East Bay High School Girls Flag Football 

Dear Parents,                                                                                                                                                                        January 1, 2012

It is an honor to be the head coach for girls’ flag football and I thank you for allowing your daughter to participate.  East Bay is one of the top county teams and making the team is very competitive!  This is a tribute to our past success.  To learn more about our team and its history, and also to stay informed throughout the season, visit our website:  ebhsgirlsflagfootball.com  

Our PURPOSE-to reinforce academics, sportsmanship, and student/athletes-citizens.  Our GOALS: to INSTILLdiscipline, desire, and attitude.  Our ULTIMATE GOAL:  winning—the season, the District, the Region, the State Championship. 

As I’ve said, making the team will be competitive for two reasons.  One, we have a history of winning and many want to be a part of this.  Two, I am making a few changes this year on how we operate.  Varsity and JV will practice together and we will select fewer players this year, 28-30 total players out of 100+ who sign up.  Selecting the top athletes will be based on:  academics; classroom behavior; sportsmanship; work ethic; competitive nature; team player; instinct; passion for the game; and coachability

We offer several programs throughout the year to improve potential players.  One was Weight Training from September through December.  A second program is Speed Training/Conditioning.  This will be Tuesdays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:30, from January 3^rd to February 16^th.  Attendance is HIGHLY recommended but it is no guarantee you’ll make the team.  I will guarantee your chances will be better.  A third way is our AAU Club team.  This is a non-school affiliated team and cost $14 to join along with tournament fees.    Even players who do not make the East Bay school team will still have an opportunity to play in AAU tournaments.  See our website in the AAU Bandits Club team for more information. 

Official football practice starts February 20.  One change this year is players will have one day to make the cut.  Most cuts will be made on day 1.  The sooner we establish our roster the sooner we can prepare for a challenging season.  Team cuts will be posted the night of February 20^th on our website.  I have found this to be the best way for the players.

EQUIPMENT:  I issue mouth pieces.  If you have braces I recommend you purchase one specifically for this; cleats are recommended and for those who make the team, they are required.

EXPECTATIONS: Do not do enough to get by.  DO YOUR VERY BEST IN EVERYTHING YOU TO DO.  Be at every practice; be the best daughter, sister, friend, student and player you can be; participate in fundraisers as players will be responsible for the Tallahassee Tournament costs.

PHYSICALS:  You must complete an Athletic Packet and pay school insurance, $20, regardless if you have insurance.  Sign up for physicals now with the school nurse.  Parents must sign a consent form beforehand.

Pre-Season Conditioning:  January 3– February 9, Tuesdays, Thursdays 3:15—4:30

Pre-Tryout Conditioning:  February 14-16, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3:20—5:00

Practice:  starts Feb 20, Monday—Friday from 3:20 to @ 6:00.  Practice will end earlier as the season progresses.

Make sure you have transportation immediately when activities are over.  If you do not have a ride lined up please do not attend the activity.  Please find a safe place to store your valuables during our activities, like phones, I-pods, jewelry, etc.  ITEMS ARE STOLEN EVERY YEAR IN THE LOCKER ROOM.  Take precaution.

Coaches are Head Coach Michael Cooper, JV Head Coach Greg Taplin, Assistant Coach Samanthia Long and Volunteer Coaches Scott Palmer and Tim Smith.  You may reach me at 813-230-2198. michael.cooper@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Let’s have a great season!

Sincerely,  Michael Cooper