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De La Salle senior Kandakai Sherman said the athletes have bonded since they were freshmen.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
WARREN — Members of the De La Salle Collegiate football team and the city of Warren’s first responders share a common bond. They train hard, wear uniforms, prepare themselves mentally and work together as a team.
The athletes wanted to thank the men and women of Warren’s police and fire departments for their dedication to the citizens, so on Nov. 17, they served them lunch, courtesy of Estia Greek Street Food in Warren.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” player Joey Montilla said.
“We always look forward to partnering with DLS and anyone in our community. Community relations are extremely important to us,” Jeffrey Middleton, who oversees the training division for the Warren Fire Department, said in a prepared statement. “The backbone of our operation is teamwork.”
The team’s senior year players delivered takeout meals of lamb and chicken gyros along with the restaurant’s signature Greek fries to police headquarters and the city’s six fire stations.
“The De La Salle coaching staff reached out to the Warren Police Department and requested they provide lunch,” Warren Police Captain James Wolfe said. “Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer and the Police Department accepted. This doesn’t happen often. Little things like this make a difference. They’re very appreciative of this gesture.”
Police officers and detectives thanked the athletes and coaches as they picked up their carry-outs. De La Salle Athletic Director and head football coach Dan Rohn said about 170 lunches were served. He added the event gave the team members a chance to bond.
“I think it gives the guys a chance to be part of the community,” Rohn said. “It’s moments like this the kids will remember.”
Lunch was held one day before De La Salle defeated Waterford Mott High School, 45-19, to advance to the Division 2 state finals Nov. 25 at Ford Field in Detroit.
De La Salle students had Nov. 17 off, and the players said delivering lunch motivated them to get moving.
“We wanted to make sure we stayed on routine and had something to do as a team,” Bradley Zepp, a football captain, said.
“We wanted to provide for the people that protect us,” said Kandakai Sherman, another football captain. “Some of the guys come to our football games and see us play. We just want to express our appreciation.”
Sherman said the athletes are “super close.”
“We all came together as freshmen,” he said. “We grew up with each other as we progressed through the football program. I definitely feel like this is a great team.”
Muskegon defeated De La Salle 33-21 in the Division 2 state championship game.
Located at 5753 12 Mile Road, Estia Greek Street Food is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, including gyros, salads, bowl dishes and soups. Co-owners Bryant Victorino and George Xenos were happy to provide meals to the first responders.
“The police force and the fire department have the toughest job in the world,” Xenos said.
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