Congratulations to Falcons Alum Nick Allegretti '09 on being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Draft.  Nick is the first Falcons player to be in the NFL.  Congratulations also to his father Carl (Falcons founding member and first President), his mother Tammy (countless volunteer hours of registration, concession stand, spirit wear and a whole lot more) and his brother Joe, Falcons Alum '07 Thunderbird winner.  Nick's hard work, character and giving back to the community especially the Falcons is what helped him achieve his lifelong dream!  Good Luck Nick and Go Chiefs!

A Blue Angel Award will be awarded to a 8th grade cheerleader. The Blue Angel Award recipients are to be selected taking into account the following criteria:
Leadership, School Achievement, Community Involvement, Attitude, Personal Conduct on and off the field, Sportsmanship, and Healthy Lifestyle.

Congratulations to this year's winners
Grace Kingsbury and Marisa Mangin!

The Thunderbird Award will be awarded to a varsity 8th grade football player.  The Thunderbird Award recipients are to be selected taking into account the following criteria: Leadership, School Achievement, Community Involvement, Attitude, Conduct on and off the field, Sportsmanship, and Healthy Lifestyle. 

Congratulations to this year's Thunderbird Award recipient, 
Justin Parrish!

For the last few years the Falcons have worn Pink jerseys during the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. While wearing pink is a great way to show support, the Falcons wanted to do something that would directly benefit those in our community affected by cancer. Tom and Carrie Poynton thought of the idea to raise money for the Cancer Support Center. Each team spent time talking with the players about the importance of what we were attempting to do. The amount raised and donated as a result of the effort was $3,000. This amount will directly benefit those who are affected by various forms of cancer. Thank you to everyone who helped contribute! The check was presented to Kathy Kahlhammer – Development Coordinator at the Cancer Support Center

For more information or to donate to the Cancer Support Center, please visit http://cancersupportcenter.org/

The Frankfort Falcons would like to give a big thanks to Nick Allegretti, Falcons 2009, LWE 2014 and current starting center for the Fighting Illini for coming out and speaking to our young Falcon football players about how this great game is teaching us about life. Nick mentioned to never give up on your dreams, become a well rounded person in sports, volunteer and give back to the community! Nick reminded us to have FUN, have a great attitude and appreciate every single day and the people that help us get to where we are today! We would also like to thank Coach Z, Varsity Head Football Coach at LWE, for providing insights for our kids and coaches as well. The benefits of this gathering will be remembered for years to come. 

Nick was recenlty named to the Rimington Award and AFCA Good Works Team watch lists. The Rimington Award goes to the top center in the country, while the AFCA Good Works Team recognizes student-athletes for their efforts off the field like volunteer work and community involvement. 

Photograph Courtesy of Mo's Action Photograhy

GO ILLINI ! GO EAST ! GO FALCONS!

This is a great explanation of how football transcends the actual game and gives us all life lessons. Please take a few minutes to watch. 

"One of my friends asked "Why do you pay so much money for your kids to do all their sports”? Well I have a confession to make; I don't pay for my kids to to do sports. Personally, I couldn't care less about what sport they do. So, if I am not paying for sports what am I paying for?

• I pay for those moments when my kids become so tired they want to quit but don't.
• I pay for those days when my kids come home from school and are "too tired" to go to their training but they go anyway.
• I pay for my kids to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.
• I pay for my kids to learn to take care of their body and equipment.
• I pay for my kids to learn to work with others and to be good team mates, gracious in defeat and humble in success.
• I pay for my kids to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that placing or title they'd hoped for, but still they go back week after week giving it their best shot.
• I pay for my kids to learn to make and accomplish goals.
• I pay for my kids to respect, not only themselves, but other athletes, officials and coaches.
• I pay for my kids to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.
• I pay for my kids to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long term goals.
• I pay for the opportunity my kids have and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of their achievements as I am.
• I pay so that my kids can be out on the field or in the gym instead of in front of a screen.

I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for sports; I pay for the opportunities that sports provides my kids with to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far I think it is a great investment!"

- Author Unknown

HEADS UP to Youth Sports

To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, CDC developed the HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. The HEADS UP initiative provides important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion.

Click here for more info