Salt Fork football team gives back before taking the field
CATLIN, Ill. — Three years ago, Pat O鈥橲haughnessy called Marty Miller saying he needed some physical labor to set up and tear down the Balloons Over Vermilion (BOV) Festival. Marty quickly directed Pat to Joe Hageman, coach of the Salt Fork Storm football team. Coach Hageman loved the idea and approached it in a unique way.
鈥淚 turned it over to our athletes 鈥楬uddle Group鈥� to be in charge of recruiting the workers,鈥� Hageman said. 鈥淚 wanted to turn it into a challenge for points for our internal competition, as well as a way to give back to the community.鈥�
Although Hageman is a very competitive person, it鈥檚 not all about the victory.
鈥淚 feel better when I hear good things about our athletes from Pat after they finish at BOV,鈥� Hageman said.
Hageman loves to win, and considers this a win, too.
This year, the BOV recognized the players with a check for $5,400 which goes to the team鈥檚 general fund. Previous funds have been used for such items as buying practice equipment and putting the team up in a hotel the night before a distant playoff game.
Pat O鈥橲haughnessy, who once played QB for Coach Hageman, is grateful for not only the football team鈥檚 presence, but also Stacey Rickard and the FFA. The FFA kept BOV cleaned up and picked up, and received a check for $1,500.
鈥淭he Salt Fork football team and FFA students have established themselves as a valuable asset to Balloons Over Vermilion,鈥� O鈥橲haughnessy said. 鈥淭heir willingness to provide strong backs, endless energy, and an outstanding work ethic speaks volumes of their parents鈥�, teachers鈥�, and coaches鈥� influence. We are grateful for their assistance and proud of their commitment and contributions back to the community.鈥�
Looking forward to this season, Hageman talked about the leadership of the seniors in the marquee offensive positions.
鈥淭hey worked hard in the weight room this summer. They are great leaders, and their team will go in the direction they go.鈥�
Hageman is happy to be a part of the Vermilion Valley Conference, coming in as the smallest school.
鈥淲e face a lot of different schemes in the conference. That does a good job preparing us for whatever we may face in the playoffs.鈥�
Helping the community fly high in more ways than one. That is Salt Fork.
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