids is the best way to keep them active. We also need to remember that our kids are not likely to go on to the pros, but they are likely to take the lessons learned on the field or court into their lives. We need to remember our role and support healthy activity and positive relationships with teammates and coaches.


The thing I love about working with kids and sports is that practices and games provide really valuable teaching moments for them. We need to make sure that the lessons they are learning from us are lessons we can be proud of throughout their athletic careers and lives. The most important thing to remember is that we need to be at our best as parents if we expect to see their best as young athletes!

Giving Thanks: Friends, Family, and Football

 As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is a great time for all of us to reflect on the things we are grateful for in our lives. I am certainly grateful for family and friends, and I am grateful for the many opportunities which have been given to me through the game of football. It is a tremendous privilege to work with athletes of all ages in developing their abilities, and it is very rewarding to be part of the development of youth football and promoting the sport in South Dakota. I am also fortunate to have a partner in Sanford that is committed to excellence in youth athletics and willing to provide opportunities and facilities that allow us to work towards common goals in our competitive sports.

We have an outstanding coaching staff at the Academy, and I asked them to share some of their thoughts about the holiday. These were their responses:

I am thankful for the ability to expect nothing less than great things from myself!! I am thankful for a blessed and adventurous life!!! I am thankful for my past and my future with my family!! --Korey Williams

I'm thankful for having parents that raised me correctly, I'm thankful for the opportunity to keep playing football for as long as I have, and I'm thankful for finally meeting my best friend and fiancé, Nikki! --Cory Johnsen

I'm thankful for what I have today: a beautiful family, friends, opportunities past and present, and I'm thankful for being able to "THINK FOOTBALL" each and every day! --Josh Siegfried

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have a positive influence and impact on our youth. I'm thankful for a family that supports one another in their endeavors. I'm also thankful for being a father and husband. --Rachman Crable

Tis the season for some turkey! That being said, it's also the season to take a look at all the things we are thankful for. While I am extremely thankful for my family, friends, and health, I feel that glorious bird we fill full of stuffing deserves a little credit too! Maybe I shouldn't have written this while I was hungry, but now my mind has been overly consumed with all the delicacies that go along with this fabulous fowl! The centerpiece of a meal that brings family and friends together--it's hard to imagine a thanksgiving without a turkey! So to you, oh great, juicy and noble turkey I would like to say thank you on my behalf and everybody at the Academy! --Dale Moss

I’m definitely thankful to still be involved in coaching and to be a part of such a great team that teaches how to play the game of football safely! --Joe Evenson 

Thanks to a tremendous Academy coaching staff for their commitment and hard work, and thanks to the many athletes who have trusted us to help them develop their skills.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Academy athletes and families!

Rivalry Week

 The SDSU Jackrabbits will travel down to Vermillion this Saturday to play against their interstate rival the USD Coyotes. This game is a matchup of the 5-4 Jackrabbits vs. the 4-6 Coyotes. SDSU is still fighting for a playoff spot, and can not afford to slip up and lose another game this season. The Coyotes are looking to spoil the hopes of Jackrabbit fans by taking away any 2013 playoff hopes with a Coyote victory. So how do these teams stack up at this point in the season?

SDSU’s offense boasts the leading rusher in the conference (Zach Zenner at 137.2 yds/gm) and the second leading passer (Austin Sumner at 228.3 yds/game). SDSU is currently the #3 ranked scoring offense, and #4 in total offense at 378.6 yds/game. They only accumulate 38.8 yds/game in penalties, which is #1 in the conference, and they are also #1 in the conference in TO/Margin at +14. These numbers demonstrate the strengths of a solid football team, but they have been shaky in other areas this year. SDSU is 6th in the conference in scoring defense at 25.7 pts/game, and 8th in total defense at 394.8 yds/game. They have only sacked the QB 21 times this season, which is 6th in the conference.

While the Jackrabbits are showing strengths offensively, the Coyotes strengths are on the opposite side of the ball. USD is #1 in the conference in sacks at 31, they are 3rd in total defense at 328.7 yds/game, and 5th in scoring defense at 24 pts/game. USD’s offense has gone through a QB change, and it seems to be moving them in the right direction. Kevin Earl is now running the offense and will be the key to any success for the Coyotes. USD is currently 10th in scoring offense at 19.7 pts/game, but is 6th in rushing offense at 156 yds/game, and 3rd in the conference at TO/margin at +4.

