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Sports

Griffin Kirby Wins East Rockaway Youth Football Award

Sticking to his goal paid off for the East Rockaway Raiders linebacker.

 

The foundation of sports comes from those who truly care about the game. Specifically on the youth level, games are illuminated not only by those who exhibit talent, but those who carry an obvious love of the preparation with them.

Because of this, it came as no surprise to anyone when Waverly Park Elementary School fifth grader Griffin Kirby was awarded the inaugural Commitment to Excellence award at the 2011 East Rockaway Raiders football banquet.

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The award recognizes hard work and a devotion to teammates. Kirby, who will play next year free of charge (as will all future winners), was a unanimous choice by the Raiders' Board of Directors.

Because of a weight requirement, Kirby played on the sixth grade team. Many of his fellow fifth graders were moved up due to the weight requirement that is mandated. Unfortunately, when the season started on Aug. 1, Kirby did not make weight to play in the games and was 26 pounds heavier than what is required by the Raider's Organization.

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This did not Kirby from going to practice and working to lose the weight. The feisty lineman made it his goal to play within the leagues weight guidelines. Once he achieved that goal, he never looked back.

“When I made weight for the first game, I could not believe how excited my teammates were,” said Kirby, who made weight for his first game in November. “It proved to me how important it is to support the people in my life. I could not have accomplished my goal without the support of my coaches and teammates.”

Taking the values instilled by his parents to heart, Griffin failed to miss a practice, knowing that the team is much more important than any minor schedule conflict that may arise.

“When you play on Raiders football, you make a 12 hour a week commitment, maybe even more,” Kirby said. “If I fall short of my commitment, than I let my teammates and coaches down.”

Kirby said he knew it was a great accomplishment when he said he saw his teammate and good friend, Jimmy Murray, crying when he won the award.

"We have been friends since we were in nursery school," Kirby said. "He was really proud of me. This is why I love football and the Raiders - we are a family."

Even before winning the award, Kirby’s coaches and teammates noticed his hard work. After Dan “The Man” Dominguez led the team in touchdowns one week, he was awarded the game ball. Dominguez, as a show on appreciation, handed the ball to Kirby.

“I could not believe it,” Kirby said. “I was so honored.”

Griffin’s commitment hasn’t stopped this off-season. To date, he has lost 30 pounds and is keeping it off. Surely, wrestling with the Lynbrook Titans this winter can’t hurt that cause.

Kirby has no plans to retire any time soon. He looks forward to someday strapping on a Lynbrook Owls helmet and bringing victories home to his future high school. His cousin, Joe Grossi, is a current Owl and one of Kirby’s idols.

“I look forward to wearing green and gold,” Kirby said. “But, for now, I love the Raiders.”

As a Giants fan, Kirby can’t wait to see his favorite pro team play for another championship on Feb. 5. Not falling for the brash and bravado of some NFL stars, Griffin cites Eli Manning as a major influence.

“He is smart and confident, but does not brag,” Kirby said. “Watching [Sunday’s win over San Francisco] proved to me how important it is to make a commitment. Eli never gave up for one minute during that game.”

Not giving up. Sounds a lot like Griffin Kirby.

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