Community cornhole in support of youth football and cheer

While both high school and youth sports teams are gearing up to begin spring sports in just a few weeks, the Groton Youth Football and Cheer (GYFC) program is already planning ahead for its fall season by fundraising for some much-needed equipment and gear for the youth football teams.   

The community came together in a number of ways on Saturday, March 11 in support of the GYFC at its cornhole tournament fundraiser.   

The tournament was held at the Tri-County Horseshoe Club, 365 Locke Rd., which began at 8:30 a.m. and concluded around 9 p.m., resulting in a great day of fun for all and profits that well-exceeded the $1,000 goal the GYFC had set.   

GYFC officers Frank Belonsoff, president, Jamie Babcock, vice president, and Kathleen Grimes, treasurer/secretary, were all present at the tournament. Babcock’s wife, Missi, spearheaded the entire event. She said she had a friend who had done one for another organization that was successful, so she brought the idea to the program officers.  

The Tri-County Horseshoe Club generously donated the use of its facility for the day, and its president, Dan Ough, opened the club’s kitchen to serve concessions for anyone who wished to purchase them throughout the day. While those profits went back to the club, the GYFC is very grateful to Ough for donating his time and making the food available.   

In addition to the $30 per team tournament entry fee contributing to the cause, Missi also organized a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, and donations from local businesses and community members for prize raffles at the event.   

The GYFC is grateful to Stonehedges Golf Course, Loretta’s Salon and Spa, the Syracuse Mets, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Wegmans, Price Chopper, Casper’s Kitchen, Dollar General, Brittany Station, Terri Minor, Brenda Kane, and the Elster and Babcock families for their donations.   

The winning teams in the morning double elimination tournament were John Sanford and Jay Van Orman in first place, Grant Bostwick and Ron Caveney in second place, and Hank and Mike Rosecrans taking third place.  

In first place in the afternoon tournament were Dan and Travis Dunham. Kelly and Kevin Davis took second place. At 9 p.m., it was decided not to have a bracket for third place since it had been a long day. 

Some of the other teams on site were regular cornhole players, while others came out just to have fun and support the youth program.

Tom Walters of Groton and Mike Lederman of Locke played as a team, and said they play regularly on a Wednesday night cornhole league right at Tri-County Horseshoe Club.   

“We have about 30 people in the league,” Walters said, “and we really enjoy it.” 

Tom Collins of Freeville and Des Soper teamed up to play, but said they were just two friends coming out to support the football program.   

“My son, Eli, is in third grade and plays junior tackle”, Soper said. “Tom and I only played the two games and lost, but it was fun and we had a blast!”  

Belonsoff said there were 32 teams playing in the morning session and 16 to 22 were expected to play in the afternoon.   

Austin Hunt and his cousin, Jason Rabenstein, play together regularly at the Homer Elks Lodge, and they came in staunch support of the program.   

Hunt, who is a senior at Groton High School (GHS), and the quarterback for its varsity football team, said that he “absolutely wanted to come out and support the kids.”  

“I played youth football myself”, Rabenstein, who is a 2022 GHS alumnus, said. “I switched to varsity golf and bowling in high school, but I loved my time in youth football.”  

Rachel Martinez and Sarah Oliveira are both youth football moms, so that was their motivation for forming a team together. Martinez has two sons, Mason and Lincoln, who are in third and fourth grade, respectively, and Oliveira’s son, Giovanni, is in third grade. 

“It was just fun to be here hanging out with other people supporting the cause”, Martinez said. “I actually hit the board a few times and hit the ceiling like three times!” 

Grimes outlined the top three fundraising goals the GYFC has, beginning with the first goal, which is to replace the football helmets.  

“Helmets are only good for 10 years, and ours are nine years old now”, Grimes said. “They cost anywhere from $150 to $500 each, depending on size. Some of our kids need an adult size, which costs the most, and we need about 55 helmets. The second goal is to replace the shoulder pads, and the eventual third goal is to replace all the jerseys once the school comes up with a new logo.” 

The coaches from last season were head coach Doug Portzline for senior tackle with coaches Jayme Evans, Mike Howell, Nate Reynolds, and Chad Smith. Junior tackle head coach was Jamie Babcock, with coaches Jay Faber, Rob Grimes, and Sean O’Connor.  

Flag football had two teams, led by coaches Frank Belonsoff, Scott Dexter, Jeff Evener Jr., Ellard Keister, Jeff Lucas, and Cody Street.  

Head coach for cheer, Ashli Trufant, was joined by coaches Hannah Botsford, Becky Karschner, and Kristen Olevnik. 

“We have many parents who step in to help at practices and on the sidelines, but we are always looking for volunteers to actually take on the coaching role,” Grimes said. “This means they’ve taken online courses through USA Football and have official say on play calls, etcetera.” 

Although the football season won’t begin until fall, Groton youth have an opportunity to attend football camp March 20 through 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. nightly in the Groton Middle School gym completely free of charge via the 21st Century Learning Center grant. Sign up at Groton Youth Football and Cheer > Home (bluesombrero.com).  

“We really appreciate the support of the community,” Belonsoff said. “Without them, we can’t make this happen. I also want to thank the horseshoe club for sponsoring this and we hope to help them in turn for their new roof.” 

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.  

In brief: 

Groton Senior Club monthly meeting 

The Groton Senior Club will hold its monthly lunch and meeting at the Center Village Court housing complex on Wednesday, March 22, beginning at 12:15 p.m. All are welcome, both men and women, and the event is open to senior citizens from anywhere, not just Groton. Membership is just $12 per year for those who would like to join.   

Everyone is asked to bring a dish-to-pass, $1 to help cover the cost of supplies, and your own place setting for the meal. Lunch will officially begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by entertainment.  

Prekindergarten registration

Groton Elementary School is preparing for incoming students for pre-kindergarten this fall. Eligibility requires that your child reside in the Groton Central School district, and New York State immunization requirements for the program must be met. 

If your child’s birthday falls between Dec. 2, 2019 and Dec 1, 2020, he or she is eligible for the 3-year-old class. Eligibility for the 4-year-old class requires a birthday to fall between Dec. 2, 2018 and Dec. 1, 2019. 

Programs will both be held at Groton Elementary School and begin in September. There is no charge. Bus transportation is available for all 4-year-olds, but there is no transportation provided for 3-year-olds.

The 4-year-old program will operate on the same calendar and hours as the rest of the elementary school; as will the 3-year-old program, but there are two half-day sessions: a morning class and an afternoon class. 

Selection will be determined by a lottery process. Children who are currently enrolled in the 3-year-old program will have an automatic seat in a 4-year-old classroom. The 4-year-old program has 54 seats, while the 3-year-old classes have 12 each in the morning and afternoon classes. To obtain a registration packet, please contact the school office at (607) 898-5853.