If the statistics told the only story, it would appear that both teams have a solid shot if they play to their strengths. The intangible aspect of this game is that we will be watching an intense interstate rivalry game that is being played for bragging rights and also the chance to either continue a team’s playoff goals or to destroy a team’s playoff goals. We can safely throw out the stats on Saturday and focus on which team can ride the momentum and play with emotion, but still control their emotion enough to not hurt the team. SDSU has been very good this year in not hurting themselves with penalties or careless turnovers. The Jackrabbits will need these advantages playing in the Dakota Dome where the Coyotes have been playing very tough. USD has lost two games in the Dakota Dome this year, but the losses were to potential playoff teams, Youngstown and Montana. USD was leading in both games late in the 4th quarter, but they were simply not able to finish. The Coyotes will come into this rivalry game playing at high level, and they will need to be able to continue that high level of play through all four quarters.

The key to winning the game will be whether or not the Coyotes can continue to force turnovers against a team that does not turn the ball over very often. The Coyotes have 6 TO’s in the last two games and will need the same performance if they want to beat the Jackrabbits. It will be great to see how these teams match up in a packed and noisy Dakota Dome. Rivalry games bring intensity to the field and the overall atmosphere, and this game will certainly deliver! Here’s hoping for some great South Dakota football on Saturday!

'Changing the Game' for Young Athletes

I enjoy articles and information about youth sports, and a great website with thoughtful information and resources is Changing The Game Project by John O'Sullivan. The site includes his blog with some great topics that parents, coaches and athletes will appreciate. One blog that O'Sullivan recently wrote was titled, Are Your Kids Mentally Weak? He went through five points that should be considered and can be the difference between kids being mentally weak or strong.

1) Struggle is Good--Surround yourself with people who will challenge you.
2) Let them fail--Do not fear failure. Learn from failure.
3) Praise Effort--Do not "over-praise" but praise work effort and the things that will help improve.
4) Strict is a good thing--It will be appreciated in the long run.
5) Stress is good--Learning to deal with stress in sports will lead to lifelong success.

I think that O'Sullivan's points and comments are right on. He does a great job of stressing that with each point, there is a line that parents can push but not cross, and with a thoughtful approach, parents can really help their kids. O'Sullivan talks about letting kids fail, but then is quick to point out that parents and coaches need to make sure that communication is established with kids and explaining that 'failing' is part of athletics which leads to improving, working harder, and learning many valuable lessons. Emotional toughness can be very difficult to instill, and O'Sullivan points out that there will be some struggles and tough times as the athletes and parents work to achieve this. Parents have to be willing to help their kids find the right mentors and coaches that will push their kids in a healthy way and not always pamper their kids.

I would add my own thoughts to O'Sullivan's points:

1) Our staff at Riggs Premier Football is experienced in challenging athletes and working with them through the challenges. Good coaches make a huge difference!
2) We want challenges, and we want to set high goals. Goals are something that we continually strive for, and we will face failure as we try to reach our goals. If the goal is easily attainable, then it will not make the athlete any better. Athletes must experience failure as they strive for their goals, and they must learn how to improve from that failure.
3) Create a mindset that allows athletes know they are doing good things, but don't 'overpraise' them for every little thing. Make sure that athletes know that your praise has a meaning and is not just constant wasted verbiage.
4) Coaches that create discipline are the ones that athletes will remember. They will not like the change at first, because things will not be easy, but it will pay off in the long run. Along with discipline there must be good communication. A coach can create an environment where they have certain standards, but it's important they explain why they have these standards.
5) Do not allow everything to be easy. Athletes need to feel the pressures of different stressors from competition. The stressors that they face in athletics are the same stressors they are going to experience when they are at school and work. Learning to face these types of stress and then overcome them will only make them better.

It is a great reminder that we need to work together to provide a solid, supportive environment in which kids can learn to succeed! That is a lesson parents and coaches should always keep in mind.

Quarterbacks to Watch in NFL Week 6

Here in Week 6 of the NFL season, there is plenty to evaluate with quarterback play. We are seeing some excellent performances and some struggles for the players in this high pressure position. These are my thoughts on three who seem to be getting a lot of the headlines at this point in the season:

Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Athletes in every sport have periods of struggles and difficult losses. Baseball players may not get a hit in multiple games, basketball players go through hot and cold shooting streaks, and golfers miss easy putts. Football players are susceptible to making mistakes and hitting a rough streak at times too.

