With the Southern 500 as a backdrop, the Lake City Football team traveled to Darlington Raceway on May 8 and 9 to brave the heat in the name of charity.
A total of 57 student-athletes and 11 coaches waded through the crowds of fans to support the efforts of the NASCAR Foundation.
Since its inception in 2006, the foundation has given more than $1 million to Victory Junction through a variety of fundraising. Collectively, those efforts have sent more than 500 children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses to Victory Junction for a life-changing experience.
Panther Head Coach Justin Gentry said he was pleased with the efforts of the team and with the way the NASCAR crowd accepted the players and asked questions concerning the school, past seasons, and the hopes for the upcoming season.
ESPN also did a brief story for their pre-race coverage and filmed the team as they toured Pit Row.
“I thought everyone had a great time,” Gentry said. “It wasn't just an opportunity, it was an experience. We were working alongside a very positive charity in the NASCAR Foundation, but yet our kids got to do something they will remember for the rest of their lives. High school football will come and go, but as coaches, we want to offer all the positive life experiences that we can to these young men.”
After 16 hours of heat and miles of walking, the Panthers were able to contribute $2,500 to the cause.
Anyone interested in donating to the NASCAR Foundation can visit http://foundation.nascar.com.
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