CINCINNATI — It would be great to have someone shovel your driveway for free.
On Thursday, a small group of teens who call themselves the “Winton Woods Weather Warriors “wrestled the elements to say thank you.
“This is just going to be a workout day, “said Winton Woods High School senior Pryde Geh. His classmate, Lonzi Murphy, agreed. “You gotta work hard if you want to get better.”
Both are members of the Winton Woods wrestling team. Their coach, Chris Willertz, said it’s about discipline and hard work. “They can burn some calories and make weight and do something for the community, “said Willertz.
Willertz explained the service project is directly about giving thanks. The Winton Woods City School District tried to pass a levy for years. Yet, election after election, they failed. This August, the district adopted a “pay to play “policy and the wrestling team had to fend for itself.
The team tried to earn money through a fundraiser by selling cookie dough. “We tried our best to sell the cookie dough, but we didn’t sell a lot, “explained Murphy. “We sold as much as we could.”
The goal was lofty. Each boy needed to earn $240 from the sale. Coach Willertz went directly to the residents and business owners. “I wrote letters to people in the community and said, ‘Is there a way you could adopt a wrestler and pay some of the money? “asked Willertz.
In return, the squad performs community service by shoveling snow for free in their neighborhoods. In all, the team received $1,700 for the program. The team made its first installment before noon on Thursday. Later in the day several of them went to a voluntary practice. Afterwards, they were back out in the snow. Geh said he had a goal. “I’m trying to get at least 10 houses on my street.”
Murphy was grateful for the opportunity to wrestle and to give back. “I like being out here in the snow. It gives us a little work out too. Like for our arms and stuff and just to help out. Makes me feel good.”
Do you know of a team that has accomplished a similar feat? Let us know in the comment section below or email me at [email protected] – http://www.wcpo.com
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