Oregon Stampede football team will call Sisters home

Amateur football is alive and well in the state of Oregon, thanks to the OFL -- the Oregon Football League. Beginning it's second season, Central Oregon has a team in the conference that goes by the moniker The Central Oregon Stampede.

This season, they will make Sisters their home field.

Justin Kubler and his wife Kebbra are the primary organizers and catalysts for the team.

"We're not really semi-pro, because we're strictly amateur," Justin said. "It's a league for anyone 18 years and older (out of high school) who wants to play football.

"We had a wide range of experience levels last year. Some players had never played football before, while others had played at the college level. It's a good mix.

"Because of the inexperience factor, a lot of players got to play at positions they're not used to. This year, we hope to get more manpower and talent," he noted.

Last year, there were six teams in the league: Roseburg, Medford, Klamath Falls, Grants Pass, Williamette Valley, and Central Oregon.

"This year, we hope to add a couple of new teams -- Coos Bay, and I hear that a team from around the Columbia River area is getting organized," Kubler said.

The Stampede had a successful inaugural season, according to Kubler.

"We finished at 3-4, and took third place in the conference. But the biggest highlight was getting to play," Kubler insisted. "We didn't win our first game, but it didn't matter that we lost. We were so excited just to play.

"We started with 40 individuals and came together as a team -- that was rewarding."

"Over-18" doesn't just mean a bunch of 20-somethings winding down their college days. There's some real veterans out there.

"Pat Simpson was the oldest player on the squad," Kubler said. "I'll just say that he's over 40, but he's a player. He was our poster boy for 'You're Never Too Old to Do What You Want to Do.'"

The players are on the gridiron for the love of the game.

"We don't do this for money -- we're a non-profit," Kubler said. We give all proceeds to the Kids Center in Bend. We're not just playing football for fun -- we're trying to help out kids who need help."

The Stampede moved into the community of Sisters this year because facilities were available.

"Sisters is our home field this year," Kubler said "Bob Macauley, the athletic director at the high school, said that they'd love to have us. We played our last couple of games there last year, and it was great.

"We are so well-received here."

For those who want the challenge of something new, or those who just want another chance to play football he says, "We accept any players. We didn't have enough offensive linemen last year. Some guys had to play both ways, and big guys like me get tired more quickly."

Practices start in February 2002 and the first games are in April for the spring league.

However, a mini-camp is being held this coming weekend, September 8-9, with the hope of incorporating more new players.

Contact Justin Kubler at 548-4844 for more information.