District

AC teams making a difference

Adams Central's football and volleyball teams recently partnered with the American Red Cross in a blood drive that collected 97 units of blood. That amount will help provide lifesaving blood for more than 270 patients, according to Jeremy Aupperlee, a district manager for the Red Cross. The Red Cross just launched an emergency need for blood donors, so the timing of nearly 100 donations at the Adams Central blood drive was crucial and appreciated.

According to Josh Lewis, head football coach at AC, the blood drive has been happening for about 10 years ago and was started by former Adams Central football coach Shawn Mulligan in an attempt to help student-athletes understand the importance of blood donations and giving back to the community.

Football and volleyball players work together to sign up willing parents and friends, and many athletes also give blood - often for the first time. Leaders in both programs also help assist at the blood drive by checking people in, ushering participants, and working the canteen.

"Our players probably don't have to look very far to find someone they know that has benefitted from the work of the Red Cross, so usually kids can find a strong connection with the good they are doing," Lewis said. "Personally, I love witnessing the conversations that our players (and I) have with those giving blood. Seeing the community come out and having our players interact with them is great for both groups."

Players who work also have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship for their efforts.

The next blood drive at Adams Central will be in January.