Parents play a role in Tigers’ two-a-days

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GALION — It’s the dog days of summer and temperatures are pushing past 90 degrees. The sprinkler systems are working overtime to combat dry, browning grass on the football field at Heise Park. All of these things hint at one thing, high school football season.

While a construction crew is busy putting up a new press box at Unckrich Stadium, the young men of the 2016 Galion Tiger football team are doing some building of their own.

Two-a-days started Monday. The conditioning is strenuous, the hours long and the endgame is the same for all. And while the gridiron guys are preparing their bodies for the the season, there are other people prepping for the season as well.

Galion’s football parents club has been hard at work to ensure Galion athletes are well cared orf. During two-a-days — between the two session — the players are met with a healthy variety of snacks to help keep them fueled.

The spread consists mainly of fruits: orange wedges, watermelon, grapes and bananas. But it may also includes cheese, granola bars and fruit snacks … all provided by the parents, with help from community donations.

The parents’ efforts are appreciated. When the food pans are empty, the young Tigers say their thank yous and return to practice.

There is more going on behind the scenes that the community may be unaware of.

Keeping players well fed is a group effort. The parents club makes sure the Tigers eat well before departing town for away games. The menu usually consists of carbohydrate-packed meals that help players maintain their strength and energy during games. This responsibility is handled every away game by the athlete’s parents’

Home games are more of a challenge, as the parents feed their own team, and the visiting team. Generally this meal is pizza and is the responsibility of the freshman parents. All meals for the team are made possible due to donations from local businesses, churches and others. Food donations and bottles of water are always appreciated.

Parents club treasurer LeeAnn Ivy, mentioned some upcoming events that will help contribute to the club’s efforts.

Tuesday Aug. 16: Chipotle Mexican Grill, 764 N. Lexington-Springmill Road, Mansfield, has stepped up to help the Tigers. From 4-8 p.m. that day, the restaurant will give the parents club 50 percent of the proceeds from each order. But patrons must mention that they are at Chipotles to support the Tigers.

Friday Aug. 19: Galion’s football squads will kick off the season with a preview game against the Shelby Whippets at Unckrich Stadium. There will be pre-game activities starting earlier in the day. The first game starts at 6 p.m. and tickets cost $5. There also will be a half-hog raffle.

Parent’s club officers include: Angie Makeever, president; Sheila Dyer, vice-president; LeeAnn Ivy, treasurer; and Barbie Castline, secretary.

For information on how to donate, contact a member of the parent’s club.

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By Chad Clinger

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