You’ve heard of the quarterbacks and receivers who were so
dedicated to the sport they slept with a football.
Now some players are taking it to a higher level by carrying
their helmets (no pads, no cleats) to church.
Sunday at Christ United Methodist: No one is planning an impromptu
game of touch after the pastor’s final “Amen”, but there will be a prayer for
safety and a good season for all players labeled, “Blessing of the Helmets” at
the 9:30 a.m.
service at Christ United
Methodist Church in East Brainerd.
Players and coaches from East Hamilton, Ooltewah and McMinn
County will attend on a voluntary basis.
“This is the second year we have done this and it is on a strictly
voluntary basis,” said East Hamilton coach Ted Gatewood who is a member of
Christ United Methodist.
“I got the idea a couple of years ago when the pastors
prayed for all students just before the start of school and called it the ‘Blessing
of the Back Packs’”.
According to coach Gatewood all but three of his 70 players
have said they will be able to attend, McMinn County coach Bo Cagle confirmed that all 65
Cherokee players will be there and Ooltewah players will also bring their
silver and red helmets.
“We will meet at school at 8 a.m. and stop for breakfast on the
way to church,” said Cagle.
Do I hear an Amen.
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net