By Chris Buckley

Published: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A booster organization Tuesday asked the Charleroi Area School Board to purchase new away football uniforms, but the Cougars are already wearing the old red and black with pride.

Even as the school board agreed to consider the $4,500 expense, members of the Cougar Football Fan Association indicated the addition of head football coach Ed Jenkins has made a priceless impact on the boys.

Association Treasurer Rich Matthews said the association has donated home uniforms, helmets, blocking sleds and quarterback diagonal targets. He said the donations have shown the association's commitment to the team.

Board President Ken Wiltz said he and his colleagues would take the request under advisement.

Parent Shelly Shepherd said Jenkins has built character in the team members. She noted that Monday night, the team lined the church for the funeral of Delilah Edwards, the mother of player Kevin McClelland.

“The church gave them a standing ovation, and the minister said, ‘This is what the community needs. He has a team of brothers,'” Shepherd said.

She said Jenkins met with the boys over the weekend as they planned to attend the funeral, telling them, “This is what sets you apart, a boy from a man.”

Wiltz said Jenkins is instilling “pride and, hopefully, a new tradition.”

“I agree the community can come together,” board member Rosalie Carroll said. “I'm so proud of the boys.”

Tracey Sheetz said her son, Mason Thomas, asked Jenkins to be a reference for a job. Jenkins agreed – after teaching the teen how to present himself for the job interview.

Chris Buckley is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2642 or cbuckley@tribweb.com.

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