When winter storms hit Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a high school football team transformed their Monday workout into a mission of community service. Instead of lifting weights, these young athletes lifted spirits by grabbing their shovels and helping clear snow from the driveways of elderly and disabled neighbors.
Coach’s creative call to action
Head football coach Brian DeLallo made headlines with his innovative Twitter announcement: “Due to expected severe weather, Monday’s weightlifting workout has been canceled. Find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway. Don’t accept any money–that’s our Monday workout.”
The response was remarkable, with 40 team members participating in the snow-clearing initiative. Among them were David Shelpman, 16, and Aidan Campbell, 17, who went above and beyond in their service. Shelpman dedicated seven hours to clearing six driveways, while Campbell spent five hours helping clear four properties.
A tradition of service
This heartwarming initiative wasn’t a one-time event but rather a cherished tradition spanning more than two decades. Former coach Jeff Methany established the practice, which DeLallo has proudly continued. “Any time we had a snow day and school was canceled, he had the kids go out and shovel driveways for people in the community who were elderly or who were disabled or otherwise could not shovel their own driveways,” DeLallo explained to Fox News Digital.
For the young athletes, the experience proved deeply meaningful. Shelpman, who also volunteers with his mother at a spaghetti dinner for homeless veterans, shared, “I definitely always do feel good about being able to help others out,” adding that it “makes me feel like a part of something bigger than myself.”
Building community bonds
The program serves a dual purpose – helping those in need while strengthening ties between the team and their supporters. “We have really good community support here,” Coach DeLallo noted. “This was a good way to kind of get them face to face with their neighbors, doing something that gives back to a community that is so supportive of our program. It’s really nice to be able to do that.”
The initiative demonstrates how athletic programs can extend their impact beyond the playing field, fostering valuable life lessons about community service and social responsibility. Through their actions, these young athletes showed that true strength isn’t just measured in the weight room, but in the willingness to help others in need.