Matt Schaub is going through one of the most difficult struggles of his football career. Schaub’s team is on a three-game losing streak, and Schaub has thrown nine INT’s on the season, taken 12 sacks, and thrown INT’s for Defensive TD’s in four consecutive games. Many have questioned why he is still the starting QB for the Texans. Coach Kubiak has demonstrated faith and confidence in Schaub, stating that Matt is the starting QB for the Texans. As a coach, he can demonstrate faith and confidence, but Schaub has to be on a very short leash. The Texans have Super Bowl aspirations, and a stretch like this can make or break their season.

Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans play the St Louis Rams this week at Houston. Look for the Texans to try and establish a run game, with short, higher-percentage passes early in the game. When a QB makes mistakes early, he begins to press and evaluate every throw. That can lead to more mental errors and poor QB play. Coach Kubiak wants to take all the thinking elements out of the game and let Schaub trust his instincts and just play.  Look for the Texans to get a win this week against a gritty Rams team, and Matt Schaub will come out of his slump with a strong performance.

Geno Smith, NY Jets       

Geno had many doubters when he was drafted by the Jets and most recently answered those doubters with a big win at Atlanta on Monday night. The true question is what can the rookie QB do on a short week preparing for an 0-4 Steelers team that will be very hungry. Geno is going to see some very difficult coverages with the Steelers defense. The Steelers are going to try and keep the Jets in passing situations and then mix up their coverages to confuse the rookie QB. When Geno has taken care of the ball and played smart football, then the Jets have been a solid football team. If Geno decides to press the issue and make plays when they are not there, then he will put his team in poor situations with bad field position and turnovers.

Look for Geno to make some mistakes today as most NFL QB's are prone to against the Steelers defense.  Can he keep his mistakes to a minimum?  His team's success will ride on that as the Steelers will capitalize on any mistakes Geno gives them.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Everyone knows of Peyton Manning's QB talent, but what we have been watching in the first five weeks of the NFL season is truly amazing. Manning is on a record pace with the stats that he has put together so far. Manning seems very comfortable with any look a defense shows him, he knows where his WR's are going to be, he is showing confidence in all skilled players to throw to them at any time, and he is showing confidence to give the ball to their running backs when the defense is dropping back into coverage. The Denver offense is clicking on every cylinder, and that is great credit to Manning.

Eventually a team will find a way to get pressure on Manning with their front four defensive linemen, and they will challenge the QB. That will not happen this week against Jacksonville, but it will be interesting to see if the Broncos and Manning are able to stay sharp against a team they should throughly dominate.

There will be more ups and downs for all of these quarterbacks during the rest of the NFL season. It will be interesting to see how the story lines play out for these three who are at such different points here in Week 6.  

Practice to Succeed

It is hard to believe we are already winding down the regular football season and preparing for playoffs! As the season starts to wind down, the drive to keep pushing new ideas and skill development can be lost and practices can sometimes become very boring and repetitive for coaches and athletes. Some coaches will fall on the poor habits of talking for long periods of time, having endless practice time of running plays, or requiring continuous tackling to the ground to “toughen the kids up.” Practice, even at this stage of the season, is the most important element of skill development and it is critical to strengthening the interest level of athletes to want to continue to play the sport. Coaches should look at this late season practice time as the most critical time for athletes and future development of their team and program.

Structuring a practice can help coaches prevent the long sessions that drag practice out and lead to athletes losing interest and possibly getting hurt. Another option is to continually mix in new drills to keep a high interest level. USA Football does an excellent job offering practice plans and drill suggestions to help with creating practices that will keep the coaches and athletes excited about football. I used some of USA Football's suggestions and came up with this sample practice:

1)  Warm-up (15 mins) Air

2)  Team Talk/Water (5 mins) Air

3)  Offense-Indy work (10 mins) Air

4)  Special Teams (10 mins) Air (should be incorporated every practice)

5)  Water Break (5 mins)

6)  Tackling Circuit (15 mins) Air (Do not need to take to the ground and use more than one drill. Have the circuit that keeps the kids moving.)

7)  Water Break (5 mins)

8)   Defense-Indy work (10 mins) Air

9)  Group Time (offense) (10 mins) Wrap

10) Group Time (defense) (10 mins) Wrap

11) Goal Period (5 plays) (5 mins) Wrap

12) Team Conditioning---(10 mins) Pads off—Flickerball in a smaller space. Competition, while
       conditioning.

