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Student athletes at Fenton High School are receiving pregame and postgame treatment on new equipment in the athletic training room thanks to a $12,000 donation from the Chicago Bears and Bears Care.
Most of the new equipment has arrived and Staley the Bear visited on Thursday, November 11 to try them out. Fenton’s Billy the Bison joined Staley to get their ankles taped together and stretched by trainers.
Jerry Vondruska, Fenton’s Athletic Trainer, said the previous equipment was very worn down and he was looking for upgrades that would be easier to clean and maintain.
“We are very grateful to the Bears for providing us with sturdier and more durable equipment,” Mr. Vondruska said.
Gustavo Silva, Chicago Bears Manager of Youth Football & Community Programs, joined Staley on Thursday to congratulate several student athletes and coaches who visited the training room before or during Thursday afternoon practices.
“The Chicago Bears and Bears Care are pleased to donate the athletic training equipment that will support the health and safety of all student athletes at Fenton High School,” Mr. Silva said. “We thank our partner Athletico Physical Therapy for their assistance in identifying and sourcing the donated athletic training equipment. We commend the coaches, training staff, and administration at Fenton for their commitment to providing the best high school athletics experience possible to all student athletes.”
Athletic Director Todd Becker said Fenton made the best of the prior equipment but it was beyond its life expectancy and definitely in need of replacement. He said the Bears donation accelerated the process and eased budgetary stresses.
“The Bears have generously helped us to modernize our training room to provide better care for all of our student athletes, not just our football players,” said Mark Kos, Fenton’s Assistant Athletic Director. “This was truly above and beyond.”
Fenton Superintendent James Ongtengco thanked the Bears for their continued generosity, also referencing the Gatorade Training Camp and Nike 11-On Tournament the Bears brought to Fenton over the summer.
“Fenton is able to provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to our football players and others throughout the region thanks to the Bears, and now we can provide top-notch care that ensures all our students are able and ready to give it their all every time the whistle blows,” Mr. Ongtengco said.