The Dickinson Gators are making their mark on the field in 2014. Not only are they 9-0 going into their final regular season game against Clear Springs on Friday night, they are putting everyone in Galveston County and the State of Texas on notice that they are a team to be reckoned with. But it's the lessons off the field that are making a bigger impact to not only the players, but the community as well.
Halloween night, the Gators showed their community spirit when they volunteered at Watershed Church's Spirit Fest. The players worked in the different booths, helping kids with the games and bounce houses throughout the grounds.
"These young men did such an amazing job at our annual Spirit Fest," Tonya Darnell, Director of Children's Ministries, said. "They went above and beyond our expectations. They were so willing to serve, polite, energetic and AMAZING! They were giving out candy, high fives, sharing smiles and laughter with the children of the community."
"We had a great time that night," Linebacker Marcus Allen said. "We had the bouncy house and the kids were jumping and fighting inside and just having all kinds of fun. They even fed us. I think all the guys had a great time."
Bryon Greeley said it was really great to get on a first-name basis with a lot of the community. "A lot of these people come to our games and watch us each week, so it was good to get to meet them and help out with a good community event," he said.
Darnell said that she was worried the week of Halloween because they didn't have enough workers for the event. She said she thought they would be shorthanded. "We were in desperate need of volunteers to run this festival," she said. "God answers prayers and sent us 50 wonderful young men that truly stepped up to serve. They without a doubt made our festival a HUGE success and we would be thrilled to partner with them again in the future."
Tight End Marshall Kettler said that he was proud of the team and the way all the players were interacting with the kids. He said everyone was having fun and he saw more smiles from some players than he had seen all year.
"It was really one of the best things we have done all year," Kettler said. "I mean it's good to do good on the field and we have been doing that, but to get out with a bunch of little kids and help put smiles on their faces is just the best feeling. I saw some of our guys with big smiles all night long. They were having a great time."
Rod'John Dorsey said this experience brought out a different side of him that most of the guys on his team don't get to see. "I was so happy that night," Dorsey said. "Being able to help some people that needed it just means that we will be blessed. I have never had that feeling before like I did that night. Those kids were just excited that we were there and I think I smiled more than I ever have. I really learned a lot that night."
All the players said they have learned this year that if they will listen to what their coaches tell them, and follow the rules and be good people that it will come back to them.
"The coaches tell us every day that we have to work hard," Dorsey said. "They say we have to be good citizens and give back to people." Kettler said the coaches preach that it's not all about football and that there are so many lessons in life to be learned from this game.
"It's not that we didn't believe them before, we just didn't practice all the time what they were telling us," Kettler said. "We have now bought in to it all. This is why we are having the success we are."
Snelson said he was very proud of his team -- not for just volunteering at the church, but for the example they showed others. "I really do think they all had a great time and I think they all learn a valuable lesson and will take it with them," Snelson said.
Greely said the team is committed to going 16-0 and wining a state championship.
"I know because of things we have done this year, like helping Watershed Church on Halloween, we will go a long way on the football field and in life," he said.
