MARYSVILLE – Moms of Marysville Youth Football League players took to the field Saturday at Quil Ceda Stadium for a variety of reasons.
The youngest player on the Charging Tomamamas, rookie Stefany Mills, 23, did it to have fun, learn the game of football and raise money for the MYFL.
The oldest player on the squad, Tabitha Burns, who has played for five years, originally did it to help raise money, “But I fell in love with everything about it.”
Another rookie, Brooke Bornkamp, 37, said, “I play to feel what my kids feel out there, to inspire them…”
Second-year player Melissa Powell, 34, did it to “get out of my comfort zone.”
Five-year veteran Andrea Vaughn, 35, did it to “show myself and my kids that I can.”
Another two-year player, Krissy Hodgin, 27, did it in part, “to get to know the other moms.”
Tara Cromwell, 30, another rookie played “to understand what my son does during practices and games.”
Three others had more detailed responses.
For second-year player Teresa Rockafellow, 35, it’s about being a role model.
“To show them I will do what I expect of them as far as dedication, teamwork, commitment, and personal growth and goals.”
For 30-year-old rookie Jenelle Gondrez it’s “to show our kids that no matter your age you can still play. It’s hard, but it can happen – just keep going.”
And three-year player Brayden Graves said she did it to pave the way for growth in women’s football for future generations.
“It is the ultimate team sport,” she said. “As a mechanic’s daughter, I know all cylinders must run together to work and progress forward.”
In past years the game was tackle, but because of a lack of players and concern about injuries it was changed to flag this year.
Scott Brower was head coach, with Tyler Hodgin the assistant.
The game, which was seven on seven, was against the Mount Vernon Pitbull Warriors, whose defense dominated the contest. Marysville’s best offensive drive came in the third quarter using power football plays. Mount Vernon’s passing and outside speed led them to victory, although Marysville stopped one drive with an end-zone interception.
Money raised goes to buy newer, safer equipment for the youth players, along with scholarships for those in need and to reduce overall costs for all involved with MYFL.
