Mike Edwards

Mike Edwards, Randy Little, Ozarks Football League, OFL, MIghty Mite Football -- Spring Football League

Spring Football League Goal: Make Fall Football Better

OFL’s Randy Little works to improve the fundamentals for local players

It’s been said that Springfield high school football might not be as strong as area football teams. Randy Little is trying to do something about that! The Ozarks Football League (OFL) was founded five years ago as a means to improve future Springfield high school football players. Founder Little has spent plenty of time coaching youth football. He coached Mighty Mite Football for 15 years, including 2 years as a field supervisor, but he always felt something was missing. “I felt there was a gap between middle school and high school football,” said Little. “The kids just didn’t seem to transition well into high school.” Little said he’d given a lot of thought to starting a league for middle school football, but it wasn’t until a friend brought it up that he moved on his idea. “One of my coaches, Bob McBride, mentioned something about starting a league like I had envisioned. He reminded me that Catholic school kids didn’t have a program, and the fuse was lit!” After a brainstorming session with McBride and Springfield businessman Scott Opfer, the OFL was born.

The OFL is a 501-C3 not-for-profit Missouri corporation. Registration fees and donations keep the organization rolling. “We do have some scholarships available, too,” said Little. “We actually provide over 50 scholarships each year which makes it tough.” Cost to participate is $150 per player, and the league has full cooperation from the Springfield Public Schools and area coaches. Republic also joined the league this year. Players must play on the team representing the high school they will be attending. “Our coaches meet with the school’s head coach and are briefed on terminology, plays, and other things important to that team. The plan is, by the time the player is ready for high school, he’s already well versed on the school’s system. The good news is it’s working! High school coaches have told me they are seeing the difference our league is making,” said Little.

So why does this Springfield business owner have such a passion for football? Well, for starters, he became a Sooner. Oklahoma Sooner! “Being a Sooner is like watching Superman as a kid, and then becoming Superman,” said Little. He said becoming an Oklahoma Sooner was a lifelong dream come true. “I cried the first time I came out of the tunnel at game time. Not from fear, but from pride!” Little said. “It was all overwhelming, the celebrity, God-like status you have. I always avoided interviews, crowds, group pictures. I still do today.” Playing at Owen Field, called the “Snake Pit,” was another experience altogether. Because the field is below the stands the noise was incredible. “Every sound came down on us like a tidal wave and swept over you. So perhaps after all that, Superman, the Snake Pit, you could understand why the transition to professional football was somewhat anticlimatic. It just wasn’t the same,” said Little. “Not as much pride and more business. I played with pride but it was hard balancing your weekly schedule.” Back in those days, professional football players didn’t make enough to live so they held other jobs during the off-season. Little was a stuntman. “I worked at Frontier City in Oklahoma City. I fell off rooftops, horses, down stairs. I was a real adrenaline junkie.”

So with all that, Little’s most memorable football game was against an unlikely opponent. “It was the McAlester Outlaws, a Prison team from McAlester Prison in Oklahoma. It was a little disconcerting going thru your stretches and seeing armed guards every 20 yards. Back then they carried lever action 30-30’s. I never thought of prison guards looking a little like cowboys. I’ll never forget it.”

Today, Little loves his time running the OFL, as well as his own business he runs in his home, where he lives with his wife of over 20 years, and three boxers, Payton Walter, Butkus Dick, and Sophie. “This spring, the OFL will be even more special. For the 1st time, my grandson will be playing in the OFL!”

Obviously, Randy Little has a tremendous passion for teaching the game of football, which has had such an impact on his life. I’m sure as we watch the improvement in area high school football, we’ll all thank that former “Sooner” for his dedication to area youth!

Spring Football League Goal: Make Fall Football Better

OFL’s Randy Little works to improve the fundamentals for local players

Article from March/April 2010 Issue

Mike Edwards It’s been said that Springfield high school football might not be as strong as area football teams. Randy Little is trying to do something about that! The Ozarks Football League (OFL) was founded five years ago as a means to improve future Springfield high school football players. Founder Little has spent plenty of time coaching youth football. He coached Mighty Mite Football for 15 years, including 2 years as a field supervisor, but he always felt something was missing.

Mike Edwards, Matt Rogers, Southwest Baptist University - More Than a Basketball Player

Rogers: More Than a Basketballl Player

Article from November/December 2009 Issue

Mike Edwards All you have to do is look at Matt Rogers to realize he’s got to be a special basketball player. The 6’11” native of Doniphan, Missouri, now a senior at Southwest Baptist University, has received numerous honors in his career, all much deserved. As a matter of fact, The Sporting News has named the Bearcats’ star as a preseason 1st team All-American, plus the D-II Bulletin has named him National Preseason Player of the Year. Coming off a 26-5 season, SBU is also picked 3rd in the NABC/Division II Preseason Poll. It’s not just because of Matt, but a lot of it is! Rogers averaged 18.3 points and 8.7 rebounds for the Bearcats last season. He was named to four All-American squads, Daktronics South Central Region Player of the Year, unanimous MIAA MVP, first team All-MIAA, and Defensive Player of the Year. Okay, maybe it was about Matt!

Big Sports, Mike Edwards, Springfield Cardinals, Tim Tourville - Scoring the Game

Scoring the Game He Loves

Article from July/August 2009 Issue of Big Sports

Mike Edwards As you sit at beautiful Hammons Field and watch the Springfield Cardinals play, you’re probably oblivious to what goes on behind closed doors during a game. Many of us slip thru the turnstiles, look for our seats, and look for the nearest vendor to get our favorite snack or beverage. After all, we’re settling in to watch a little bit of America’s Pastime! But what about those closed doors? The dozens of people working the concession stands, preparing your favorite ballpark cuisine. Tim Tourville, Springfield Cardinals Scorer Or the many maintenance workers who keep the park pristine. Then, there’s the press box. The PA announcer, radio guys, other media, and, oh yes, the Official Scorer.

There’s a spot on the scoreboard out in left-center field that from time to time will have different letters and numbers in it. E3, SB, PB, H…these don’t just appear on their own. They appear as the judgment of the Official Scorer, most nights handled by official Tim Tourville. Tim has been an official scorer for the Cardinals since the team’s inception five years ago. It’s not a job he takes lightly. “This is their livelihood,” said Tourville. “It’s important to get it right and just be fair, no matter which team it is.”

Mike Edwards

Mike Edwards, Randy Little, Ozarks Football League, OFL, MIghty Mite Football -- Spring Football League

Spring Football League Goal: Make Fall Football Better

Mike Edwards, Matt Rogers, Southwest Baptist University - More Than a Basketball Player

Rogers: More Than a Basketballl Player

Big Sports, Mike Edwards, Springfield Cardinals, Tim Tourville - Scoring the Game

Scoring the Game He Loves

Sports Trivia