Oakville Tigers Junior Football started an additional program last fall called the Coaching Apprentice Program. Every year the football coaches try to improve Oakville’s program by offering something new or enhancing an existing program, Ken Leach, head football coach of the Oakville Junior Tigers, stated in a news release. After implementing programs involving coaches teaching students how to play, the coaches this year implemented a program that instructed students how to coach. Five students were chosen to participate in the Coaching Apprentice Program. One freshman, one sophomore, one junior and two seniors were selected and have participated in seminars on the psychology of coaching, skills and drills, “Xs and Os,” and the concept of various offensive and defensive formations. Because of the innovation of the program and the dedication of the young men, according to the release, the St. Louis Sports Commission recognized the Coaching Apprentice Program and the Apprentice Coaches. The five young men were honored at a special dinner recently, in which they were awarded their highest award of achievement. Pictured, from left, are: Vinny Gauldoni, Eric Schmidt, Ken Leach and Tom Demsko. Not pictured are: John Trankle and Ronnell Walker. For more information on the Oakville Tigers, view their Web site,

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