By Jim O'Hara
ROME, Ga. – On a day that started with them taking care of their own image business, the Shorter football team took the time to stand in hot and humid conditions Saturday afternoon taking care of others.
Taking part in a Community Service Project just one day after they reported, the Hawks – the team held its annual Picture Day at Barron Stadium in the morning – spread out around Rome for two hours holding a Canned Food Drive to benefit the Rome Community Kitchen and the Salvation Army that were the recipients of more than 2,000 cans that were collected by the players and coaches.
"I can't think of a better way to start the season than for all of us to get out and help others," Shorter head coach Phil Jones said about the team's effort. "We at Shorter feel a part of this community, we thank it for it's support and we certainly want to give something back to it."
The team withstood sweltering conditions asking for donations at IGA, Kroger, Food Lion, GMC, Piggly Wiggley, Barron Stadium and on Shorter's campus, and in Cedartown at Sav-A-Lot and Fred's.
"What a great response we had from the people from Rome. It shows how much they care," said Jones, who also saw the team hand out at the different sites, a free ticket to the Hawks' home opener on Thursday, Sept. 12 against Mars Hill for every three cans donated. All told, more than 1,000 tickets were handed out.
Earlier Saturday morning, the Hawks held their annual Picture Day session, taking the official team photo, group and individual shots, and with family members. The team closed out its first full day together learning about NCAA compliance rules and guidelines.
On Sunday, Jones, his staff and his players will attend morning services at Fellowship Baptist Church, where they will also eat lunch and hear from former NFL standout and Rome native Ken Irvin.
That event marks the end of the Hawks non-football related weekend and on Monday the team begins its preseason camp that lasts a week. Classes begin at Shorter on Monday, Sept. 19.
The Hawks open what is their toughest-ever schedule on Saturday, Sept. 7 when they hit the road to Charleston, S.C., to face NCAA Division I FCS foe Charleston Southern.
