Churches Continue to Feed Team Each Friday

Lumberjacks listen to inspiration talk during game day meal.

Churches in the Warren area have for several years volunteered to provide a game day meal for the Lumberjack football team and coaches each Friday.  This community service is a part of a much larger plan of Coach Bo Hembree, head football coach and athletic director.

Central's pastor Brother Charles Woolley speaks to the team.

The game day meal provides fellowship for the players, a real sense of team and togetherness.  It also ensure that the players all are provided a well-balanced meal that is nutritional.  The coach requires his players to dress for the occasion.  They all wear khaki pants and their jersies.  He teaches the youngsters manners.  After each meal, the players all thank the church members individually and even clean up their own tables.

"I think this is a great way for the churches to see the team in a different light,"  indicated one of the women who assisted with the game day meal last Friday.

Following the meal, the players and coaches return to the field house where they watch film, get therapy, and attend to a number of needs for the team.

The players stay together.  They do not leave the athletic complex.  By keeping these young men together, Coach Hembree not only promotes team spirit, he also protects his players from other problems that might arise.  This way, no one is ever late.

The churches not only provide a meal, they fellowship with the young men and provide inspirational talks with the team.

Jemmario Thomas seems to have enjoyed the fried chicken.

Seniors Keith Davis, Troy Sellers, and Justin Hall pay close attention to Coach Hembree's directions