Football of the flag variety has also caught on at Leo.
In obtaining a grant from the Bears and the NFL Grassroots Foundation to refurbish the school’s athletic field, Leo stipulated that the facility would function as a community resource and not be limited to use by Leo. It is fulfilling that role as the site of a Leo-sponsored flag football league involving 6th-through-8th-grade teams from four neighborhood elementary schools: St. Sabina, the Academy of St. Benedict the African, Barbara Sizemore and Paul Cuffe Stem Academy.
All four teams have been in action in Saturday doubleheaders that began on Sept. 10. Close, competitive games have drawn large, enthusiastic crowds. Leo Admissions Director Kevin McNair has taken the lead in getting the league up and running, on very short notice, and supervising it.
“Even before we started I was hearing from other schools about wanting to join,” McNair said. “We could easily double in size next year.”
St. Sabina, St. Ben’s and Sizemore are the early league leaders with 2-1 records. The championship game will be played “under the lights” on Friday, Oct. 21.
“It’s great to see so many kids enjoying themselves in an outdoor activity that’s both healthy and a lot of fun,” Leo President Dan McGrath said. “As a good-will gesture to the neighborhood, this is hard to top.”