Wildcats modified football carries on teacher-appreciation tradition on opening day
The WVMS Wildcats modified football team opens its season tonight against Minisink! This year, the team is excited to continue its teacher appreciation program called My Jersey, Your Impact. Each week on game day, two Wildcat football players share their jerseys with a teacher whose influence has meant a great deal to them during their middle school experience.
The jerseys are presented to the teachers by the player and Wildcat coaches during surprise classroom visits on gameday mornings. The teachers can choose to either display the jersey in their classroom for the day or even wear them!
This week’s player/teacher combos are…
Derek Reeves & Mr. Gouveia
Derek is an 8th grade player and the Wildcats returning starting center. Derek was the team’s center last year, but really doubled down in embracing the role over the summer! After last season, he asked if he could borrow a football during the offseason to practice his snaps. He put in the work and came back with a much improved stance and snap. Derek’s work ethic, maturity, and dedication are the main reasons he was named a Wildcat team captain this season.
Derek chose to share his jersey with Mr. Gouveia, who he had for science class last year. Derek said he always knew Mr. Gouveia “had his back.” He admits science was always a tough class for him, but is grateful for how Mr. Gouveia broke everything down and made it much easier to understand.
Timothy Luciano & Mr. Zwart
Tim is only in his rookie Wildcat season, but has made an immediate impact. Tim is a terrific athlete who excels in multiple sports (he’s a phenomenal baseball player), and always practices and hustles with a determination to be the best player he can be. Wildcat coaches can’t help but notice the look in Tim’s eyes during every practice (the eye of the tiger, or Wildcat as it were) that says he’s serious about football.
Tim chose to give his jersey to his seventh grade social studies teacher, Mr. Zwart. Tim said he used to struggle in social studies class, but Mr. Zwart made social studies class much more enjoyable.
Go, Wildcats… players and teachers!