New Helmets Bring Excitement to Mitchell High School Football
In Memphis, Tennessee, excitement is buzzing in the air as the Mitchell High School football team, commonly known as the Tigers, is set to debut their brand-new helmets this Friday night. For a team that has been playing with the same, outdated helmets for years, this upgrade comes as a much-needed breath of fresh air, both for the players and their coaches.
Old Helmets, New Hope
Mitchell’s head coach, Larry Fitzgerald, couldn’t be more thrilled about this significant change. “Oh, it was really big for us, but it was really big for the kids,” Fitzgerald shared genuinely. For years, the Tigers had been searching for the right funds to replace their old helmets, which were in dire need of reconditioning. The helmets had been used far beyond their lifespan, and it was becoming increasingly clear that something had to change.
Community Support Makes a Difference
That’s when Uplift Westwood, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the south Memphis community, stepped in to lend a helping hand. After seeing pictures of the worn-out helmets the Tigers were using, Co-founder Michael Deutsch knew that action was needed. “When you see helmets like this, that are 10 plus years old and with everything we see in the news recently, you just know this can’t stand,” Deutsch commented passionately.
Uplift Westwood took the initiative to ask for donations, and the response from the community was incredible. Within just two days, they managed to raise a whopping $20,000 from local residents and businesses who wanted to see the Tigers succeed. “I think what is always amazing about Memphis is that they are willing to step in to help when they see the need and step in quickly,” Deutsch remarked with pride.
A Successful Outcome
Thanks to the swift action of Uplift Westwood and generous contributions from community members, the new helmets were delivered by BSN Sports in no time. The timing couldn’t have been better; despite playing with outdated gear, the Tigers managed to start their season with an impressive 3-0 record. The excitement among the players as they prepare to wear their brand-new helmets is palpable.
Spreading the Generosity
But the story doesn’t end there! Inspired by the Tigers’ situation, other local schools are now stepping up to offer their support as well. FACS, for example, has generously pledged to donate $1,000 worth of new footballs, while Christian Brothers has committed to providing new pads for the program. This wave of support highlights the strong sense of community and camaraderie among these schools.
Looking Ahead
As the Tigers get ready to hit the field wearing their new helmets, there’s a buzz surrounding not just their performance, but the larger message that this situation represents. Deutsch pointed out, “What has come out of these helmets is a bigger story, which is other schools hearing about these young men and their desire to do very well on the field, even when they don’t have the right resources.”
Thanks to the considerable effort of Uplift Westwood and the overwhelming support of the Memphis community, the future looks bright for the Mitchell High School Tigers. With new gear and the backing of their local community, these young athletes are inspired and motivated to achieve great things this season!
