BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Bradford High School’s varsity football program got its first win of the season early this year in the form of a renovated locker room that came about because of the generosity of individuals and businesses.
The project involved the installation of new, wood lockers as well as new flooring and carpeting.
Most players were kept out of the locker room as work was being done so that they could be surprised by the finished product, though several contributed their labor to the project and saw it progress. All players were allowed to see the finished project on April 28.
“There are a lot of people who love football, there are a lot of people who love this community, and there are a lot of people who love you all,” Head Coach Jamie Rodgers told his players. “This is the evidence of that.”
Jimmie Clark, the president of the Tornado Touchdown Club, said the project — which he estimated would’ve cost approximately $300,000 — was totally funded through donations.
Bradford County Superintendent of Schools Will Hartley spoke to the players before they saw the finished locker, saying, “Guys, in a small town that’s budget-strapped, this kind of stuff does not happen. This is a community pouring into you. They believe in you. They love you.”
The lockers were purchased from and installed by List Industries. Thanks to the company’s Al Sanchez, who is the father of BHS football player Aldon Sanchez, the lockers were purchased at a discount.
“If you like your locker today, make sure you hug his neck and tell him thank you,” Clark said to the players.
Miracle Automotive and Towing made a monetary donation toward the project and transported the lockers to the school. Teal Tile Carpet One donated flooring and its installation, Jackson Building Supply donated additional materials and Drew Wainwright donated in the form of labor.
Andrews Septic and Well (also known as Andrews Site Prep) contributed money late in the project which helped it to be fully funded through donations.
Clark recognized each donor in a meeting with the players before they saw the renovated locker room, but also made sure they realized that Andrews Septic and Well is a business located in Union County.
It’s not the first business outside of Bradford County to support the BHS football program in some way.
“We’ve got people outside of Starke showing love,” Clark said. “They’re doing it for two reasons. One, because sometimes you just have to ask. Number two, because you are doing special things. People know who Bradford County football is right now.”
It was important to Clark that those who donated to the project were in attendance. He wanted the players to see who they were and to remember them for what they did.
“Every time you see them, I just want you to say thank you,” Clark said. “When I was your age, I didn’t think about things like that. That’s what we’re all trying to accomplish — to build up good, young men who think about things as they’re happening to them.”
Hartley told the players that showing their appreciation isn’t limited to just a verbal thank you.
“With all the money and time and stuff that was put into that (locker room) for you, I truly hope that you show these people here how grateful you are by taking care of that,” Hartley said. “What they all want in return is a team that plays hard and respectfully. So, please, make sure you show them that gratitude by taking care of this because this does not happen in every small town. I promise.”
Rodgers made sure he recognized Clark for having the vision of such a project.
“He probably doesn’t want me to say this, but I’m not sure we would’ve pulled this off without Jimmie,” Rodgers said.
Clark said the players could thank him by caring for others the way he cares about them.
“You all know that I love you,” Clark said. “Just do me a favor. You don’t have to love the locker room like I love you, but choose somebody in your life to love just like I love you guys. You do that, and the world will be a better place because you’ll put something into it instead of just taking from it.”
