Building the next generation of Wildcats

KELLOGG — Expanded opportunities and strong community support have fueled renewed interest in youth football in the Silver Valley. 

The Kellogg Wildcats Junior Tackle Football Program has grown significantly over the past two seasons, a trend organizers attribute to the generosity of volunteers, coaches and local businesses. 

The program fields five teams, including two first- and second-grade teams and one third- and fourth-grade, fifth-grade and sixth-grade squad. Currently, the program boasts nearly 30 volunteer coaches across all five teams.  

Beth Carrico, one of the program's behind-the-scenes volunteers who helps with its marketing, said the growth stems from efforts that began long before the fall season. 

"We expanded our player development opportunities this spring by participating in the North Idaho Jr. Tackle Spring League," she said. "Depending on grade level, athletes competed on either 7-on-7 passing teams or 5-on-5 lineman teams against many of the same programs they face during the fall season. More than 30 athletes participated, providing an additional opportunity to compete, develop skills and continue building relationships with teammates. The program hopes to continue growing its spring offering in the years ahead." 

Following the spring season, the program offered twice-weekly summer workouts beginning in July, which Carrico said regularly drew 60 athletes. 

More than 120 players registered across the program's four teams this fall, competing against junior tackle programs throughout North Idaho. That was 30 more athletes than participated during the 2025 season. 

The increased participation has brought new challenges, particularly the cost of equipment needed to keep players safe. 

Helmets, pads and additional gear were needed to accommodate the growing program. Rather than increase registration fees in a financially challenged community, organizers turned to fundraising efforts, including a recent raffle that helped cover a $12,000 investment in new equipment. 

What began as a fundraiser for Wildcats Junior Tackle Football became a celebration of community support for local youth. Four prizes were awarded, including two Surron electric motorcycles donated by Kip and Danee McGillivary, a hunter's package featuring donations from Wallace Ace Hardware, Brad's Guns and Silver Valley Law, and a Traeger grill. 

"While the prizes certainly generated excitement, the real story behind the raffle was the community support that made it possible," Carrico said. "For a growing youth football program, that support is more than just helpful — it is essential." 

Carrico said proceeds from the raffle help cover operating costs and allow the program to plan for future equipment replacements. Support from local businesses through sponsorships and donations also plays a key role in keeping participation affordable for area families. 

"Despite the rising costs of equipment and operating a youth football program, KWJTF continues to prioritize keeping registration affordable," Carrico said. "Registration fees remain more than $100 lower than many programs in neighboring communities." 

Beyond participation numbers, Carrico said the program's impact extends well beyond the football field. 

"Football provides young athletes with opportunities to learn discipline, accountability, teamwork, perseverance, confidence and leadership," Carrico said. "It teaches kids how to work toward a common goal, overcome challenges and support the people standing beside them. 

Those lessons, and the relationships built along the way, are at the heart of what KWJTF hopes to provide for every athlete who puts on a Wildcats Jr. Tackle jersey." 

The program's success has also caught the attention of first-year Kellogg High School football coach Sam Mailou, who sees today's younger players as the foundation of the Wildcats' future. 

"What this youth program is doing for our community is absolutely incredible," Mailou said. "I know firsthand that building a winning culture doesn't start when players reach high school; it begins right here with these younger athletes. When kids master those core fundamentals early and develop a genuine passion for the game, it elevates our entire community and ensures Kellogg football stays competitive for years to come. 

Just like we've seen with the deep-rooted passion in basketball and wrestling, instilling that love for football at the grassroots level creates a lasting tradition of excellence. These youth coaches are doing a phenomenal job laying the groundwork and building the next generation of Wildcats." 

While the season has concluded for the younger teams, the fifth- and sixth-grade squads still have two games remaining at Teeters Field on Saturday and Oct. 17, played at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. both days. 

Carrico encouraged community members, even those without children in the program, to support the next generation of Wildcats. 

"For these players, having their community behind them means just as much as what happens between the lines," she said. "A packed sideline, a cheering crowd, a helping hand from a volunteer or a local business stepping up to support the program all help make youth football possible in the Silver Valley."