Rob Oxford: Once A Bulldog

Richmond Bulldog

By Rob Oxford

In November of 2017, as an assistant football coach for Kellogg Middle School, I wrote my first article for the Shoreline Area News.

It initially began as a Facebook post encouraging young players on my team who weren’t getting much playing time to “stick with it”. I insisted that with hard work and dedication, “their time would come.” 

At the suggestion of my good friend Frank Workman former “Voice of The Scots” and a longtime contributor to this online paper, I submitted my writings to our editor and a dream I didn’t even know existed became a reality.

That same year, a little boy who had begun playing Richmond Junior Football several years earlier, most likely at the behest of his father, was named Most Improved Player of his high school football team. He was also awarded WesCo 3A Honorable Mention at Left Offensive Tackle. That little boy was my son Taylor.

I mention Taylor’s accomplishments not to boast, but to emphasize what participating in a youth football program (or any youth sport) can do for a child’s confidence. 

I still don’t know if my son actually wanted to play football or if he signed up to be a Bulldog because his Dad wanted him to and some of his fellow classmates had, but regardless, his participation gained him lifelong friends, enormous self-respect, the determination to maintain a passing grade, and the confidence to achieve any goal he set for himself.

As a former coach and the current Promotions and Marketing Director for Richmond Junior Football, I’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits of participating in a team sport. For some children it’s baseball or basketball, some play soccer, some swim or take gymnastics.

Others find they prefer bowling, golf, tennis or lacrosse and still others, like your National Champion Shorecrest Highlander Hip Hop Team, enjoy dance. All of these are physical activities that promote healthy living and encourage responsibility and independence.

Registration for Richmond Junior Football is once again open and in an effort to improve on the legacy built by the likes of the Weber Family and “Uncle Pete” (Lucien) Legault, Richmond Junior Football is embarking on a new partnership with Ford Sports Performance... one that will add a new dimension to youth football in the Shoreline community.

Ford Sports Performance (FSP) is a results driven facility that specializes in training for athletes of all levels as well as adults who just want to stay in shape. The #1 Sport Performance Facility in the United States, FSP is responsible for keeping the likes of Seahawk Bobby Wagner and several of his teammates in prime physical condition.

Former Bulldog Myles Gaskin

Former Richmond Bulldog and UW Husky Myles Gaskin, projected to be a 4th or 5th round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, can be seen regularly at FSP working on improving his speed and agility. 

Owner Tracy Ford, also a former Richmond Bulldog and professional athlete with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, started training some of the NFL’s top players four years ago by using cones and speed ladders he kept in the trunk of his car. 

His desire to help his friends, who have now become clients, stay in the best shape of their lives has turned into a full time business. Now located in a state of the art 10k square ft. facility with only the finest in professional equipment, FSP is focused on keeping their athletes ahead of the curve by also providing tutoring for those student athletes who require additional academic support.

Richmond President Clyde Travis
and FSP CEO Tracy Ford

During this past off season, Richmond President Clyde Travis was busy planning the next phase in Junior Football for Shoreline residents.

This one of a kind partnership with FSP is just a sample of the many new and exciting things to come, including the first ever Myles Gaskin Football Camp.

Register for Richmond Junior Football before June 22nd and athletes will receive a 6-week training session (one day per week) at Ford Sports Performance.

This new venture is sure to excite and invigorate these young athletes as well as introduce them to a whole new level of commitment.

Registration is now open. Go to the website for information on all of the exciting new developments and to sign up for a brand-new season of junior football.