What Do the Players Think of Shoveling Instead of Weightlifting?
According to DeLallo, the players were on board with this plan because after the high school football coach cancelled practice, the players were exchanging text messages with photos and videos of them hard at work.
A lineman for the team, Braedon Del Duca explained to reporters that his teammates like to shovel as a way to thank their community saying, “We love to do it for everybody that we can.”
Del Duca also said of DeLallo, “He wanted us getting in some sort of workout and what better workout than shoveling driveways.”
Gavin Moul, the team’s captain said, “They’re surprised that we’re not taking money, we’re not doing anything for it.”
Explaining the worth he sees the students get out of it, DeLallo said, “You get a lot more out of this than ‘did you bench press 300 pounds today?’ This is really cool. It’s a chance to connect with the community and you don’t get many of those, so this is nice.”
That said, DeLallo isn’t all business. He told reporters, “They’ll shovel all morning and then, hopefully, they’ll go sled riding in the afternoon and get to be kids.”
What Are People Saying About the Students Helping Out Their Elderly Neighbors?
Many people were moved by how the high school football coach cancelled practice and took the opportunity to encourage his students to give back to the community.
Local resident, Danny Varhola had experienced this help from the high school football players in the past. He said, ““I’ve been here for 50 years, and these guys are great.”
Many people who saw the story on Twitter responded cheering the students on and sharing how inspired they were. Many also retweeted the story.
“Now that’s a leader and example for young people. Totally awesome coat. We’ll done,” Twitter user, Rick Killmeyer said.
One Twitter user who had also worked with kids at the high school level wrote, “I’m a former high school coach of seven years softball & volleyball. As a coach you build the best team for the game. But your also building, character, teamwork, perseverance, respect, strength, determination, confidence, for a lifetime.”
Another wrote, “Good job Young Men!! Always admirable to take pride in your community.”
“Kindness is truly the greatest gift! This is wonderful!!” Sue Fazzini said.
