Hurricane Ian: Belleview football team volunteers to fill sandbags as storm approached state
When the news of Hurricane Ian approaching the state of Florida on Sept. 26, an officer from the Belleview High School Booster Club told a story of filling up sandbags during a previous hurricane.
Her story of older community members struggling with the loading process inspired Belleview Head Football Coach Brian Lane to hop into action.
With the next day's practice canceled, Lane already had his team on standby to help with any upcoming community service projects. By the afternoon of Sept. 27, Lane, his staff, and roughly 35 players were already knee-deep in sand.
“We thought hurricane Ian was going to hit worse than it was," Lane said. "Luckily for us, it wasn’t as bad as we anticipated. I think everyone in Belleview who needed sandbags got their sandbags.”
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The first-year head coach wants to impact his players off the field as much as he does on the field.
“That’s super important that these kids get a taste of what it feels like to help other people," he said. "There are going to be times in life when you need help from somebody, and somebody steps up and helps you. It just feels really good to give back. Kids need that experience and opportunity to feel that.”
Brian Lane, Belleview team wants to give as much support as they receive
The Rattlers feel support from many people around Marion County and out of the state when they are playing. Lane wants to reciprocate that as much as possible.
“Trying to give back to the community that supports us so much," he said. "You know, not everyone is capable of taking care of themselves and especially the elderly people or people with special needs. Just trying to support the community in its time of need.”
The Rattlers aren’t finished giving back to the community that fills up their bleachers every Friday night. With the regular season ending in November, Lane plans on having the team help at a local soup kitchen around Thanksgiving. In December, they’ll be back hosting a toy drive.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Belleview High football team fills sandbags as Hurricane Ian neared
