Dennis Marhefka

To the editor,

I would like to take a minute to thank all the people who have made football a reality in Gilford. I was lucky enough to be invited to help coach the grades 4-6 team by Head Coach Dale Curtis this past summer. I can tell you it is the most rewarding experience I have had as a parent, a man, and as a resident of Gilford.

The kids started in mid summer during 80 degree days, and will finish this Saturday at home in temperatures that will fight to see 50. They survived tortuous physical tests, all the while having to learn football from the ground up. Some of our kids came in with the physical skills, some with the mental. They all strived hard to achieve both. I do not think I can articulate how proud I am of each and everyone of them.

This all would not have been possible if not for the groundwork done by the Friends of Gilford Football, and the huge efforts of all involved. I don’t know all the names, but you can come and see for yourself. The fieldwork, fund raising, and logistics of providing all that go along with running a football team, have been done by dozens of volunteers.

The task is not yet complete. These same people have designs on improving their already enormous efforts. They want stands for the spectators, a P.A. system, and various other improvements. You may be asked in the coming months to donate or help this program out, I would challenge anyone who comes and watches these kid’s efforts on the field to not want to see Gilford Football soar. So on Saturday October 30 at 9:00 a.m. come on down and catch a game, get involved, I dare you.

Dennis Marhefka

Gilford