In my experience, a combination practice that keeps young athletes moving through fundamentals, skill development, conditioning, and competition, strikes a great balance.  Kids also remain more motivated during practice when they know there is competition at the end.  They always enjoy Flickerball! Conditioning doesn't have to be part of every practice, and coaches can certainly use drill/practice time as a way to reinforce conditioning.  The key is to keep things varied and moving along so that they are learning, working, and maintaining a high interest level.  It isn't always easy, but there are plenty of resources available to assist with structuring practices.  We are also available to consult with teams who need advice or assistance.

Best of luck to all our athletes and teams as they end their regular season and head into playoffs!  We look forward to seeing some great playoff football!

A Team with a Cause

One of the best things about my involvement with the Sanford POWER-Riggs Premier Football Academy is the terrific sense of community which resides in our Academy families and the city of Sioux Falls. As a coach, I try to reinforce to my athletes at every level that being part of something bigger than yourself is the ultimate goal of athletics. I can't think of a better way to reinforce that message than working together to give something back to our community. That is why I am running with a team of my staff, athletes and Academy friends in the SD Race for the Cure next weekend, and I'm inviting others to join us.

The NFL and other high school, college, and youth leagues have long recognized "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" by wearing pink during games in October. During those games, we are often introduced to the family members of players who have been affected by breast cancer. It is a disease that seems to touch so many families, and we appreciate the efforts to raise awareness.

The SD Race for the Cure runs at the end of September every year, and I wanted our athletes to not just wear their pink, but to become part of a team that is working for a greater cause. Our staff and families have loved ones affected by breast cancer, and we are proud to put our efforts toward raising funds and awareness for this issue! The funds raised go to the SD Affiliate of Susan G. Komen to support education, research and services in our community. We have set a team goal and individual goals for fundraising and involvement, and we are working together to achieve them. 

While running the race is certainly a goal for our athletes, we will have people running, walking. and cheering us on. You don't have to able to run a 5k to be on the team! If you look at the options, you will see you can join the team even if you can't be there on September 29th, and there is no set amount to donate. We have received donations from $5 up to $100. We are encouraging people to join, donate, and just get involved at any level! 

Athletes understand what it means to be part of a team, and this team is excited to get out and make a difference in the race for the cure for breast cancer. We hope you will join us in some way as we prepare to do our very best as Team RPF in the SD Race for the Cure!

College Game to Watch: SDSU vs. UND

While high school football fans in the area are anticipating the big President’s Bowl matchup for Sioux Falls high schools, college fans in the area likely have an eye on the game between UND and SDSU tomorrow. It should be a great college football game, and these are some things to know going into it:

1) Both team’s statistics may be a bit deceiving this early in the season, as both teams overmatched their opponents during Week 1 of the season. 

Austin Sumner

2) UND only has one South Dakota native on the team, Darren Deneui, and SDSU does not have any North Dakota natives on its roster.

3) SDSU is currently ranked No. 6 and No. 7 this week in the Sports Network and FCS Coaches polls.

4) SDSU QB Austin Sumner threw for 326 yards in the 55-14 victory over Butler, and RB Zach Zenner had 117 yards and 2 TD’s in just a half of action.

5) UND defeated Valparaiso last week 69-10, and their offensive weapons include Senior Greg Hardin (WR/Kick Returns), Senior Jake Miller at RB, and redshirt freshman Ryan Bartels at QB.

6) UND owns a 46-33-5 edge in the series, and the last time they played was 2010 with SDSU coming out on top 21-0. UND is 67-13 in 12 seasons at the Alerus Center.

Greg Hardin

I think UND’s strengths include that they have playmakers at the skilled positions, and they are explosive in their special teams. They also have a defense that can create a lot of pressure and turnovers, and their kicker is very good. That same defense that tries to create turnovers may prove to be a weakness if they show they make themselves susceptible to big plays. It will be interesting to see if they are able to match up physically with SDSU’s aggressive playing style, and certainly, their inexperience at QB may also be a factor in the game.

