One of the greatest strengths of the Cougars football program is the fact that we consider ourselves much more of a "family" than just a team. We are very deliberate in our team building activities and character development, including summer BBQs, fun n0n-football activities and in-season team dinners. The team dinners are a highlight for the parents, as much as the players, as it is a great social time. Our football players, parents and coaches really love to spend time with each other!
In part because of all the time spent together -- including several team-bonding activities during the year -- both Teeter and his players routinely refer to the Lakewood football team as a "family.""I think everybody just really likes our family atmosphere. We really are a family," senior linebacker-wide receiver Jake Vanwinkle said. "A lot of teams stress that, but we are. We're a brotherhood. We all love each other and we're all constantly joking and having fun and everybody sees that. I guess everyone just wants to be a part of that."Vanwinkle said the entire team is friends, from the first-year players to the experienced seniors."We don't really have a hierarchy system," he said. "When I came in as a freshman, I felt really welcomed. I think the biggest difference of being a freshman to a senior is you're now the welcomer instead of the welcomed."
From Everett Herald article, "Lakewood has evolved into 2A football power" 10/11/13
For the former players, it was an opportunity for them to return to Lakewood and give back to the program that helped them pursue their dreams of playing at the next level.“If we can give back to the community a little bit that's always a great time,” Peterson said. “We love the coaches. They would do anything for us. This isn't very much that we're doing but when we can do something with them we'd love to.”“I love it,” said Donohue, a lineman at Eastern. “I spent four years here so it's a big part of my life. It's fun to come back and see all the younger kids and help them out a little bit. ... As long as you show them respect they're going to respect you. They're open and receptive to everything and I hope we helped them out a lot. I wish we had more time with them.”The idea came to Teeter when he saw Donohue and Jones working out in the weight room one afternoon. He realized a few other former Lakewood players were home and asked the duo if they would be interested in putting on a little clinic.“It's winter break. I don't have any plans,” Jones said. “We were down.”A lot of players make it a point to reconnect with their old coach when they're back in Snohomish County, including Lane, who went to Illinois State University before transferring to Central.“Every time I come home for Christmas, or for a week in the summer, I always try to get back together with coach Teeter,” Lane said. “It's always fun. He was my mentor in high school. He did a lot for me so it's nice to give back to the program.”
The Cougar alums all had similar approaches to the discussion. Which wasn't surprising, considering the teacher they all had.“It's awesome for them to see guys who are currently there and some of the names that are all over our record board, coming back and sharing with them,” Teeter said. “They have the well-deserved credibility. And they're saying a lot of the things we've been telling them but it's good to hear it from another voice and from someone who's at the next level.”The former players aren't surprised by the fact that Lakewood, a 2A school, keeps putting out college players.“We have a good program and guys work hard here,” Jones said. “It just shows what hard work does for a school.”Teeter said he would love to make the get-together an annual Lakewood tradition. The former players were more than happy to come back next Christmas.“Oh heck yeah,” Stott said. “Anything I can do to give back to this community is awesome.”Stanton, too, provided he isn't needed elsewhere.“Hopefully, I'll be at a bowl game somewhere,” Stanton said with a laugh. “But any time I can get back here, I do. This is our home. This is our family. This is where we came from. Whether I know the upcoming guys or not, they're part of my family.“I love coming back here.”
Excerpts From Daily Herald article, "Ex-Lakewood players give back to the football program" 12/23/14
Coach Kon's "Competition Team" won the season long competition and earned a steak dinner at Coach Teeter's house. Kyle Stanton has been on the winning team two seasons in a row, and I'm afraid he may have established an addiction to the honey butter that is served with the rolls.