The Birth of the Jr. Whip-Purs: A Legacy Begins
On an icy cold Monday, February 25, 2019, when the temperature dropped to a staggering -11.7°F, something remarkable happened. Two small but passionate youth football and cheer organizations—the Hampshire Wildcats and GPH Grizzlies—came together, not as competitors, but as allies. For years, both programs had struggled to field more than three or four weighted combo teams each season, often being forced to play Kindergarteners alongside 3rd graders due to low numbers. It was clear that something needed to change for either program to be successful.
That winter, Grizzlies President Shawn Bauer and Hampshire Wildcats President Shawn Glinski decided that instead of competing for the same limited resources, they would be stronger together. Following the 2018 season, they began holding meetings to strategize a potential merger. With a crucial deadline looming—March 2019—they knew that failure to reach an agreement would force both programs to open their own separate registrations or risk the loss of athletes to neighboring programs. Undeterred by the cold and the challenges ahead, the two Shawns worked tirelessly, and by winter’s end, their vision was realized—both Boards approved the merger, ensuring that every child would now play in age-appropriate divisions. A new football and cheer dynasty had begun!
A Name for the Future
The next challenge? Choosing a name.
Neither organization wanted to abandon their Wildcats or Grizzlies branding—spirit wear isn’t cheap, after all. However, Shawn Bauer rightfully pointed out that this was something new - the Wildcats and Grizzlies were now a thing of the past. Names like the Bearcats and Dragons were considered, but ultimately, the new Board agreed that the Jr. Whip-Purs best reflected their mission: to become the one true feeder program for the Hampshire High School Whip-Purs.
Plus, who doesn’t love purple?
The Journey Begins
The first season wasn’t without its challenges. The program, led by first-year President Rol Landrey, had to navigate different coaching philosophies and Board members from both former programs. Wins and losses took a backseat to the more important achievement—growth. That inaugural season, the Jr. Whip-Purs fielded seven teams, with every athlete now playing in the appropriate age and weight class.
The 2020 season was abruptly cut short when Governor JB Pritzker suspended youth sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But by 2021, under new President John Georgeoff, the program returned stronger than ever, now competing in Chicagoland Pop Warner. That year saw the Jr. Whip-Purs win their first State Championship and Mid-America Regional Championship, thanks to Coach Tyson Beauchamp’s Jr. Pee Wee team. Oh, and that Shawn Bauer guy who helped make the Jr Whip-Purs happen? He was on the sidelines as an assistant coach watching his twin sons bring home the program's first major trophy.
In 2022, the Jr. Whip-Purs elected Jesus Martinez as their third President, overseeing another expansion, with multiple teams at three levels . The program switched leagues to Greater Illinois American Youth Football (GIAYF), shifting from weighted divisions to age-based levels. That season, Coach Ed Kowalczyk’s 13U team brought home the program’s second State Championship, and finished second at Regionals. We also sent 3 standout athletes (C. Chaidez, M. Thomas & J. Chaidez) to the AYF National All-Stars Tournament in Florida.
The 2023 season saw three Jr. Whip-Purs teams reach the IL State Championship game, though they fell just short of victory. In our last season with AYF, we sent 6 standout athletes (C. Chaidez, G. Beauchamp, J. Chaidez, M. Fawcett, R. Kojzarek, K. Obmalay) and 3 coaches to the AYF National All-Stars Tournament.
The 2024 season marked a return to Chicagoland Pop Warner—and a return to glory. The 11U Purple team, coached by Brian Navarro, secured the program’s third State Championship. Most importantly, with each passing season, more and more Jr. Whip-Pur alumni are suiting up for the Hampshire High School football team, fulfilling the program’s original mission of becoming the HHS Feeder program.
Cheerleading’s New Chapter
The Jr. Whip-Purs’ cheer program has also seen major shifts. After years of balancing sideline and competitive cheerleading, the program shifted in 2023 to emphasize recreational-level competitive cheer. Now, heading into 2025, the program has officially returned to its roots—focusing entirely on sideline cheerleading. This allows athletes to stay involved in gameday activities while also pursuing other sports or dance programs, ensuring a stronger connection between football and cheer.
The Future is Here
The 2025 season marks a major milestone: for the first time, children born after the Jr. Whip-Purs were formed will be eligible to participate. The next generation is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to see younger siblings carrying on family traditions, growing the Whip-Pur family, and shaping the program’s future.
The past six years have been nothing short of incredible—but trust us, you ain’t seen nothing yet! 💜🏈📣