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East Hampton Youth Football & Cheerleading Association

East Hampton Youth Football & Cheerleading Association

News Detail

6

Jul, 2022

Jeff Leith

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that the Hawks family shares the passing of our Board President, Jeff Leith.  As one of the founding members of the Hawks organization in 2012, Jeff started as a coach for the Mighty Mites and was the last of the original member to serve the Hawks organization. Over the years, Jeff has served in a variety of roles and a multitude of duties ranging from coaching, mentoring other coaches as well as serving as the voice for the Hawks organization within town. Dedicated to the Hawks he could always be found where the teams needed a hand including cleaning the equipment shed, helping to set up the field before games, organizing pompoms, and coordinating the million and one things that made the football and cheer seasons run smoothly.  Jeff’s cheerful urging and optimism reinvigorated members of the board to start planning next season despite being exhausted from the season that had just ended since the next season was “only six months away”.   When we were concerned about numbers and enrollment for an upcoming season he always said with conviction, “don’t worry about it, the kids will come”; Jeff was always right, the kids did come.       

In addition to his dedication to the Hawks, Jeff exemplified what it meant to live the “life of service”.  As a retired Navy Master Chief and a Chief of the Boat, he continued to work on the sub-base in Groton coordinating repairs on his beloved Submarines. He volunteered countless hours to his adopted hometown of East Hampton, CT helping to bring youth football and cheerleading to Belltown. Through the Hawks Jeff taught the values of teamwork, self-sacrifice, and hard work to many of the town’s youth. He arranged a cooperative plan for East Hampton High School students to play Football at Coginchaug High School and helped organize logistics to ensure the co-op worked for both schools. Additionally, Jeff served on the Parks and Recreation advisory committee to positively impact all of youth sports in town. Despite always being in motion, Jeff was never too busy to explain the fundamentals of tackling to a young linebacker, to reassure safety to a concerned parent, or to provide guidance to a frustrated coach.   

Farewell to our Leader:      Jeff, you were more of an inspiration than you ever knew and your legacy will live on forever; from the Sailors you led, to the young players that you coached.   The Hawks organization dedicates this upcoming season in your memory.  Rest in peace, Coach!

Contact

East Hampton Youth Football & Cheerleading Association
East Hampton Youth Football and Cheerleading, PO BOX 346
East Hampton, Connecticut 06424

Email: [email protected]

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