OPINION: YAFL founders should be in NM Sports Hall of Fame
Congratulations to New Mexico Youth American Football League on your 60th season.
NMYAFL began in 1966. The founders couldn鈥檛 have imagined what YAFL has become, and they would be proud to know their efforts made it possible for 2,500 kids to play each year.
Think of all the careers, character lessons, entertainment and leadership lessons that came from the original vision of the league founders and the contributions of families, coaches, players, cheerleaders and fans along the way.
My father, Cliff Kinabrew, who coached the Packers, was one of the original founders and I was his mascot 60 years ago when I was 5. I wore my full pads with my jersey number 鈥溌解�� at his team鈥檚 first game and cherish the memories that followed.
I played for four years in YAFL. The YAFL office warehouse has all the championship teams from its founding in each weight category on the wall in the warehouse.
In Brentwood Hills where I grew up, our garage was stuffed with tackle dummies, uniforms and all the equipment a team needed. The neighborhood kids used the tackle dummies when they weren鈥檛 on the practice field. It was a magical time.
The YAFL founders should be in the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame because they have contributed to countless college football careers, and several pro players owe their beginnings and careers to these men.
Thank you to their families from all the sports enthusiasts who benefitted by their dedication and vision. Thank you to all who have coached, played, watched or cheered a YAFL team over the years.
The current leadership and participants are all fruits of that seed planted in 1966 by visionaries who should be celebrated this year.
Bruce Kinabrew grew up in Albuquerque and lives in Madera, California.
