STATEHOUSE (March 15, 2023) – State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) at the Indiana Statehouse presented members of the Elkhart Cowboys youth flag football team with a House Resolution recognizing their success this season.
The Elkhart Cowboys, with eight team members under the age of 10 years old, and led by head coach David Garcia and assistant coach Nick Haggart, play in the Concord NFL FLAG league in Elkhart. They compete in the 10U Coed Recreation Division against top girls' and boys' flag football teams across the country. In January, the Cowboys finished runner-up in the national bracket at the AFFL Youth World Championships hosted by the Cleveland Browns at Walt Disney World. With the finish, the team qualified and secured a sponsorship from the Indianapolis Colts for the NFL Flag Championship at the NFL Pro Bowl Game.
"I appreciate Elkhart Cowboys team members and coaches visiting the Statehouse and it was great to recognize their accomplishments, dedication to working together and drive to win," Miller said. "These young kids from our community played with a lot of heart all season and are developing important skills they can use on and off the field. I wish them continued success in all they do."
Although they did not move beyond the first competition of the NFL Pro Bowl games, referees selected Cowboys quarterback Brady Barkman as a recipient of a Sportsmanship Award. Coaches voted Jarren Riley, who plays wide receiver and safety for the team, to the All-Tournament Team.
"They got a lot of passion for the game, that's what I love about them," Garcia said. "I just enjoy teaching the youth and prepping them to get better at football and watching them grow."
"It was a really good experience because when I was little I watched a video about when kids went to the Pro Bowl games and thought it would be so cool to do that," Barkman said. "It's a really great opportunity, especially with my team because I have a good relationship with them."
As the largest youth flag football league, NFL FLAG serves youth athletes ages 4 to 17 years old across the country. The leagues are no contact, and designed to give boys and girls of all abilities a chance to learn and play. Former and current professional players help develop leagues across the country. Learn more at nflflag.com.
Learn more about House Resolution 10, authored by Miller, at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) (center, back) welcomes members of the Elkhart Cowboys youth flag football team to the Statehouse Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Miller presented the team with a House Resolution honoring their runner-up finish at the AFFL Youth World Championships hosted by the Cleveland Browns, and then qualifying for the NFL Flag Championship at the NFL Pro Bowl Game.
