BMS gridders end successful season

Burlington Middle School’s football team capped off a dominant 6-man season by topping Midwest at home, 77-25. 

After years of being an assistant coach at both the high school and middle school levels, Coach Tim Allen took over the reins this season. Joining him on the sideline as assistants were Blake Smith and Seth Wardell.

“One of the biggest goals of the coaching staff was to create a fun season that allowed the players to both grow in their skills and share in their love of football. That vision also included building excitement and ‘football culture’ in the community,” said Allen. “It was already a well established program and that made it possible for me to build my ideas for the team on a solid foundation.”

Having coached the middle school team and many of the younger players in rec football before that, Allen had high hopes for the talent of the team. “The eight grade athletes provided excellent leadership for the team and the coaches were able to get a lot of playing time for the younger players. It was important to us to get playing time for everyone because those younger athletes are going to be the teammates of the older athletes in coming years. We can’t just develop from the top and hope the other kids catch up.”

This season, with the help of the high school athletic director Rebecca Walker, the Huskies picked up three 9-man games. Burlington fared well with this new challenge, facing off first against Greybull, where they held their own but fell short of the win. They managed to find their groove and won against Rocky Mountain and in a rematch of Greybull. “We were very grateful for the games that we could get on our schedule and for the teams that were willing to play us, because some wouldn’t,” said Allen.

The coaching staff also acknowledged the many supportive leaders and families involved in the successful season. “We were very lucky to have a great group of student managers who assisted the team both in practice and at games. Off the field, under the leadership of Head Mom Sierra Harris, the team enjoyed several team meals as well as a family barbecue. The team also benefited from a visit by team nutritionist Holly Michaels, who helped players understand the importance of fueling their bodies for performance.

“The players thrived in competitions because they were well-fed, well-supported and ready for the challenge. The shared meals and family barbecue brought the coaches, players and families together and helped build a community that supports football. This is a team that would play in a parking lot at 2 am using headlights to play football. I think that speaks volumes about the competitiveness that they have,” said Allen.