Lower Township Recreation Advisory Board Recognizes Volunteer of the Month

VILLAS – The Lower Township Recreation Advisory Board recently honored Frank Sippel as volunteer of the month for his dedication to the athletic programs.
Sippel, of Lower Township, is a familiar face on the field as both a coach and officiant. He started volunteering at the recreation department when his three sons, who are now grown, started playing basketball in kindergarten.
“Your kids grow so fast and I wanted to take advantage of anytime that you have with them,” said Sippel.
Having played basketball in high school and having loved the sport, Sippel said that he enjoyed the opportunity to teach young athletes the game.
“I’ve always felt that having kids involved in a sport is a great way to spend quality time with them and it occupies their time in a positive way,” he said.  From coaching that first basketball game, Sippel expanded his role. He coached hockey for seven years, baseball for six years, basketball for eight years, soccer for eight years and was an assistant football coach for four years.
A torn ligament in his ankle over 20 years ago made it clear that Sippel wouldn’t be able to be as involved on the field as he wanted to be. However, that didn’t stop him from volunteering.
Sippel, who retired from the Army National guard at the end of October, was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal which recognizes those members of the military (active duty, reserve and national guard) who perform substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the United States Armed Forces.
“I still wanted to be part of the game so I looked into going to school and being a certified officiant,” he said.
Currently Sippel officiates high school basketball and soccer games. He also volunteers during local athletic tournaments.
During his tenure in various athletic programs, Sippel has a lot of fond memories. He especially remembered trying to make the game fun and enjoyable for everyone.
“Especially at the recreation level, where you have kids who are at a lot of different levels it is important to give everyone their time to contribute. I’d like to work in plays so that the kids who didn’t get the chance to score would get a chance,” he said. “If they get to score one basket in 10 games, it would make a world of difference.”
Sippel said that a number of those young kids he coached have grown up to have families and accomplished careers of their own, but they still call him coach.
His advice to new coaches is to remember not to put any unnecessary pressure on the kids.
“At the end of the day it is still a boys and girls game and the priority for them is to have fun,” he said.