The St. Louis Varsity Football team received the Detroit Lions Touchdown in Your Town Grant Wednesday, Sept. 29.

This $35,000 grant opportunity was brought to Athletic Director Bryan Anderson and Head Coach Julian Paksi by parent Jeremy Wood. Jeremy is the father of center Brandon Wood.

 After receiving the information, Head Coach Paski and Mr. Anderson continued to fill out the information and apply for the grant. Mr. Anderson got a phone call Sept. 10 from the Lions and was informed that St. Louis won the grant, and was additionally informed that members of the Lions staff would like to come to visit the football team. Unfortunately, due to rising covid cases, it was decided to do the event virtually. 

Mr. Anderson scheduled the zoom meeting for Monday because football does video replays on those days. He also told coaches they would need to be in the media center for a special announcement. As the team arrived, they were surprised by T.J. Hockinson, a Detroit Lions’ tight end, Roary the Lion, and other Lions’ staff in a zoom meeting. Senior Benjamin Dousuah was very surprised by this and stated, “I felt great. It was quite a shocker being able to have an opportunity to get something that most people never experience. It was great to receive that money to help our football and other programs. It was also amazing to talk to tight end T.J. Hockinson.”  This grant has changed the lives of young football players not only in St. Louis, but also in other schools such as Bridgeport, Battle Creek, and Mt. Clemens.

The largest singular purchase this money will be used for is an end zone camera. In addition, the money will be used for new weight room equipment and new sports apparel. This grant is an opportunity for all St. Louis High School Public Schools teams to benefit not just the football team.