SDSU has an extremely experienced QB and one of the top RB’s in Division 1 FCS, so their offense is expected to do well. They also have an aggressive and very physical defense that plays smart and will be looking to shut down UND’s skilled position players. The Alerus Center is a tough environment for teams, and this will be a test for SDSU’s ability to handle the noise and playing against some extremely talented players like Hardin and Miller. SDSU’s timing in their passing game was solid last week, but this environment against a fast defense will test their ability to answer the call.

Zach Zenner

We know that UND is going to try and take away SDSU's running game to make them one dimensional. Everyone has tried this, but very few have succeeded. I think the real question will be if UND can create and score on some turnovers, make big plays on special teams, and try to play with a lead. I can see UND playing very aggressively in the first half, but the tough blue-collar style of football that SDSU plays will wear down the Fighting Sioux. Austin Sumner is primed to have another big game and will take advantage of UND trying to shut down SDSU's running game. 

It should be a great match up, but I think the advantage goes to SDSU!  Enjoy the game!

The Benefits of In-Season Training

As practices and games get going for the 2013 season, one of the questions I am frequently asked is whether I think in-season training is beneficial for athletes. There are mixed opinions on the issue, but I strongly believe that athletes can benefit and improve their performance by continuing football training during their season. I recognize the challenges of finding time during the grueling fall schedule, but with focused effort and minimal time commitment, athletes can really hone their performance. At Riggs Premier Football, we have specifically designed some training options for athletes this fall to meet what I believe are athletes’ prime needs during the season, and I want to give some insight into why we chose to offer these options.

Fall is the best season of the year! I love hearing the whistles blow, the team chants and the excitement of football practice kicking off, and as a coach, I truly love practice. It is always exciting to know that the team has a chance to step onto a field, focus and work, and become better through their efforts. Most people involved in sports love participating in games, but I have always enjoyed the practice aspect of athletics. But just as practice can help prepare a team, it can sometimes set back an individual player. Practice times are limited and coaches have to figure out where to cut drills and times to condense all of a team’s performance aspects into their practice. Many times, the “individual” component is cut out and athletes will not get specific focus on their personal performance. In-season training is designed for this purpose.


Athletes work very hard during the off season to build strength, speed and skills, and in-season workouts can still be utilized to maintain the individual skills that were developed during the off season and to continue to enhance performance. The rigors of repeated practice, film, and games don’t leave athletes much time to tweak their game technique, so working with a coach who can observe their game and help with key performance adjustments offers a definite advantage during the season. Specific focus on fundamentals and key position skills can be very beneficial for athletes and can help minimize the risk of injuries. Athletes who pursue in-season training can also take advantage of extra “eyes” for film study to further enhance their understanding of the game and their contributions on the field. With even half an hour to an hour per week of training, athletes will be able to maintain their off-season gains, discuss and tweak their individual performance, and regain focus on position fundamentals.

Another aspect of the season that is challenging for young teams, particularly, is the inability to focus and develop a team’s passing technique. The full 11-man format limits the ability to pass the ball, so that skill often doesn’t get the attention it needs. Consistent pressure in a QB’s face prevents an offense from being able to open things up and get the ball to their skill position players downfield. A lack of practice time also makes it difficult for an offense to expand its schemes of attacking defenses downfield. We are offering a 7 on 7 Tournament on August 31st to allow teams to develop their offenses to work timing to stretch the field, and to allow a QB to develop confidence in his throwing without having defenders in his face. Teams can use the 7 on 7 in place of a regular practice, and the tournament format is fun and competitive.

Options are definitely available for athletes who think they need extra focus or training during the busy season. I hope that everyone is off to a great start with the 2013 season, and I hope you will join us for some of these training opportunities!

Coach Riggs on Quarterbacks

We are wrapping up our Think Football summer with a Non-contact Camp for K-5 athletes (July 29-31) and a Quarterback Clinic (July 26). It has been great fun for our coaches to work with athletes in all our camps and position clinics over the past few months. We have seen some tremendous talent and determination to improve! As we offered our position clinics this summer, Coach Riggs asked his coaches to share their insights with young athletes about the demands of playing and training for the various positions. We asked Coach Riggs to do the same as he prepares 

                                                          to lead his Quarterback Clinic this week.

What are the most important qualities in a QB?
Desire! Desire to be the best, desire to know the system inside and out, and desire to make your teammates better. If a young QB has the desire to strive in these areas, they are going to be successful.

