Before taking the field against Sullivan North, a handful of Warriors had the chance to revisit their old stomping grounds.
Over 15 juniors and seniors from the Happy Valley High School football team made the trip down from Warrior Hill to Happy Valley Elementary to visit students and read different tales.
Athletes from the high school have made it a priority to visit the elementary school, according to Happy Valley assistant football coach Brandon Mottern. Along with football players, other programs have enjoyed the opportunity to stop by the school, according to Mottern.
Being involved with the future Warriors is one of the critical fundamentals the football program wants to instill into players, according to head coach Jason Jarrett.
“We preach about community pride and spirit all the time,” Jarrett said. “This gives our older kids, especially our seniors, and this year our juniors, a chance to come back to where it all started. The number one thing about Happy Valley is that it is a special place for all of us. We love our community. We have great support from the fanbase who put so much into the program. We’re so thankful for that, and this is one of the ways we want to give back.”
Players spent the morning hours reading to the entire student body, from kindergarten to fourth grade.
While players have the opportunity to visit their old elementary school, Jarrett said the initiative is also essential to get the younger generation involved with academics.
“I have two children down here myself, and they were excited this morning because they knew the players were coming down,” the coach added with a smile. “Our players were excited about this, too, because they love reading to the kids. It’s a great time, but it also emphasizes reading and hard work for our younger generation.”
Near the conclusion of the event, Mrs. Julie Keller’s third-grade class brought a special present to players. Crunch candy bars and a can of Orange Crush were presented as a good luck charm for their contest against the Golden Raiders later in the evening.