Second Annual Benet Football Field Day

The Benet sophomore and varsity football teams held the second annual Benet Football Field Day at Southeast School just west of Benet’s campus on Friday, July 12.  The program once again hosted over 100 special education students from SASED, the School Association for Special Education of DuPage County, which is an organization that oversees academic activities for special needs children in 18 school districts in DuPage County. And this year’s design added to the successes of the 2012 inaugural Field Day.  

Ninety Benet football players and 45 Benet parents directed the kids in various activities including a “Bounce Castle,” squirt gun and water balloon stations, face painting, bean bag toss, and karaoke among others.  And finally everyone enjoyed the cooling refreshments from the “Halftime” station.

Mrs. Mary Runger, a Benet football mom who managed both last and this year’s program, noted the contributions of private sponsors and Benet parents in their support of the various station activities and materials.  She further discussed some changes at this year’s event.  First, because so many players enjoyed the initial program, parent volunteer recruitment doubled to 45 this year; second, a new and entertaining “Bubble-Palooza” station was added; and third, the team practiced early Friday morning and enjoyed breakfast before traveling to Southeast School. She stated, “I think it’s an effort you cannot duplicate on the practice field, but they are helping these children experience something new with their special needs. It’s special because these kids don’t have the opportunity to have all of this attention and activity, and they love it with all their hearts.  Their teachers have told me that it’s the best day of the summer camp, and they were looking forward to it.  Also, the team players learn that in giving you receive.”  This hopefully translates to successes both on and off the field.

            Last year this reporter spoke with the SASED program director of multi-needs children, Mr. Rich Laren.  He indicated that he was excited by the enthusiasm and genuine kindness displayed by the Benet football players.  He stated that he hoped the program could continue as an annual opportunity for the children to enjoy some time in a different setting from their usual activities.  This goal has been obviously achieved thanks in part to the players, the parents, and the Benet coaching staff.

            Varsity coach Pat New noted that the football program had participated in the Feed My Starving Children program for several years and that, “I wanted to continue doing a community service project during the summer....”  When reviewing the Benet Field Day, he continued, “It’s a really nice way for our guys to hang out, have some fun, and also to serve the community.”

            One of the players, senior linebacker and tight end Nick Surges reiterated Coach New’s thoughts on the importance of a community service project for the football program.  He added, “[The program] is great, to come out here, to be able to give back to these kids, it’s really special!  It’s an unforgettable day, and it’s one of the big parts of our season.  I really enjoy this day, and we really enjoy having fun with these kids.”

            With the weather contributing an absolutely beautiful, sunny day, the fun-filled morning ended with Benet’s football team having enjoyed this now annual activity.  When community service is designed with the goal of social interaction with such great children, the caring and benevolent volunteers have an opportunity to solidify camaraderie with their teammates.  Next year’s program, the third annual Benet Football Field Days, will undoubtedly enhance the achievements of the first two unforgettable July Friday mornings.