Most are unaware, but a few do remember that almost 15 years ago Pop Warner came to Iola, an inception instigated by my very own football Valentine, Ron Scott.
It was his initial phone calls that contacted the Pop Warner organization, rounded up like-minded parents, and set up the first public informational meetings, Wondering why we and our friends and neighbors were hauling our sons to Stevens Point and elsewhere for their young football experiences, Ron thought to dream of a league of our own.
With the help of a few stalwart fellow pee-wee fans and supporters, the ISPWA was born in the fall of 2004, with fundraising efforts, a tax ID number and a Board of Directors structure that still sustains it.
Indeed, it has been extremely popular among local families: the ISPWA not only came to life, but it has since thrived as we all hoped it would–the Firebirds make us hometown-proud, And, there is no doubt the organization provided the training ground for our very own I-S High School Thunderbird State Champions. The ISPWA’s strong beginning could not have occurred without those few who worked so hard with him, especially Tony and Holly Neumann and Cindy Buttles. They ensured that ISPWA grew wings and flew. But it is undeniable that as the first president, and the idea man, Ron Scott brought Pop Warner football to Iola.
One thing we have always treasured about living here is the amazing tradition of unsung heroes: firefighters, teachers, philanthropists and people devoted to service of all kinds, who ask for no recognition or reward. Making our community better is a widespread value, deeply ingrained. But sometimes, I think it is OK to sing. So, thank you, my love, my hero, my Football Valentine.
Laura Scott
Iola