NPHS Football team gives back to community
ROACHDALE -- Monday was the first day of football camp at North Putnam High School. By mid afternoon the players were tired and hot, but instead of taking their hour and a half rest inside the air-conditioned school, they were working on the yard at a new Habitat for Humanity house in Roachdale.
"Coach told us about this single mom with five kids and we wanted to help," said senior Kyle Adams.
"Everybody around here always helps out the football team and we wanted to give something back to the community," he added.
About 40 players and three coaches were raking, mowing and seeding the yard of the almost completed Habitat House.
"We want to get the ground cleared and raked and get the seed in before it rains tonight," said middle school assistant coach Ron Price, who is also a board member for Habitat.
The house is being built for April Dunfree and her four daughters and one son, who hope to move into the home before the start of school.
It is the ninth and last house to be built on land donated to Habitat across the street from Roachdale Elementary.
The team has taken on an additional project with the house. They are decorating the room that Dunfree's young son Harley will be moving into.
"We're going to help them move in and decorate the room. I know Harley really loves the Colts. The room is already painted blue and we're going to get some pictures and different stuff for his room," said Adams.
Senior Shawn Diebold, who is a running back and safety for the football team, said he is usually looking for ways to help out.
"Coach asked us if we'd like to help and we all did," said Diebold, pausing after digging a hole at the back door of the house where steps will be poured.
"Lots of guys are helping out. They are raking and picking up sticks. We're going to spread grass seed so the kids will have a yard," said Diebold.
Helping Diebold at the back of the house were Hayden Parrish, Brian Quates and Seth Wedemeyer.
"We're filling it in with bricks and stuff so they can make steps," said Parrish.
Price told the Banner Graphic that North Putnam Head Football Coach Greg Barrett requires his players to participate in three community projects.
"He always says he is building men not just athletes," noted Price.
As the afternoon wore on, the players had to head back to camp and football practice. Several of them commented they would be back to finish whatever didn't get done.
"Habitat needed help and we came over. Everybody who was at practice today wanted to come," said sophomore quarterback Kolten Everts. "We're just helping some people out."