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WAYMART — While Mother Nature didn’t exactly imbue northeastern PA with a summer-like vibe over the holiday weekend, one youth sports organization did its best to bring a little bit of sunshine to residents of a local assisted living facility.
Players and coaches representing the Western Wayne Junior Wildcats football program visited Wayne Woodlands Manor on May 25. The focal point of their visit was the placing of American flags around the property in honor of Memorial Day 2026.
Former Junior Wildcat player Matt Feldman, who currently serves as a coach and the program’s overall Football Coordinator, organized the event.
More: Western Wayne Junior Wildcats start a new Easter tradition
Also by Kevin Edwards: Western Wayne hires Shimkosky as its new varsity football coach
“As a Marine Corps veteran, I’m so proud of these young athletes for taking the time to honor our fallen veterans,” Feldman said. “And I am just truly grateful to be along for the experience with the Junior Wildcats.”
A total of 14 boys and girls ages 4-14 volunteered to participate in the visit, arriving at the facility at 10:30 a.m. on May 25.
Wayne Woodlands Manor is a 117-bed skilled nursing facility built by Wayne Memorial Health System and has been serving local families since 1994.
Located in Waymart, its dedicated staff provides care for folks in need of short term rehabilitation or long term assistance.
The first order of business for the Junior Wildcats was a brief instructional period in which the players and cheerleaders learned all about Memorial Day and flag etiquette.
“These are things young patriots should definitely know,” Feldman said. “One resident actually stood and saluted us. At that moment, I knew the deep impact this was having on our community.”
Feldman is a 2007 Western Wayne graduate who played under longtime coach Tim Hess. He was accompanied on this visit by his wife, Jamiela, who serves at the Junior Wildcats’ cheerleading advisor.
Several other parents who volunteer in various capacities throughout the organization were also on hand, helping to make the day a true team effort.
“Without their dedication to our club, community events like this just wouldn’t be possible,” Feldman said. “They’re amazing people who give up their time to help teach these kids important life lessons.”
This marked the second visit to Wayne Woodlands Manor by the Junior Wildcats this spring. Back on April 4, the youngsters turned out in force to spread a little bit of Easter cheer.
“We hope by our small acts of kindness that we can inspire other local groups to do the same,” Feldman said. “Hopefully, we can help start a culture of kindness to spread all around our community.”
The Junior Wildcats compete in the All-County Conference Junior Football League.
This organization consists of I-Team, C-Team and B-Team. There are a total of 76 players and 65 cheerleaders currently active in the program.
First practices for the 2026 ACCJFL season will be held Monday, July 20 at Western Wayne. Week 1 of the campaign is slated for August 15 when the ‘Cats host Riverside at Sharkey Rosetti Memorial Stadium.
Kick-off for the I-Team contest is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
“We’re definitely excited for the season,” Feldman said. “A few of us coaches have gone to clinics during the off-season so that we can help our kids make improvements on the field.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Western Wayne Junior Wildcats football visits Wayne Woodlands Manor
Continue reading...
Players and coaches representing the Western Wayne Junior Wildcats football program visited Wayne Woodlands Manor on May 25. The focal point of their visit was the placing of American flags around the property in honor of Memorial Day 2026.
Former Junior Wildcat player Matt Feldman, who currently serves as a coach and the program’s overall Football Coordinator, organized the event.
More: Western Wayne Junior Wildcats start a new Easter tradition
Also by Kevin Edwards: Western Wayne hires Shimkosky as its new varsity football coach
“As a Marine Corps veteran, I’m so proud of these young athletes for taking the time to honor our fallen veterans,” Feldman said. “And I am just truly grateful to be along for the experience with the Junior Wildcats.”
Learning life lessons
A total of 14 boys and girls ages 4-14 volunteered to participate in the visit, arriving at the facility at 10:30 a.m. on May 25.
Wayne Woodlands Manor is a 117-bed skilled nursing facility built by Wayne Memorial Health System and has been serving local families since 1994.
Located in Waymart, its dedicated staff provides care for folks in need of short term rehabilitation or long term assistance.
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The first order of business for the Junior Wildcats was a brief instructional period in which the players and cheerleaders learned all about Memorial Day and flag etiquette.
“These are things young patriots should definitely know,” Feldman said. “One resident actually stood and saluted us. At that moment, I knew the deep impact this was having on our community.”
Feldman is a 2007 Western Wayne graduate who played under longtime coach Tim Hess. He was accompanied on this visit by his wife, Jamiela, who serves at the Junior Wildcats’ cheerleading advisor.
Several other parents who volunteer in various capacities throughout the organization were also on hand, helping to make the day a true team effort.
You must be registered for see images attach
“Without their dedication to our club, community events like this just wouldn’t be possible,” Feldman said. “They’re amazing people who give up their time to help teach these kids important life lessons.”
This marked the second visit to Wayne Woodlands Manor by the Junior Wildcats this spring. Back on April 4, the youngsters turned out in force to spread a little bit of Easter cheer.
“We hope by our small acts of kindness that we can inspire other local groups to do the same,” Feldman said. “Hopefully, we can help start a culture of kindness to spread all around our community.”
On the gridiron
The Junior Wildcats compete in the All-County Conference Junior Football League.
This organization consists of I-Team, C-Team and B-Team. There are a total of 76 players and 65 cheerleaders currently active in the program.
First practices for the 2026 ACCJFL season will be held Monday, July 20 at Western Wayne. Week 1 of the campaign is slated for August 15 when the ‘Cats host Riverside at Sharkey Rosetti Memorial Stadium.
Kick-off for the I-Team contest is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
“We’re definitely excited for the season,” Feldman said. “A few of us coaches have gone to clinics during the off-season so that we can help our kids make improvements on the field.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Western Wayne Junior Wildcats football visits Wayne Woodlands Manor
Continue reading...
