News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The DeKalb County Football team completed their annual “Lift-a-Thon” Friday breaking lifting, conditioning and fundraising milestones.
The Tigers coaching staff have implemented a system for players to earn “yards” throughout their time at DeKalb by performing in the weight room, on the practice field, in games and in the classroom. Head Coach Steve Trapp said both coaches and players set goals during the off-season and the lift-a-thon is the opportunity for his players to break those goals.
“Seeing that where they started at in January and where they are now, as far as their numbers,” Trapp said. “As far as their speed and their maxes. Their heights and weights. And how all of that has changed. As a coaching staff we can say ‘Hey it is the process that we have put you through’ And the decision that they have made to go through it with the right heart and mindset that has allowed them to grow the way they’ve grown.”
The lift-a-thon included three weight lifts: bench, squat and power clean and three runs: 40 yard dash, pro agility run and a mile run. The program used an online fundraising platform, a decision that has paid off and then some according to Trapp with the team raising over $20,000.
“Prior to this, the most we’ve ever made was $7,000. So, we’re very grateful to our community and everyone that’s given,” Trapp said. “This online platform has allowed us to reach family members and friends and people that are out of state. So, it’s went really, really well.”
61 athletes participated in the event and over 500 people donated to the fundraiser. Trapp said the money will go into their booster club and will be used throughout the year to help the football program run smoothly.
“All of that money is going to go to just help everybody that’s within our program to have a better experience,” Trapp said. “To get taken care of physically, mentally, whatever it may be. If there’s anything that we need to upgrade and help our guys be better then the boosters are on board to help with that as well.”
Major expenses during football season are homecoming week and post game meals.
