The playground looked smaller, the halls seemed shorter, and some of the faces had changed. That was the sentiment of some members of the Patuxent Football team that made a special trip to AppealElementary School last week to visit with some students and play some touch football. The trip was initiated by Appeal teacher Ms. Kim Blackistone and Patuxent Offensive Line coach Nick Allen.
The experience was part of the Appeal Elementary “Buckets of Fun” event which raffles different prizes for students in support of the school’s PBIS program. Blackistone and Allen coordinated the “Football Visit” and two students were chosen to participate, in addition they were able to choose three of their friends to share in the fun.
While the experience was exciting for the young students of Appeal, Coach Allen remarked on the impact it has on his own players.
“It is important for our high school players to give back to a community that gives so much to them! It is especially nice because a lot of these guys were reminiscing about their days at Appeal as they walked through the hallways. Now they are the ones being looked up to, it is an amazing thing to see these kids begin to accept their positions as role models for the players of the future.”
The experience was spirited and fun and there was a clear connection made between the two groups.
“I think that both sides will realize that we are all part of something. From the time they are kids playing touch football to the time they get to wear the jerseys on Friday nights, they are all part of the Panther family,” Allen commented.
If anyone is interested in having a “Patuxent Football Visit” please contact Head Coach Steve Crounse or Nick Allen at PatuxentHigh School. The football program is continuously looking for ex
