Today we’d like to introduce you to The North Texas Orcas – Ashley Jones, Dan Berens, Demetria Williams, Jordan Alvidrez, Caleb Valderrama, Dereck White, Jr., Adam Cano, Kyler Rodosta, Denzel Johnson, Xzavier Williams, Christopher Beaty, Keon Williams, Jr., Jordan Williams, Keith Booth, Ladarion Williams, Mykl Robinson, Malik Young, Joseph Gorden, Domingo Martinez, Ramon Bowden, Jayke Bogosian, Trenton Gooden, Terrance Bryant, Teion Dee and Eddie Scaggs, Jr.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The North Texas Orcas was founded as a minor-professional football team in June 2016. The primary mission of the organization is to provide a legal structured environment for the continued development of local football talent, while placed in a competitive setting. The focus of the organization is player development, whereby players can enhance their skills on and off the football field. The Orcas want players to leave our program not only as better athletes but also as better teammates and community members. As a tax-exempt non-profit organization, the Orcas focus on service and visibility within the local community. Now entering their 4th season of existence, the Orcas have posted a .500 record in league play. Though successful, the Orcas have overcome numerous challenges that come along with playing minor-professional football in Collin County. This includes issues regarding cost mitigation, recruitment of players, and leadership continuity. Despite these regular setbacks, the Orcas are continuing to swim, full speed ahead, well into the next decade.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The North Texas Orcas have continued to overcome numerous struggles on their journey. The landscape of minor-professional football in the DFW area is one largely of selfish play and a lack of loyalty. Although not the rule, many players seem to move around and jump from team to team in the hopes of finding personal success. This often leads to little carry over from season to season, and a lack of continued continuity, unlike what you find in a college program where players are committed to a 4-year scholarship. That being said, the Orcas regularly find a 50% retention rate to their roster season over season. Most players that stay do so because of the bonds they have built with their teammates and management. Further, many players cite the professional environment, extreme organization, and sound structure as reasons to come back year after year.
One of the major challenges has been cost mitigation. Playing in Collin County, Texas’ most affluent region, has been challenging. The cost of the home-field rental is often twice that of other locales, and practice field rental can cost as much as $150 for 3 hours. Further, the Orcas prefer to travel via charter bus to away games, a method that is rarely utilized in the minor-professional environment among competitors. To the Orcas, player safety carries over to travel, and getting players safely to and from their away venues is of the utmost importance. Altogether, the Orcas are often fundraising and seeking monetary donations to meet their yearly $20k budget.
Finally, as seemingly fraught in minor-professional football, loyalty is hard to come by. Players and coaches often jump teams from season to season, making it difficult to have carried over from one season to the next. The Orcas have experienced this issue first-hand in recent years. Following the 2018 campaign, the head coach resigned in lieu of front-office restructuring. After the 2019 season, the remainder of the staff, save one coach, followed. In doing so, roughly 20 players also left when their contracts expired at the end of June. All in all, however, the retention rate remained high enough for key players to remain in pivotal roles with the team.
Please tell us about the organization.
The Orcas focus on four pillars; Organization, Respect, Commitment, Attitude, and Success. When prospective players signs with the team, they are presented with a team contract that outlines the value of each pillar. Orcas are expected, at all times, while under contract, to follow and exemplify these pillars.
To start, players must acquire their own playing equipment, including protective padding and helmets. Unlike most minor-professional teams, the Orcas also require players to purchase their game uniforms so they can be customized for each player. This tactic also affirms greater retention rates from season to season. Players also pay a hefty membership fee that can range from $200 to $400 per season, depending upon the budget for that season. Nothing is handed to players, as they largely fund their own season.
Orcas also agree to respect fellow teammates, coaches, and opponents. They also adhere to a strict “No Fighting” policy, whereby instant removal from the team can result due to an incident. One of the most controversial issues regards social media. All Orca players adhere to a social media policy similar to that of a college team. Players are not allowed to “blast” their opponents or engage in misconduct online. They are expected to represent the Orca brand appropriately.
Commitment is a large piece of what it takes to be an Orca. Players are required to study film and their playbook during the course of each week. They are also required to attend practice and are only allowed to miss 20% of available practice time. Players who don’t cut often do so because they don’t show up regularly enough to work on their craft. The Orcas don’t entertain excuses. They deal with results, and players must be present to get the results they desire.
Another key piece is for players to exemplify the proper attitude while a part of the organization. Players pledge to benefit from their experiences by checking their ego at the door, in an effort to learn and grow. They must follow instructions and be coachable. Players are required to take constructive criticism in an effort to hone their talent. Although a depth chart is necessary to regulate playing time, Orca players know full well that the injury rate in football is 100%. It’s not a matter of if you get hurt, but a matter of WHEN you get hurt. Orcas know to always be prepared.
Finally, Orca players understand that they control their own destiny in an effort to be successful. They must exemplify the characteristics of an accountable, responsible adult, not only for success on the field but for success off of it. They pledge to relentlessly pursue perfection; knowing full well, it is unattainable.
Failure by a player to manage these requirements often results in termination of membership with the team. Some prospects agree not to sign with the team as they see it as being “too strict” for their taste. The Orcas take great pride in knowing that their program isn’t for everyone. They target a specific athlete, an athlete that wants the most out of their experience, one who is willing to work for their keep. While most other teams will take just about anyone, the Orcas believe that not everyone can be an Orca. It takes hard work, dedication, and commitment to the ORCAS pillars to play for this team.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In a landscape where just about anything goes, the Orcas have found success through targeting athletes who want a professional experience. Of the nearly 100 players who try out and sign with the team each year, only half of them make the cut each season. The staff evaluates not only the athletic talent of each player, but also their character. Players who make the team are often good teammates who are uplifting of their colleagues. Players who exude weak style rarely make the cut. The Orcas are in a people business, and they want good people associated with their team.
Pricing:
- The cost to tryout and sign with the team is $20 per player.
- Uniform Sets are a one-time fee of $250 per player.
- Yearly Membership Dues range from $200 to $400 per player per season.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 715-551-6983
- Email: dcebb2001@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/northtexasorcas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/northtexasorcas
- Twitter: www.instagram.com/northtexasorcas
Image Credit:
Photo Courtesy of Ashley Jones-Berens, North Texas Orcas
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