Football Players Become Role Models for Kids Through Bulldog Buddies Program

Senior offensive lineman Hallick Lehmann plays with students during a Bulldog Buddies activity. Photo courtesy of Concordia Athletic Department.

by Abigail Wisniewski

Throughout the fall season, members of the Bulldog football team are assigned to classrooms in the community where they go to interact with the kids as “Bulldog Buddies.”

The players participate in various activities such as crafts, games at recess and reading to the kids. Senior defensive lineman Ron Jackson Jr. remarked that he tries to read the stories in the voices of the characters, which the kids seemed to enjoy.

The program is designed to foster a positive relationship between the kids and players, and encourage them to go see those role models play in the football games.

“It makes it a reality that there are kids looking up to (them),” Defensive and Recruiting Coordinator Patrick Daberkow said. “I think that’s good for our guys.”

The coaches select players that are in good standing, are familiar in the community and see Varsity playing time so that the young spectators can come watch their Bulldog Buddies in action.

“This is beneficial for us football players because it’s a reminder that we are role models, and there are little eyes watching what we do and how we act,” senior tight end and Seward native Seth Fitzke said in an email interview.

Fitzke had a similar experience to the students when he was in fourth grade and the Michigan State hockey team visited his class.

“What stuck out was how professional those guys acted and talked. Something like that you will remember your whole life, and it gives you an idea how you should shape yourself if you want to become a collegiate athlete,” Fitzke said. “We’re just doing our part to help make a positive impact in those kid’s lives as well.”

Jackson has been a Bulldog Buddy for the past four years.

“I get parents all the time that say ‘Apparently you made a big impression,’ and that’s humbling to me. To me that’s everything,” Jackson said. “I think it was cooler to me than it was to them. Just to see the kind of impact you have on them is awesome.”

“I hope this is just a fun way for the kids to take a break from class, enjoy a book along with some laughs and from there look up to us whether we’re on the field or off campus,” Daberkow said.