For the love of the game For the love of the game (August 20, 2004)

Pleasanton Junior Football League turns 35
by Heidi Massie

What began as a league of just four football teams has grown to one of 16 contact teams, 42 flag teams and 100 cheerleaders. More than 1,000 Pleasanton kids now participate annually in the Pleasanton Junior Football League, which is celebrating its 35th season of developing not only future high school, college and professional football players but also young men with character, drive and self-esteem.

While many junior football leagues have struggled over the years to stay alive, the PJFL has continued as a strong organization within its own hometown. What makes the league different from other leagues is that its focus is teaching the game of football in a safe, positive environment to all kids, regardless of ability or experience.

"It's all about teaching the love of the game to youth and giving every kid a chance to play," said league vice president and contact division coach Sam Pulino, who is now coaching his ninth season. "The PJFL is a participation league. No one gets cut or warms a bench." That's the idea that brought PJFL to life.

In 1969, founder Ron Clemens wanted a league that allowed every kid to play and be given the opportunity to learn how to play. At that time, the only league that existed was Pop Warner in Livermore, where only the top kids get to play. To remedy that, Clemens started the PJFL that year, with one of the initial teams being coached by Joe Rose, who is still a PJFL coach 35 years later.

"I started in 1969 as assistant coach to my dad's team where my younger brother played," recalled Rose. "I've been a head coach every year since."

Rose, who is also the new girl's wrestling coach at Amador Valley High School, has never tired of coaching with PJFL. "I like the camaraderie with the kids and enjoy seeing the kids improve during the season."

Rose and Pulino agree that what makes the league successful are the coaches who love the game of football and want to teach that same love of the game to kids.

"Sixty-five percent of the coaches don't have kids playing in the league," explained Pulino. "These are guys who love teaching the game and teaching kids who want to learn. About 30 percent of the coaches played in PJFL themselves at one time. We get a lot of high school players who come back and help coach as well."

The league also contributes locally by supplying Amador Valley and Foothill high schools with football players.

"A real tribute to PJFL is looking at the successful football programs at Amador and Foothill," said Pulino. "If you want to see the high school football stars of tomorrow, come see PJFL today."

Last year, 130 eighth-graders who played in PJFL went on to freshman football at the high schools.

The league can boast of having trained several professional football players in their youths as well. PJFL alumni include Amador Valley graduates Rich Kane, who played for the Detroit Lions, and Greg Kragen, who played for the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, including three Super Bowls; and from Foothill, brothers Rich Moran, who played for the Green Bay Packers for 11 years, and Eric Moran, who played for several teams including the Houston Oilers.

Not every PJFL player goes on to become a football star, but all players come away with skills and traits that serve them throughout their lives.

"We develop young men. High schools make them into football players," explained Pulino. "In this sport, everybody has a job to do. It's a 100 percent team sport. The kids learn respect, sacrifice and desire. If you want your kid to have these traits, then you want your kid to play football."

Joe Rose feels the same way about what PJFL can do for kids.

"This league has done a lot for our kids. When I run into kids I coached years ago, they tell me that playing in PJFL was the best experience they had growing up and kept them focused on what's important and out of trouble.

"That's why I love to coach," he said. "I love the game and I know I've made a difference."
Upcoming season

The PJFL's 35th season opens with the annual Jamboree and Barbeque, 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, at the Sports Park football fields. The event is open to the public. Opening ceremonies include the local VFW presentation of colors, the National Anthem, and a special guest speaker. The football teams will play 20-minute scrimmages with teams by division.

PJFL games are played every Saturday beginning Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The All-star game will be held at Foothill High School on Nov. 13.

For more information and game schedules, visit the league's Web site at www.pjfl.com.

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