In an effort to bring happiness to victims of disease and injury, the football program plans to forgo practice to visit Children’s Hospital Central California, Aug. 21.

The squad decided to team with Riverdale High School’s football program to serve and bring gifts to the less fortunate patients. Players plan to bring football memorabilia, such as helmets and jerseys, and spend time with the patients one on one.

According to second-year head coach Bonner Cunnings, there are two main reasons for the visit: the Great Commission and to help the athletes become servants first.

“Even though they are blessed as student athletes, they are servants first,” Cunnings said. “It is important to give back and provide help to those in need. Since our first Friday is open, instead of scrimmaging and putting more work in, we are going to give our offerings and tithe for our season.”

Because of the 10-game season, the one-day visit will serve as a 10 percent tithe. Cunnings pointed to 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

“Our players need to realize that we are very fortunate to be athletic and playing football; not many people get this opportunity,” Cunnings said. “We sometimes worry about benching this much weight, how many tackles we make in a game, or running a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, whereas other children the same age are worrying about just staying alive.”

Touched by the team’s visit to the hospital last year, senior Tyler Revis said he came away with several lessons.

“Last year when I went, it was such a humbling experience,” Revis said. “It taught me that sickness is very much real and it damages people. We all have to cherish our lives and live to the fullest. I am excited to bring back faith, hope and love; but life is the greatest gift of all that we will be giving.”

Although he did not visit the hospital last year with the team, freshman Stephen Melendez said he looks forward to the opportunity.

“I am excited because I get to do what I am called to do by Jesus, which is to serve others and preach the Gospel,” Melendez said. “I am looking forward to seeing the kids’ eyes and seeing what I can do to help them or just make their day.”

On last year’s visit, the team engaged in multiple activities with patients in the game room, including video games, puzzles and playing with toy dinosaurs.

“By going to [the hospital] and providing aid and gifts, this will humble us heading into our season,” Cunnings said. “According to James 4:6, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”

The team will open its regular season with a scrimmage vs. Stone Ridge Christian, Sept. 11.

For more information, check out Athletes serve Valley children and the Football sport shorts, 2008.