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As a former quarterback who led Northern Colorado to the 1996 Division II national title before playing in the NFL and Arena league, Tom Beck says the will to win "is in my blood." But as a Greeley resident and father/coach to two daughters, Beck sees an everyday emphasis on the bigger picture of sports. In Greeley, "it's about sportsmanship and doing the best you can," says Beck, who coaches soccer, T-ball and basketball.

Beck credits the work of the Greeley parks and rec department, which makes sure the entire town is literally on the same page. Every coach, every season receives an 18-page document that includes "ways to show kids you care," the 10 commandments of sportsmanship and a contract in which coaches agree that their "actions are a visible example to the participants." Parents receive a copy of the "recreational youth sports philosophy," which is introduced in PowerPoint presentations Greeley recreation supervisor Kevin Royal gives before every season. And coaches from nearby Northern Colorado and local high schools provide clinics for staff and volunteers.

More than 5,000 kids participate in 10 youth programs available in Greeley, a town of 85,000 north of Denver. Good luck, Beck says, finding a parking spot near the soccer or football fields on a fall weekend. "We're getting better than 95 percent satisfaction from our parents," says recreation programs administrator Bob Adams, referring to evaluation forms residents fill out. "We're focusing on the kids and making sure they have fun."

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