Stolen football equipment threatened not only the season but also Friday’s big event at Frederick Douglass College Preparatory Academy for Young Men — the Detroit school’s Homecoming game.
As the junior varsity football team prepared to pack up equipment Monday afternoon and head out for a game, coaches discovered the field house had been broken into and looted. Again. The school canceled the JV game.
The looted field house already was a virtual shell because electrical wiring, copper plumbing and toilets had been stolen three years ago. This time, thieves made away with the students’ pads, helmets, some shoes and footballs.
By the next morning, there was hope as the team practiced and the coach yelled, “They tried to steal our season from us, but we won’t let them.” News of the theft attracted attention from local businesses looking to help. Other schools offered equipment. The team scored its first donation — a $3,000 check from Bob Maxey Forddealership.
It appears the season will go on with help from donations, said Michael Hamlett, the athletic director
Wanda Dixon, whose son is on the varsity team, said she was thankful for the donations and hopes more good Samaritans will come forward to turn in the thieves.
Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh’s Family Foundation worked with various companies to donate about 50 pairs of new cleats and gloves to the team. Let’s hope that people and businesses step up to catch the thieves and replace the gear.
Just another reason to love Ndamukong Suh!
