By Henry Luzzatto

Correspondent

 

Families and friends got a sneak preview of Nansemond River High School’s football team on Saturday during the Nansemond River Boosters’ annual Community Day.

Though the majority of the attention was focused on the teams on the field, the event gave an opportunity for the families of new football players to get to know the school’s community.

“It allows us to bring the new parents in so they feel comfortable,” said Greg Lomax, president of the Boosters, “They’re part of the family now.”

The Boosters offer financial assistance and support for the sports teams at Nansemond River, said Christa Johnson, vice president.

“The Boosters are set up with all the parents to do what the school can’t do and offer support” she explained.

The event saw dozens of families gather at Nansemond River High School for a glimpse of the upcoming season. Varsity players scrimmaged against one another, while the junior varsity team played on another field.

Volunteer vendors offered free food and drinks for the players and families, while the Boosters sold T-shirts and hoodies with the team’s name and logo on them. The American Red Cross Association set up a table where they offered information on how to stay healthy in the heat.

“For Community Day, we do it all for free,” said Amanda Brady, who volunteered for the event. “We have a lot of volunteers and vendors who helped us put this together.”

Nansemond River assistant principal Janice Bibbo said the Community Day began when head coach David Coccoli took over the football program at Nansemond River.

“He wanted a way to introduce the new parents to the program,” she said.

Lomax said that Coccoli’s strategy has been a way to do something for the parents of his players.

“He said it was a way of kind of giving back to the team,” he said.

Community Day allows parents whose children are new to the football program to meet the coaches, players and families that they will spend time with over the season. Bibbo said the school is focused on creating a welcoming environment, which Community Day contributes to.

“I think it becomes a part of the school’s vision,” she said.

On the field, the players got a chance to demonstrate what they have been working on in practice for two weeks. This was the first chance they had this season to show off their skills in front of an audience.

“This is a good way for everybody to see what they’re made of,” Lomax said. “They’re definitely ready to show off.”

Gary Gregg, a parent in attendance, said the Warriors’ display on the field indicates a promising season ahead.

“The team looks good,” he said. “There’a a lot of intensity. It looks like the defense will be dominant.”

Gregg added that the event also functioned as a way to hype the upcoming season.

“It’s the kickoff for the season,” he said. “You have the training camps going on, the Hall of Fame game and high school football. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

While players showed their unity as a team on the field, their parents, siblings and friends showed the sense of community that has become synonymous with Nansemond River High School.

“We want to bring them in so they feel comfortable,” Lomax said. “They’re all part of the family.”