Giving Back

Throughout this series I’ve written about the incredible support local communities have given to their high school football teams. The Carolina Panthers have recently completed their “High School Weight Room Makeover” grant, which provided four schools in North Carolina and South Carolina with weight room equipment. Over 70 high schools in North and South Carolina applied for the opportunity to win the Panthers weight room equipment, the Panthers recently renovated their weight room.

The Sidewalk Leading to the Riverside Field

Riverside High School in Durham was one of four schools selected. The weight room equipment, valued at $75,000, was recently delivered to Riverside.  The grant included lower and upper body equipment and 1,000 pounds worth of weight plates. The other three schools who received similar grants included Olympic High School in Charlotte, NC, South Stanly in Norwood, NC and Scott’s Branch in Summerton, SC.

Quanta, Tiffany, Chiquana, Brad and I traveled out to Riverside to watch their football team take on Southern Durham.  It gave us an opportunity to watch one of Riverside’s teams that will benefit from the updated weight room. Peter Vacho, Carolina Panthers Youth/Prep Football & Military Outreach Manager said “The Carolina Panthers are thrilled to offer this tremendous opportunity to schools, especially when the need for resources are at a premium, but adequate funding may be a challenge. It is exciting to know that this equipment will make a significant impact in serving student-athletes in our region

The Riverside Band Played Music throughout the Game,
which made for a Great Atmosphere

 A Carolina Panthers representative was supposed to be at Riverside’s game against Southern Durham last Friday, but unfortunately they were unable to attend. Riverside faced a tough game against Southern Durham and lost 58-17. The Southern Durham Spartans are now 5-3 and the Riverside Pirates are 1-5. Southern Durham was leading 19-0 after the first half and extended their lead to 33-0 before Riverside’s quarterback Zack Keplinger scored on a quarterback keeper to make it 33-7. The game was never in question as Southern Durham controlled the tempo throughout the game.

A Conference Match-up Under the Lights,
Southern Durham Beat Riverside 58-17

The game was exciting though because Riverside seemed to have a rejuvenated spirit after winning the Panthers grant. In a time when school funding is in question and athletic departments are feeling the budget crunch more than ever, a weight room makeover can bring excitement to a school and give hope to its students. The Panthers giving back to schools in their home region is just another example of the way communities and businesses stepping up and supporting local schools and giving students hope.  

-Elizabeth Lancaster