RED OAK, Iowa (KMTV) — Not many teens would choose to spend their morning doing yardwork, but a group of high school football players jumped at the opportunity to help a fan in need.
On a Saturday morning, instead of sleeping in, the Red Oak Tigers football team got to work.
The team cleared brush and leaves as well as spruced up Dennis Jones' yard.
“I've been worried about my yard and all that stuff since spring started up and I usually have this yard pretty well taken care of,” said homeowner Dennis Jones.
Jones, who lives with his wife in Red Oak, takes pride in keeping his lawn in order. Recent events have made it difficult for him to continue.
“We've been dealing with a lot of health issues with my wife since February and she's not quite over it all yet right now so I was trying to figure out when am I going to have time to do all this,” said Jones.
Jones' daughters worked with the team's coach to organize a surprise team clean-up for the Jones'
“I'm just totally shocked and totally appreciative of this I'll tell you that,” said Jones.
Coach Michael Nordeen said community service is a priority for his team.
“Since March 24 we've had 250 hours of community service that our football team has provided,” said Nordeen. “We're trying to build championship people and brighten our future for Red Oak.”
For the team members community is what it's all about, being there for those who are there for them, as well as being there for each other.
“[The Jones'] came out to help us and supported us throughout the year, so it feels kinda good to come out and help them,” said football player Logan Conn.
"We're just a family," Riley Fouts, football player said. "We're just always there for each other and looking out for each other.”
Coach Nordeen also said the Jones family has deep roots in the Red Oak football community.
Dennis' daughter, Brandi was the first female football player at the high school.
The team also cleaned out the Jones' backyard pool just in time for summer.
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