GC football gets grant

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 19, 2010 2:23 PM

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SNOW HILL -- Stuffing puffs out the side.

Tape covers holes from wear and tear.

Paint and rust chips are mixed in the dirt where grass is worn down from daily use on hot summer afternoons.

Yep, that rusty 'ole tackling sled just ain't what it used to be.

"It's the same I hit when I played, I believe," laughed Greene Central defensive coordinator and alum Andre Quinerly. "It may be just that old. The stuffing is knocked out of it and I just think it's very inefficient for today's football."

The one-man sled has undoubtedly served its purpose for two-plus decades on the Rams' football practice field. It's taken numerous hits, been thrown to the ground, pulled back upright and knocked down again.

It's time for a replacement.

And Quinerly has a little extra cash in the kitty, thanks to the Carolina Panthers organization and Fisher Athletic. The school received a $1,000 grant -- one of 10 awarded to different high school teams and youth groups in North Carolina this season.

Quinerly and his defensive assistants talked with head coach Ken Grantham, who gave his blessing on the search for a new sled. The group browsed a catalog and found one in Salisbury that they liked.

"We always try to get help (each year) with our resources a little short sometimes," said Quinerly. "Coach Grantham said we worked hard to get the grant, so the guys on the defensive staff could choose what we get with it. Of course, it costs a little bit.

"With the grant, hopefully the school will match it or we can do a fund-raiser."

The team used the USA Football grant, which totaled $1,500, to buy between 20-25 new shoulder pads this season. A year ago, the coaching staff purchased shields, dummies and other odds and ends with a grant.

The Carolina Panthers are strong supporters of youth football in North and South Carolina. The NFL organization is committed to providing programs and resources which enable youth across the region opportunities to play and enjoy football at the grassroots level.

Fisher Athletic has been a leading U.S. athletic equipment manufacturer since 1970. The company produces various styles of custom protection padding solutions that encompass both athletics and industry.

"We heard the need for new and advanced equipment from schools and football leagues through the Carolinas and took action," said Pete Vacho, youth football manager. "We partnered with Fisher Athletic to fill this need with great equipment, while giving student-athletes the opportunity to play and promote football in the region."