August 15, 2007 (V. 3)

With all the recent success and returning talent, 2007 promises to be quite a season for SMPW! Last season our coaches Raphael Rivera (tackle) and Angel Martinez (cheer) were　awarded given　the top football and cheer coaching honors for the entire Palomar Conference.　 In 2006 Coach Rivera’s Jr. Pee Wee Cavaliers　had an undefeated regular season. Coach Martinez’s Midget Knights cheerleaders were　repeat regional champions in 2006, returning to National SMPW Championships in Florida for the second year in a row.

I asked Coaches Rivera and Martinez to share some of their experiences and expertise. Coach Rivera: What motivates you to spend so much of your time volunteering for Pop Warner? Seeing the kids grow and improve. Also what makes my day is when I see a player around town and he says, "Hi Coach." I appreciate the respect. What was your most memorable moment as a SMPW coach? Our undefeated season in 2006. Do you have any coaching advice to share with parents or fellow coaches? I advise parents to emphasize their kid’s positive achievements, support and praise them. Let the coach critique their playing. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Coach Martinez: What motivates you to spend so much of your time volunteering for Pop Warner?　 I believe in the kids and love to see them develop their confidence and teamwork.　 My daughter, Lexi, was a cheerleader for the Knights and my son, David, was a football player for four years.　What was your most memorable moment as a SMPW coach?　 The very first year that my squad qualified to attend the National Pop Warner Championships in Florida.　 We started a legacy hat motivated me to keep it going.　 The looks　on the girls faces when they heard their team called was priceless.　 Do you have any coaching　tips to share with parents or fellow coaches? 　Never forget why you are a coach, it's all about the kids.　 Stay focused on safety, and development.　 What are your goals for the 2007 season?　 To develop my cheer squad to the best of their abilities and strive for the top.　

1^st place: Alex Hadjran, (Cavaliers) won the Elektra bike, 2^nd place: Junior Reyes (Crusaders) won the Urban Board Shop skateboard package. Congratulations, the hike-a-thon was a success!

Check our website frequently for more event info and news: sanmarcospopwarner.org

Photography Contest! At the end of the season each team Media Coordinator will submit 4 photos from their team to the SMPW photo contest. Categories will be Best Action Shot, Best Candid Shot, Best Group Shot, and Media Coordinator’s Choice. All photographs will be displayed in a public venue in San Marcos (such as the Civic Center) at the end of the season. Parents, submit your photos!

Fundraising Restaurant Nights! Support SMPW, and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Dates are: 8/16, 9/20, & 10/18 Applebees; 8/22 Rubios; 8/30 Chick-Fil-A; 9/6 Johnny Carinos. Fliers distributed and printable on our website. Some restaurants require a flier when paying. More to come.

SMPW Spirit Gear available on-line at thecoachingstore.com, shirts, hats, replica jerseys, and more.

Setting the Standard Please remember these simple rules:

 No unsportsmanlike conduct, on the field or in the stands! Please, no insults or foul language.

 No non-rostered people are allowed on the field during games (adults or children).

 Only one team photographer on the field, wearing the appropriate ID badge.

 No pets can be on high school grounds per school district policy.　 Please leave your 'mascots' at home.

 No children are allowed in the announcer's box.

 Volunteers on the field or in announcer's box　represent both teams and must refrain from loud cheering.

 Please be a good host and pick up your own trash and any you see around you.

Also, during practices at Bradley Field, please do not park directly in front of the baseball fields or at the south end of the parking lot off Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Park in the north lot area, or off Linda Vista Rd by the softball fields. Nobody can park on the fields at any time.