The Tyler Cowboys are set to play a game this Saturday at Moore Middle School, which serves as their regular practice grounds in Tyler. While preparing for immediate competition, the program’s leadership emphasizes values extending beyond the scoreboard, focusing on the broader development of its young athletes.
Coach Jessie Taylor, who has been involved with the program for five years alongside Brandon Wesney, articulated that the initiative is built upon more than simply winning or losing games. Taylor expressed a great feeling in observing the growth of these children. He noted that many past participants have progressed to play at the college level, building on their experiences within the Cowboys program. This trajectory highlights the program's significant impact in shaping young individuals, with Taylor underscoring the vital role of being a role model, recognizing a contemporary need for such figures among youth.
For half a decade, Taylor and Wesney have dedicated their efforts to cultivating character among the players. This development involves fostering a competitive spirit, which Taylor described as "a compete in battle against their own, their peers." He explained that a key objective is to help players understand and practice mutual respect on the field. Simultaneously, the program aims to instill a drive to compete effectively, viewing it as essential for both individual and team success. Taylor affirmed that this competitive drive is consistently integrated into their practice routines.
Brandon Wesney provided a concrete example of the program's success in developing athletes and community leaders. He referenced Derrick McFall, a former player who advanced to play for Southern Methodist University (SMU) and is reportedly doing great. Wesney cited McFall as an illustration of the talented children the program helps to nurture, producing both skilled athletes and leaders within the community. The coaches aim for players to develop comprehensive skills that transcend the immediate outcome of a game, preparing them for future challenges and broader societal roles.
A significant number of players from the Tyler Cowboys are expected to continue their football careers at local high schools, specifically Tyler High School and Tyler Legacy High School. Organizers of the program believe this progression will contribute to the familiarity within the existing rivalry between these two prominent high school teams. This continuous flow of talent from the Tyler Cowboys into local high school programs highlights the enduring impact of their five-year commitment to youth development in East Texas. The commitment of Coach Taylor and Brandon Wesney seeks to build not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership and community engagement, starting with Saturday's game and extending far beyond the football field.