What kind of workouts make an athlete a better QB?
Throwing is not the only area that a QB needs to develop. QB’s really need to remember that their feet are their greatest asset! QB’s should always start at the bottom and work their way up: feet, core, arm and then mental aspects of the game. QB’s should constantly work to improve their foot speed, strengthen their core, build up arm strength and then continue to learn all aspects of their team’s strengths and what might be a weakness for their team.

What advice would you give to a young athlete who someday wants to play QB?

Learn from your mistakes, but do not dwell on your mistakes. QB’s are constantly going to be put in the spotlight. They will experience failure in practice and games. How they are able to learn from these mistakes, correct them, and improve their performance is the key. There is intense pressure on athletes who play QB. Learning to handle performance in the face of that pressure is critical to success!

What was your favorite part about playing at QB?

Learning and Leading. The QB position has such a high expectation that athletes have to be “students of the game.” As a QB, you have the opportunity to learn offensive schemes, defensive schemes, all positions and their responsibilities, and lead your team through the highs and lows of competition. 

Why should athletes go to this QB clinic?

Playing QB is like coaching...you can never receive enough training. As a QB, you constantly want to learn new wrinkles and how they can help you improve your play and become successful. This is very true as a coach too. I will be coaching this clinic along with one of my most successful and experienced QB’s, Terrance Bryant. Coach Bryant just finished an extremely successful season with the Sioux Falls Storm, leading the team to another championship and winning MVP honors. I have enjoyed coaching Terrance during his QB career, and the two of us really enjoy working together to help develop young QB’s. This clinic will be a dynamic and fun experience for athletes who are serious about learning the QB position!

We are looking forward to working with athletes at our Quarterback Clinic and our last event of the summer, the Non-contact Camp. The Fieldhouse has been very busy this summer with athletes seeking to improve before the 2013 season. It is going to be a great experience watching them turn their dedication and hard work into success on the field this fall!

Heads Up with Kevin Kaesviharn

As South Dakota athletes prepare for their transition to Heads Up Football, I have spoken with many of the people who will be bringing that change to area athletes. The effort toward improved player safety is a joint effort between the NFL and USA Football, and I wanted to include the perspective of NFL players. I spoke with NFL Ambassador for Heads Up Football, Brian Hansen, and with Kevin Kaesviharn, another well known South Dakota athlete who enjoyed a successful NFL career. 

Kaesviharn graduated from Augustana College and went on to play in the AFL, XFL, and NFL, most notably for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints. His career was affected by injuries, and he suffered a serious neck injury toward the end of his playing career. Kaesviharn played safety, which also seems to be one of the most scrutinized positions involving tackling. I asked him to share his perspective on youth football and on the current efforts to improve player safety.

How old were you when you started playing football? 
I started playing flag football around 7 yrs old and started tackle football in 9th grade.

How much work did you put in during off seasons growing up? What kinds of things did you do to train?
I didn't put a lot of time and training into football until 10th grade because I was busy playing other sports and didn't know that training would help me as much as it did at the time. I was content just being a kid. Basic strength training, speed development and agility drills were mostly what I did in high school and progressed from there.

Did you learn good fundamentals at a young age? How important is it for kids to work their fundamentals?
I learned the fundamentals of the positions I played (WR/DB) and also proper tackling. Fundamentals are essential to the development of any football player. You need a good foundation to build your skills upon and need to continue working on the fundamentals even when you think you may know everything about the game. It's the old saying "If you don't use it, you lose it." You will resort to your old ways when you get fatigued, and if you were taught good fundamentals, they will keep you safe and also help you to be successful on the field. If you have poor fundamentals and are fatigued, you put yourself at a higher risk of injury as well as not giving yourself the best chance to be successful.

You experienced serious injuries during your career, at a time when there was less emphasis on player safety. What are your thoughts on the NFL/USA Football Heads Up Football movement for kids? How will it affect the game?
I think they are bringing more awareness to the importance of proper tackling, which is good. I also think there are a lot of coaches that don't know the proper/safe way to tackle, maybe because they were never taught it as a player. As a football player, you are not always in the best position to make the "form/proper tackle" which is why injuries will always be a part of the game. However, if we can reduce the number through these educational programs, I think it is a step in the right direction.  I also feel that the NFL is feeling pressure from the public and former players about player safety, which is why they are being more proactive in this area. There is definitely a fine line when it comes to keeping the appeal of the game and the safety of the player in check by changing the rules of the game. The NFL is trying to set a positive and safe standard that will hopefully trickle down to youth football. I think the program is good for football at all levels and will help reduce injuries. My hope is that the program has staying power with good, consistent instruction.  

