Photos: 8th Grade Football Signing

Nearly 50 eighth graders signed “letters of intent” to play Tiger football in high school at the first-ever Republic football signing ceremony. Head football coach Dustin Baldwin says he’s been thinking about implementing the tradition since he and assistant coach Zac Nelson heard about the idea at a coaching clinic before he arrived at Republic.

“The goal was to bring players and parents in together and establish a positive relationship with them from the beginning, get the incoming freshman comfortable with their surroundings, establish commitment, and give them a glimpse into the expectations they will have in high school,” he says.

Baldwin addressed players and their parents about the expectations he and his coaches will have for players when they arrive in high school next year. Then players walked to the stage in groups to sign a commitment to play high school football and meet those expectations.

“We had a great time, and feedback has been exceedingly positive,” Baldwin says. “Kids and parents responded in a great way. As a coach, it’s so exciting to see parents and players committed and on the same page like that coming into high school.”

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