Some football goodwill has fallen upon Manual.
A generous donation from the College of DuPage program resulted in new football girdles, gloves, socks, headbands and wristbands for the Big 12 Conference team from Peoria.
Manual coach Dennis Bailey says Trevor Cipriano, the Chaparrals associate head coach and defensive coordinator, reached out a week ago about gifting the accessories.
“I guess they thought about us when they had some extra equipment,” Bailey said.
Cipriano has developed a relationship with Bailey, recruiting many of the Rams players throughout the last few years. Recent Manual grad Jerome Cranford will be suiting up this fall for the College of DuPage, which is the reigning NJCAA Division III national champs.
This new attire is a very welcomed addition to many of the players.
“The zip code we’re in,” the first-year coach said. “It’s no secret the economic parallels we’re in down there, so it’s just hard for all the guys to get everything they need. That really goes a very long way to help guys play in new apparel.”
9 weeks, 9 games:Peoria’s top high school football matchup each week
Bailey, who was hired in February after spending the last three years as defensive coordinator, says he expects 60-70 kids out at all levels when practice begins Aug. 8.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
