Stone takes reins of Cashmere Youth Football

There is a new face running Cashmere's Youth Football program.

Matt Stone recently became the program's president, taking over from Adam Kerns, who resigned from his position in March.

Stone had played youth and high school football. He later coached youth football, both tackle and flag, for several years. He said he got into coaching when his oldest son became interested in playing football and has been involved with the game for several years. While he enjoys being with his sons at their sporting events - whether it is football, wrestling or another activity - Stone also likes coaching and working with kids.

"I know it's going to be a lot more work," Stone said of transitioning into his role as Cashmere Youth Football president. "But all in all, it will be good."

Stone, who moved to Cashmere last October, had originally wanted to become a volunteer coach and learned of the open president position when he contacted Kerns about potentially coaching. During their conversation, Kerns informed Stone that the program needed someone to take over and he signed up.

Although Kerns resigned in March, Stone said he has received a lot of guidance from the former president during his initial weeks in the role. He noted that Kerns has contacted parents and provided him with a list of folks who coached last season. Stone said both he and Kerns have similar mindset in emphasizing safety and making sure kids are having fun on the field.

"With Adam, I've got some big shoes to fill," Stone said. "What he's done in the last few years has made it very easy for me (to take over). He's turned this program into something and he's been great in helping me out and is willing to stick around. I'm thankful for him and I'm glad I reached out to him." 

Stone is also looking forward to meet with Cashmere parents. He said Kerns told him numbers dropped a little bit for different reasons, one being local kids traveling to East Wenatchee to play Pop Warner football.

"I want to keep everybody in Cashmere and hopefully working with the parents and making everything as safe as possible, we can have them come to Cashmere to play instead of having people travel to East Wenatchee to play."

Since he became president, Stone has participated in conference calls with North Central Washington Football with other presidents from other community football teams.

NCW Football USA Football League tackle football rules. Stone said there will be mandatory coaches meetings during the season. He added that coaches will also have to go through a mandatory USA Football program.

Stone has been meeting with the president of Waterville Youth Football program, which recently kicked off, and the two parties have discussed coordinating a tackle football camp.

"It's been good talking to the other communities," Stone said. "I know we have to go to Omak and Okanogan. We travel and that's tough for the families, but it will be good."

Stone is also looking for sponsors and donations to help with the program. He is in the process of acquiring new jerseys for the younger team and new decals for helmets. After those are purchased, he would like to get new uniforms for the older team.

Besides coordinating with parents and volunteers, Stone is also working with the Cashmere Middle School football Head Coach Collin Davidson to use the lingo, plays and running defense plays from the CMS football team and teach them to the younger players.

Registration for the 2019 Cashmere Youth Football season is open. Folks can visit www.ncwyouthfootball.com to register. The registration fee is $90 per player and practices are scheduled to begin in August.

For more information about the Cashmere Youth Football program, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook/com/cashmereyouthfootball.