ISHPEMING, Mich. (WJMN) – On Wednesday morning, the UP Football All-Stars teamed up with Marquette County Habitat for Humanity to help put the finishing touches on their newest home construction.
Before the All-Stars could get to work, just like on game day, they needed a solid game plan in place to be successful.
“Just like football, the game is your platform to show off what you do, all the hard work you put in, all the training, all of that,” said Andy Engstrom, construction director for Habitat for Humanity of Marquette County. “The most important thing today is to take your time wrapping it up and doing it right, not rushing it and making sure that at the end of the day when we roll up all the eye candy here, it looks beautiful. So we appreciate that you're all here and ready to enjoy.”
So the All-Stars got to work.
“They're laying down sod and mulch,” said Christine Collins, program support specialist for Habitat for Humanity of Marquette County, “and they're working in a shed behind us. They're laying down some landscaping materials and raking up wheelbarrow loads of dirt.”
“I believe football is the ultimate team sport where all 11 players must stay united at all times,” said All-Star Week & Game Organizer Dustin Brancheau. “This year is no different. We're helping families in need. We're teaching these kids life lessons that last a long time after they're done playing football. Whether they're going to play the next four years in college or this is their last game, their lives will go beyond football. They're going out into the real world and they're learning the value of helping those in need.”
“The local community has done so much for us over the years, so this is the least we can do,” said Gladstone High School senior Nate Young. “We come out here and we all practice, and this is a great opportunity to give back to our local community.”
Volunteers like Allstar are essential for organizations like Marquette County Habitat for Humanity to help their local community.
“It's really great to have kids come in and help out,” Collins said. “All the service clubs need help, and we need help, so hopefully this will inspire more kids to find a nonprofit they can work with no matter what, but we prefer Habitat.”
Joining the All-Stars at the construction site were some of the game's biggest coaches, including Iron River native and Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner.
“The best thing I've been able to do with the platform I've built is have the opportunity to give back,” Baumgartner said. “I want these guys to understand that this is important. They're not just representing the district, they're representing their families, and I want them to come here and do their best. We're special here at UP because we have to work and fight for our opportunities. Nobody gives us opportunities. Now they're here and they're showing what you can do with that work ethic. They've been selected to the all-star football team, which is incredible. Now they have the opportunity to give back and help someone in need. What an amazing opportunity to be able to do those two things.”
Former Michigan Tech basketball and NMU football player Jake Witt will also be at the game on Saturday as a celebrity coach.
Whitt is preparing for his second training camp with the Indianapolis Colts but is willing to take some time off from training to help out the All-Stars.
“These kids are going off to college so being able to help them throughout the week means a lot to me,” Witt said. “I just recently went through that transition myself so I want to be there to help them and support them. It's a great week for the kids here so I'm happy to be a part of this giving back to the community we all come from.”
Troy and Kaitlyn Connors are the 111th recipients of Marquette County Habitat for Humanity’s home construction grant.
“I was super excited,” Troy Connors said.
“Yeah, it took two years of planning,” Caitlin Connors said, “and we found out we'd been accepted while we were in Florida on our honeymoon, so it was pretty special.”
Thanks to the work of the All Stars, the couple will likely realize their dream of becoming homeowners sooner rather than later.
They wanted to sincerely thank everyone who was involved in making their dream come true.
“We appreciate everyone's help and what you do for us,” Troy Conner said.
“Yeah, thank you so much, I appreciate it,” Caitlin Conner said.
