Amid severe weather warnings, a Pennsylvania high school football coach canceled his team’s workout session and instructed each of them to instead shovel a snowy driveway for an elderly or disabled neighbor.
A total of 40 players, some as young as 13, followed through on the instruction of Brian DeLallo, head coach of the Bethel Park High School football team, and cleared driveways for over 100 neighborhood homes.
Two players, Braedon Del Duca, who plays guard and tackle for the team, and wide receiver Colton Pfeuffer approached neighbors together to offer their services, claiming that there was no better substitute workout than shoveling driveways.
They found one resident’s response to be especially rewarding.
“She asked how much it was,” Pfeuffer said. “We said it was free of cost. She was all excited and thankful for it. It was just nice to see that.”
Del Duca echoed Pfeuffer’s sentiment.
“We'd love to do it for everybody that we can,” Del Duca said.
Some other students said they found the task to be both a “privilege,” and a “fun” activity, as they could help someone and hang out with their friends at the same time.
A resident named Robert Klein praised the high schoolers for their efforts.
On Jan. 18, Coach DeLallo took to Twitter once more to respond to an influx of public support—and to give credit where credit was due.
“We are simply carrying on one of the many great traditions he established.”
