The Atherton High School football team will kick off this season with brand new gear after being selected as one of the 10 winners of the Detroit Lions’ 2024 Touchdown in Your Town Grant.
This grant program, launched by the Detroit Lions, aims to support high school football and cheerleading programs in Michigan by enhancing safety, providing necessary equipment, and supplying technology to schools in need.
Atherton High School has used its $15,000 grant to acquire 26 new Riddell SpeedFlex helmets and a new blocking sled for their football team.
What began as a field trip to see the Detroit Lions play their final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24 quickly turned into a festive surprise for the team, according to Athletic Director Tim Hanifan.
The Detroit Lions provided the school with 100 tickets to the game.
Hanifan expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “It was fantastic; I mean, $15,000 for your football program. Who wouldn’t want that?” on August 30.
During lunch at Ford Field before the game, the Atherton High group learned about their grant award. They also had the chance to meet Roary, the Detroit Lions’ mascot.
Hanifan noted, “The guys were ecstatic. The opportunity to attend a professional game is something many of the kids don’t experience often, so it turned into a great field trip for everyone involved.”
Katrina Royster, the mother of freshman Ronnie Royster III, was the one who applied for the grant.
Hanifan expressed deep appreciation for her efforts in securing the funds for the new equipment, saying, “She found out about the grant and applied for it late last year. We received the award this summer. She does so much for these kids.”
In addition to being the mother of a football player, Katrina Royster has a daughter who cheers for the district. She also serves as one of Atherton High School’s cheerleading coaches and is the treasurer for the district’s Board of Education.
“She wears many hats for us,” Hanifan noted.
The new equipment for the football team has already arrived, and Hanifan reported that the players are eager to use it this season, especially the new helmets.
“They were all thrilled,” he said. “They loved it.”
Hanifan mentioned that this is the largest equipment purchase the football team has made since he became the district’s athletic director about four years ago. He believes the new gear will enhance the team’s comfort and boost their pride.
“They’ve got nice new equipment,” he said. “It makes them feel a little better.”
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