Goldsboro football receives equipment grant from Carolina Panthers

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 12, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

If the Goldsboro High football players weren't fans of the Carolina Panthers, they surely are now.

The Cougars received a uniform grant from the NFL organization on Tuesday. The subsidy, which totals $50,000, is used to assist high school athletic programs and was spread among 16 schools in North and South Carolina.

Each school accepted equipment comprised of the actual game- and practice-worn uniforms used by the Panthers. They included white-and-silver game-day pants, and different colored practice jerseys.

"The Carolina Panthers are thrilled to provide this opportunity to schools in our region, especially when the need for resources is at a premium," said Peter Vacho, Carolina Panthers Military and Football Outreach Manager.

"Having the basic neccesities such as practice gear can go a long way in helping school athletic departments make ends meet."

Goldsboro athletics director Ray Lippert applied for the time-sensitive grant and expressed his program's need for the uniforms through four 200-word essays. The topics included the state of the program and accomplishments over the past five seasons, the team's contributions to the school and community, program funding and why did the school apply for the grant?

The Cougars will get 65 white practice football pants.

"I received confirmation today that they should arrive within the next few days," Lippert said. "We will use them when we go full pads in practice. We are extremely grateful and honored that we were chosen to be one of the 16 schools receiving this grant. The kids will benefit greatly from such a kind act."