ABOUT THE WHIPPETS
A brief history about the best youth football program in America.
We are the Freeland Whippets Midget Football Association, Inc. Our program was founded in 1971, by 2012 Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Henry Kopczynskie. We have been tackling the competition for over 52 years!
Since this organization has been established, we have won over 30 Championships amongst all age groups. In addition, the Freeland Whippets are one of the only organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania to have multiple sets of three consecutive championship seasons in its history. Therefore, making us one of the most successful youth football programs in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Freeland Whippets have had one athlete reach the NFL, former Kansas City Chief RB - Nate Eachus.
LEGENDS
Founder, Former President, & Longtime Coach
HENRY
KOPCZYNSKIE
Henry is the founder, longtime coach, and LEGEND of this great program!
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He dedicated over 40 years to the Whippets as the President and Midget Division Coach. While our program has won over 30 championships, Henry Kopczynskie coached teams have won 15 of them.
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Without the hard work and dedication Henry founded this program on, we wouldn't be the great youth football organization we are today.
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Former Whippet & Kansas City Chief
NATE
EACHUS
Eachus is Freeland Whippet royalty. Having a huge career at Hazleton Area High School, Nate carried his elite level of play to the next level at Colgate University.
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He was named to the Patriot League first team three times and set the Patriot League record for single-game rushing yards. His senior year he was a consensus first team All-American, Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.
After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL draft, Nate signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Nate finished third in the league in rushing yards in the 2012 NFL preseason. He played one season in the NFL.