Another Year and Season for the Eagles
The community of North Lawndale is here to support the kids. Most people don’t know that the youth are making great strides in life on and off the field. On the field, the North Lawndale Eagles celebrate another season. That makes it now over 30 seasons supporting the youth of the community.
Malik Horton, a running back (RB) for the 13U division, reflected on the moment. “It was a good season, we came up just a little short. We made it to State so that’s a good thing. The goal now, entering my last season with the team, we need to focus on getting past State and getting better. I am entering my seventh season with the team, and yes we are on a revenge tour.”
Eagles Are Not a Team, We Are a Family
Horton even mentioned his aspirations for playing high school Football. He even had this to say about the 12U teammates for the Eagles. “They did good, went out there and left everything that they had on that field for everyone to be able to see their talents. The Eagles are a family, and I strongly do support my brothers.”
The Eagles have been well represented over the years from generation to generation. Parents have been a crucial part of their development as well. Some parents have been able to help the youth lives affected by football. Most don’t understand the mental development of these youth is critical at these ages. Coaches Charles and Twan teach the children, not just the way of football, but a way of life.
“These kids have been together for quite some time. They have developed bonds that could last a lifetime. My son has more time with the Eagles family. He has already talked to me about some high schools he looking at,” stated Erica Davis, a parent involved with the organization. She explained how important it is for them to connect with each other in between seasons.
High School Thoughts of Eagles Members
“Majority of us have been a Eagle for like four, maybe five years. I have been playing football since I was six years old. Never knew that playing would be this fun. I want to play in the NFL one day and hopefully one day it’s next to one of my teammates,” added Horton.
He continued on by talking about some of the high schools he was looking at and his position as RB. “I haven’t decided on what high school, but there are a lot of schools that I can choose from. North Lawndale, Simeon, and Curie are just a few. That’s then, but now I’m looking forward to my next season with the Eagles.”
Davis spoke about some high schools as well in regard to her son. “Fenwick and Simeon are just a few schools that he is looking for. These kids have father figures in their lives and that relationship will continue with them even while going to high school. Not every child can have this opportunity like this to have a father figure sometimes a mother has to play both roles. Coach Twan and Charles are those father figures in their lives, and I couldn’t be more happier as a parent and a mother.”
Eagles Then, Now & Forever
The North Lawndale Eagles are celebrating another season under the guidance of Coach Twan and Coach Charles. The passion these two coaches show for their players is a bond like no other. They take the time to be there for them on and off the field.
“I didn’t foresee the vision being what is now. We have grown compared to back when youth baseball was the leader in youth sports. I’ve been with the organization for almost 25 years. We have a saying: ‘Once an Eagle always an Eagle no matter what age you are,'” reflected Coach Twan about his team turned family.
“Majority of these coaches and parents that you see here today played for the team actually. They never forgot about us as time moved on, and they were called for something greater. I coached them when they were in these kids’ shoes years ago, and now they are giving back to the next generation.”
Written by Semetrius Holmes
Sources:
Interviewed: Malik Horton, Erica Davis, and Coach Twan on January 21, 2023
Top and Feature Image Courtesy of Semetrius Holmes
