LANSING, Mich — In 2018, our program experienced one of the most memorable and successful seasons in its history. It was a year defined not only by wins and championships, but by legacy. That season marked the final campaign of our legendary Varsity 13–14-year-old / 8th grade division team. It also signified the closing chapter of a full inner-city youth football league that had served the children and families of Lansing, Michigan for more than 40 years.
For decades, inner-city youth football in Lansing was more than a sport. It was structure. It was mentorship. It was pride. Generations of young athletes developed discipline, character, and lifelong bonds through that league. When the 2018 season concluded, it wasn’t just the end of a schedule—it was the end of a golden era in Lansing community sports.
Today, as we reflect on those years, we proudly spotlight one of the most impactful mentors and coaches to serve Lansing youth over the past 14–15 years: Coach Josh Starks.
A Lansing Native Who Gave Back
Josh Starks is a proud Lansing resident and alumnus of Lansing Everett High School, where he once played football as a student-athlete. Rather than simply carrying those memories forward, Josh chose to pour his time, energy, and passion back into the same community that shaped him.
Over the years, he has served in multiple coaching roles across Lansing-area schools:
- Boys Basketball Coach at Lansing Eastern High School
- Boys Basketball Coach at East Lansing High School
- Junior Varsity Football Head Defensive Coordinator at Lansing Everett High School
- Assistant Coach for Holt Varsity Girls Basketball
His versatility across football and basketball demonstrates not only knowledge of the game, but a deep commitment to youth development in all forms.
From Rival Roots to Shared Purpose
What makes Coach Starks’ journey even more compelling is how it began.
His introduction to youth football did not start with our organization. In fact, he came up through one of our former inner-city rivals, the respected south Lansing youth program known as the Lansing Area Titans. There, he built a strong reputation as a disciplined, passionate, and impactful leader.
His work with the Titans was significant. He helped develop players who went on to succeed at the high school level and beyond. His teams were competitive, structured, and respected citywide. His presence was felt throughout Lansing youth football long before he ever wore Cowboys colors.
And yet, in 2018, after years of intense commitment to youth athletics, Josh publicly announced he was stepping away from youth football. Burnout is real. The long hours. The emotional investment. The responsibility of shaping young lives. After that historic 2018 season, he was ready to focus on high school coaching and business ventures. He communicated that decision clearly to players, families, and coaching associations across the city.
His youth coaching career appeared to have reached its conclusion.
A Changing Landscape in 2019
As 2019 approached, grassroots youth football across the Mid-Michigan area underwent a major structural shift. Programs collectively agreed to discontinue fielding 7th and 8th grade teams in order to fully support school district–run middle school football programs within the CAAC High School Conference.
For programs like ours—serving predominantly students within the Lansing School District—that meant aligning with new middle school teams at:
- Lansing Sexton High School
- Lansing Eastern High School
- Lansing Everett High School
With those changes, our program’s oldest age division shifted to 11U. Older players transitioned into school-based teams, and many long-standing coaching staffs moved with them.
That left a void in our organization—particularly within the 11U division.
The Return of the Coaching Bug
In the summer of 2019, something unexpected happened.
While hosting free offseason training sessions for local youth, Josh felt the pull again. The energy of the kids. The hunger to learn. The relationships. The purpose. The young athletes he was mentoring asked him to come back. They wanted him on the sideline.
At the same time, our organization had an open coaching position. Josh’s former program no longer had a vacancy for him.
We did not recruit him. We did not take him from a rival. Timing, opportunity, and shared mission aligned.
And he said yes.
Surviving the Most Difficult Years in Program History
The 2019 season marked the beginning of one of the most challenging periods youth sports in Lansing had ever faced.
2019 – The Fragmented Season
With the restructuring of divisions, the convenience of playing all regular season games at one central location disappeared. Schedules became fragmented. Travel increased. Stability decreased. It was the beginning of the slow dissolution of the once-strong inner-city league.
2020 – The Global Shutdown
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a complete cancellation of the season. No practices. No games. No normalcy. Programs across the country folded. The uncertainty was overwhelming.
2021 – Equipment Shortages and Community Strain
As sports returned, a global football equipment shortage severely impacted availability. At the same time, youth violence and broader community challenges weighed heavily on families and athletes. It required resilience from parents, players, coaches, and leadership just to step onto the field.
2022 – The Nomad Season
Without a permanent home structure, 2022 became what we call our “Nomad Season.” It was difficult—but it was defining.
Through it all, Coach Josh Starks was a stabilizing force.
Championship Leadership in 2022
In 2022, Coach Starks not only persevered—he elevated.
He introduced a key individual into our organization who would become instrumental in strengthening our structure and culture. Together, they guided the team to one of the best seasons in program history.
That year, Josh’s team:
- Competed in and won Lansing’s final Junior Varsity City Championship
- Defeated two highly talented teams from Muskegon and Grand Rapids
- Reestablished pride and belief during a time when youth football in Lansing was struggling to survive
It was symbolic. In the midst of transition and adversity, his leadership delivered a championship moment for the city.
Beyond Wins and Losses
Coach Starks’ final season as a youth head coach concluded with an outstanding 8–1 record. His only loss came in the GMYS State Championship game—falling in sudden-death overtime. Even in defeat, his team displayed discipline, character, and competitive excellence.
But Josh’s value extended far beyond the scoreboard.
He was instrumental in:
- Planning, communication, and coordination during unstable years
- Helping establish new partnerships
- Involved with creating a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Lansing School District and Lansing Parks and Recreation — a partnership model not replicated anywhere else in the country
- Leading outdoor spring and summer conditioning initiatives
- Helping develop our 7-on-7 youth program to support middle school transitions
- Supporting community initiatives through Level Up Ministry
- Continuing service as a board member within our nonprofit governance structure
During a time when many programs folded, merged, or dissolved, our survival as one of the last-standing youth football organizations in Lansing would not have been possible without him.
A Legacy That Cannot Be Measured
Coach Josh Starks represents what community leadership truly looks like.
He did not chase recognition.
He did not seek headlines.
He simply showed up—again and again—when young people needed guidance.
From rival roots to Cowboys leadership, from adversity to championships, from burnout to renewed purpose, his journey reflects resilience and loyalty.
Lansing has many heroes whose names are widely known. Coach Josh Starks is one of its unsung heroes.
His impact is invaluable. His service is priceless. His legacy is permanent.
To Coach Starks—thank you for your dedication to our players, our organization, and our city. The Lansing Cowboys Nation and the entire Lansing community are better because of you.