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My coaches and I are looking forward to starting the process of teaching kids Heads Up Football as SD Junior Football Camp gets underway next week. It is not an easy or small task to change the culture of football to increase focus on player safety issues. Given our increasing knowledge on the effects of concussions, the NFL and USA Football are taking reasonable and necessary steps to promote that change. At Riggs Premier Football, we are focused on teaching proper fundamentals to improve kids' ability to play well and safely. We are proud to be part of these essential changes taking place in youth football, and we look forward to working with coaches, athletes and parents in the coming weeks!

Heads Up with Sanford's National Institute for Athletic Health and Performance

One of the prime motivators behind Heads Up Football is increasing knowledge about the long term effects of concussions. The NFL has invested in research on player injuries, and its partnership with USA Football has led to additional investment and planning to promote a "better, safer game" for youth leagues. Both organizations are publishing their concussion studies, and we asked Thayne Munce, PhD, Associate Director of Sanford's National Institute for Athletic Health and Performance to weigh in on USA Football's recently published results. These are Dr. Munce's thoughts on the issue:

Many aspects of football that make it such a popular sport also put its players at an inherent risk for injury. Recently, there has been a lot of attention and concern about the risk and consequences of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury in football. While mainstream media has largely focused on the NFL and its high-profile players, the discussion on main street USA has turned to concerns about youth football.

Some of the questions being asked are:

How dangerous is football for kids?
How old should kids be before playing football?
Should kids be playing football at all?

While its natural for people to panic in response to scary headlines and nobody should ever fault parents for wanting to protect their children, it’s important for people’s decisions, ultimately, to be guided by scientific evidence. Unfortunately, we have many more questions than answers at this point, as the science on this topic is still in the very early stages.

Football’s national governing body, USA Football, recently released preliminary findings from a study it commissioned on youth football health and safety. The results are from Year one of a two year study examining injuries in youth football players (6-14 years old). Approximately 2,000 players from youth leagues in six states are being monitored by the Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention. After the first year of data collection, which comprised nearly 60,000 sessions (practices & games), it was found that 3.6% of the players sustained one or more concussions. Overall, 9.7% of the players experienced an injury that restricted their participation to some extent. Injuries were more likely to be sustained in games than practices. Fortunately, no catastrophic head, neck or heat-related injuries occurred during the season.

Around 70% of all football players in the US are younger than high school age, and surprisingly, there is very little information about concussion rates and risk among this population. The USA Football study is the largest of its kind among youth football players, making its findings very important. Furthermore, Datalys, the group commissioned to perform this study, also oversees the NCAA injury surveillance program, giving further credibility to this research.

While the preliminary findings of this study are limited, there are still some important observations that can be made.

First, the concussion rate of 3.6% is consistent with another recently published study of nearly 500 youth football players that reported a concussion rate of 4.3%. On a per player basis, these concussion rates for youth are relatively low compared to previous reports among high school players that have been as high as 20%. However, more recent findings have placed the percentage of high school football players who suffer at least one concussion during a season at 5.6%, which is much closer to the rate reported for youth.

Considering that youth football seasons are typically shorter and have fewer sessions (both games and practices) than high school football, the youth concussion rate may actually be higher than the high school rate on a per session basis, depending on what study is used. We’ll learn more next year when the study is complete. Finally, it’s important to note that many concussions, particularly among boys, go unreported. Without knowing the exact methods by which concussions were reported/diagnosed in the USA Football study, it’s likely that the actual number of concussions sustained in this group was actually higher than 3.6%.

USA Football estimates that approximately 2.8 million youth (under high school age) play tackle football. If the 3.6% concussion rate is extrapolated across the entire youth football landscape, that works out to be just over 100,000 concussions per year. Yet again, the actual number is probably higher than that due to underreporting and players who sustain more than one concussion during a season. Clearly, 100,000 or more concussions a year in youth football is a big number, and worthy of the attention this injury is receiving in the scientific and medical communities. Furthermore, it’s understandable why players and their parents are concerned about this serious health and safety issue. In order to keep football as safe as possible, coaches, league administrators and medical personnel need to have a better understanding of the risk of concussion in football so that it can be appropriately managed. This USA Football study, when completed, will be an important piece of that puzzle.

