CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — In the wake of an EF1 tornado touching down in Coles County, the local community, led by the Trojans, rallied together to aid recovery efforts in their beloved hometown.
The morning after the storm, Brian Deadmond, the athletic director, and head football coach Brian Halsey spearheaded initiatives to organize cleanup operations. Their determination inspired a wave of support, as more teams and school administrators joined the effort throughout the week to assist their neighbors.
“This is a significant moment for us to unite,” Deadmond shared. Like his colleagues, he was actively involved in the cleanup, employing his chainsaw to cut down trees that had fallen on several properties.
Deadmond acknowledged the presence of the football team alongside the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, who participated in the community efforts scattered across town. He believes these actions carry as much educational value as the lessons taught in a sports setting.
“It’s crucial for our kids to witness this,” he emphasized. “It’s vital for them to see the importance of responding when places and people are in need. We’re cultivating essential character traits like helping others and lending a hand.”
As of Friday evening, members of Trojan Athletics have removed debris from more than a dozen homes.