WOLVES GIVING BACK

The Rome High football team raises money to help The Breast Center at Floyd and its mission.

Showing toughness on the field of play is not a problem for Rome High head football coach John Reid and his Wolves.

However, their willingness to take on a cause that is sensitive to so many women they love shows they are willing to take that same fight to a disease that affects one in every eight women in the U.S.

Coaches, parents and players with Rome’s football program are giving back by donating money they have raised in the community to The Breast Center at Floyd, which provides comprehensive diagnostic services and breast health education.

“Our partnership with Floyd Medical Center is a huge partnership for us,” explained Reid. “If we can help to promote what Floyd does for the community through our work, we will. They give so much to our kids and they help to keep us healthy and safe. We are happy we are able to give back.”

The team presented a check for $1,000 to The Breast Center at Floyd on Friday night during its game against Villa Rica at Barron Stadium. Fans and spectators were also asked to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness in what the school has named the Pink Out Game.

“Over the past 10 years there has been a show of support with football players wearing pink shoes, gloves and other uniform items on the field,” Reid said. “We wanted to make sure that our players are aware that spending money on shoes and gloves does not necessarily help as much as getting directly involved in the fight against breast cancer.

“We thought that by collecting donations and awarding each player who raised money with a helmet sticker, we could be more unified in showing our support for women affected by this disease.”

Reid said some players may have some trouble affording expensive pink items to wear during a game, but every player who suits up and takes the field can show their support with a helmet sticker. The show of solidarity is an important lesson Reid hopes to pass on to his players, hopefully making them more aware of the importance of giving back.

/ Rome City Schools Rome High football players Jamar Roberts (from left), Xavier Roberts-Donaldson, Jamious Griffin, Marquis Glanton and Derricus Smith stand at the entrance to Floyd Medical Center, home to The Breast Center at Floyd. The team helped raise money for the center and played a Pink Out Game on Friday to promote breast cancer awareness.