At Sanford Health, we have been working to advance health and safety in youth football in a variety of ways. In 2011, Sanford played a key role in championing concussion legislation that was passed in SD, ND and MN. We have worked with SD Junior Football for many years by providing the league and its coaches with educational information in wellness sessions and printed literature. More recently, we have engaged SD Junior Football in a series of studies investigating neurological function and head impact exposure in youth football players. These studies, being performed right here in Sioux Falls, are the first of their kind among youth football players in the entire nation! Some of this work has already been presented at national sports medicine meetings, and we hope to publish our complete findings later this year. Sanford Research has generously supported these important studies, and we look forward to making meaningful contributions in the future that will help improve the health and safety of youth football players, both locally and throughout the nation.

Finally, as a heads up, we are preparing for an exciting new concussion awareness campaign with a partner that people in the upper Midwest are sure to recognize. I can’t reveal any details at this time, but I can assure you that we’ll have some big shoulders to help us carry the message.

If you have any questions about youth football health and safety research, feel free to contact me at:
Thayne Munce
National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance
Sanford Health
thayne.munce@sanfordhealth.org ​(605) 328-4756

We are fortunate to be in a community where this kind of research is valued and ongoing. As SDJRFB progresses into HUF, we believe that young athletes in Sioux Falls will be on the leading edge of these important improvements to change the football culture to emphasize safety. There are big changes coming for our athletes, and we are excited to be part of that change. Next up in our blog series, we will be talking with Kevin Kaesviharn about his NFL career and his thoughts on HUF for SD athletes. Don't miss it!

Heads Up with NFL Ambassador Brian Hansen

Brian Hansen, SD State Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, has been named as South Dakota's NFL Ambassador for Heads Up Football (HUF). Hansen played college football at the University of Sioux Falls and was drafted in the ninth round of the 1984 NFL Draft.  He played from 1984 to 1999 for the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and the Washington Redskins. He was selected to the 1984 Pro Bowl.

Brian is a perfect person for this role!  He brings a strong football background and community leadership to the program. Brian has always been proactive through FCA promoting the proper fundamentals of football. I asked him a few questions to help us understand his new role as the NFL Ambassador for HUF:

Brian Hansen

Will you explain what the HUF Ambassadors do as part of the HUF program?

The NFL Ambassadors have been selected as representatives of the NFL and USA Football's effort to bring awareness and education to Americas favorite sport. The former NFL players selected will work with local media, youth coaches, and parents in their area to speak on issues related to safety, tackling techniques, concussion awareness and encouraging parents to get actively involved.

What does it mean for SDJRFB to be a HUF league?

It means that there are now certain guidelines and expectations that primarily focus on educating and certifying coaches. Coaches will be required to go through the HUF training program that will equip them to be able to teach proper technique and ultimately enhance the level of safety for their players. They will also be able to recognize and manage concussions after going through the certification process. Master trainers will also be part of the program. They will work with coaches on an ongoing basis throughout the season to create accountability and ensure HUF policies are being utilized.

Riggs Premier Football is offering the SDJRFB camp, a special tackling clinic, and a non-contact camp for area kids to learn HUF techniques before the season starts. Are there other events planned for the area as part of this initiative? I will also be working with the Watertown Youth program but do not have anything scheduled there at this point.

What are your thoughts on being the NFL Ambassador for our region? 

It’s exciting for me to see the NFL and USA football take the lead on this and to be a part of a local and nationwide effort to enhance the game and change the culture of youth football. I'm also glad to see that education and training are going to be the new norm. The game that I played and loved will continue at a higher level providing opportunities for young boys to play the game that helped mold and shape me and taught me valuable lessons about myself, life and dealing with the challenges that ultimately make us better.

We are very fortunate to have Brian Hansen working closely with this effort in the Sioux Falls area. His involvement with FCA gives him a very clear understanding of the advantages and challenges faced by youth football programs in our area. He knows the athletes, the families, and the coaches involved in this effort, and he is well liked and respected as a leader for youth sports. Best of luck to him as he embarks on this venture for the NFL and USA Football! We look forward to his involvement during the 2013 season!

Next up in our blog series...Dr. Thayne Munce from the National Institute for Athletic Health and Performance will share his thoughts about USA Football's concussion studies and Sanford's research on concussions in youth football right here in Sioux Falls.