OVERBROOK - Transitioning from the field to the sidelines, Coach Bill Sytsma says football is still his passion, one that’s brought a lot of purpose as he transitioned from player to coach.In recent years, there has been unexpected pain, as well. "It’s a little over two years and it’s still difficult to think about," Sytsma said.
Before COVID-19, as head coach of the Frankford High School football team, Coach Sytsma lost two players. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, schools closed for in-person learning and after-school activities, including athletics, canceled.
No outlet. No safe space. That was a huge worry for Coach Sytsma, that only continued into the summer. "The summer before, we did a game night.
So, on Friday nights, we would have the players come in, just so they could be off the streets. So, definitely, when schools and activities were shut down, at that point, it was a big worry.