NORMAN, OK — The University of Oklahoma football players stepped off the field to make a difference in their community.
Instead of playing the game they love, they coached a powderpuff tournament last Thursday.
Hosted in Reaves Park, various campus organizations played in a series of flag football games, all in the name of philanthropy.
“I love it because we’re out here to teach our game we play and the ladies bring a different type of energy to the field,” OU defensive lineman Kelvin Gilliam Jr. said.
At the core of OU football’s tradition is excellence both on and off-the-field. The work off-the-field helps the team in various ways.
“It really helps team bonding wise. You see a lot of football players out here and guys like Danny Stutsman and Jaren [Kanak] walking around in suits, just having fun and being in a different environment than on the field,” OU defensive back Peyton Bowen said.
The mastermind behind joining the community service event— Quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
“I think it just shows who we really are, and what we’re about. They’re obviously doing really good things here. This is a great event to be a part of, so we’re happy to be here,” Gabriel said.
Nate Klein and Dillon Gabriel strategize on their team’s next play. They held practices beforehand to prepare for the tournament.
Photo by: Snow Forth
This is not the first time the team has volunteered for the Norman community.
“We helped with tornado stuff and Art with a Heart, which was really cool and interesting, and just being out here having fun with OU students,” Bowen said.
Volunteering allows the players to take their focus away from practice and make a difference in a different way.
“Volunteering in general as OU football has been fun. We don’t normally get to see stuff like this because we are always in the facility,” OU defensive back Damond Harmon said.
Participating students enjoyed seeing the players in a different light.
“It’s such a good idea to get them involved because they are playing for the fans. I think it’s a good idea for them to get out and do some good,” OU student Abbi Staley said.
The games were part of Anchorball, an annual event for Delta Gamma benefitting Service for Sight. The $5 event helped raise $10,282 for the foundation, which advocates for the visually impaired.
“With snow cones from our Service for Sight partner, Dean McGee Eye Institute, and pizza from the OU basketball staff, we were equipped to have a successful tournament,” Lilianna Gavula, the Delta Gamma vice president of foundation, said. “Overall, it was a fun event with incredible participation from our chapter, other organizations and of course, the OU football team.”
