Run with Players and Coaches in Support of State College Football

In sports, players are taught to support each of their teammates, and in State College that’s no different. However, the area’s football teams are not only supported by the players, but the community as a whole.

The State College Football Booster Club is hosting it’s first 5-K race benefiting the town’s youth and high school football programs on Saturday at Circleville Park.

The Booster Club is a non-profit organization that has been providing equipment, apparel, transportation, and pre- and post-game meals for the teams since 1976.

“Honestly we don’t have a football team without them,” Matt Lintal, Head Coach of State College High School’s football team, said. “Just in terms of how supportive they are with the ins and outs of what we do on a daily basis.”

Lintal said every year the team relies heavily on the Club, especially for feeding hungry teenagers.

“We have to basically feed hundreds of guys for hopefully 14 to 15 varsity football games and the JV games, and all the ninth and eighth grade games,” Lintal said.

Junior quarterback Tyler Snyder said the team plans to go far into the playoffs so the Booster Club needs all the help they can get.

“They mean a lot. They do everything for us. They give us meals for after games, they get us equipment, and practice gear,” Snyder said. “They probably make the team more than the players make the team. Without them it would be possible.”

Lintal, as well as many of his players, will be running in the race, and said they wanted this fundraiser to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s a healthy event. It’s for kids. It’s for families” Lintal said. “It’s for anybody that just wants to come out and it’s in a beautiful venue.”

The race isn’t designed to be competitive and participants are allowed to walk to course.

“It’s not super challenging but it kind of meanders all through the park. It’s kind of a scenic route,” Club Vice President Amy Haffner said. “It’s the same route that the cross country team uses.”

Registration is $25 and starts at 8 a.m. The 5-K begins at 9 a.m. Water stations will be available and racers are encouraged to wear t-shirts, sneakers, shorts and sunscreen.