When it comes to coaches, one might think of Mr. Savoie, Mr. Van Patten or Mr. Billingsley. However, coaches are all around you — they are your peers.

The Bear River Junior Bruins, a program for kids ages 2-14 interested in football and cheer, is tackling their way into a new season. Current Bear River students are the ones coaching them to their victories.

When asked why this program was important, Bear River Junior Bruins cheer organizer Brandi Nichols said the collaboration was a win-win.

“It is good for kids to be involved at a young age in a team environment,” Nichols said. “Discipline of this kind tends to keep them out of trouble.”

Madi Lazaleir, a junior and cheer coach for ages 5-6, said it was good to have her and her fellow Bruin cheer squad coach the little ones.

“It shows them how brought together we are as friends and that they could have that when they are older in high school,” she said.

Austin Baze, a junior and coach for the BRJB football players, stated his support for the program. 

“It gives them a real feel so to speak of what it’s like for high school players,” Baze said. “They also get a strong sense of teamwork and how they can work together to solve problems towards a common goal.”

Nichols also said she thought it was good to have actual Bear River students coach both teams.

“It helps give them a good role model to look up to and aspire to be.”