Ill. H.S. Football Team Trades Sod Laying For New Weight Machine

NEWTON — Saturday wasn’t much of a day for golf.

    It wasn’t much of a day for being out on a golf course in any capacity. But a group of about 30 high school athletes from Newton Community High School braved the unseasonably chilly weather for the greater good.

    The boys spent more than four hours laying sod for greens at Stone’s Throw Golf Course west of town. In exchange, the owners of the course bought a weight machine valued at $2,000. In addition, NCHS golfers — who had cleaned out sprinkler heads last fall — will be able to play for free at the course all year.

    “The football players needed a weight machine and we needed help,” said clubhouse manager Kathy Patterson.

    Patterson, whose brother-in-law Steve Patterson bought the course last fall, said hiring out the sod work would have cost at least as much as the weights cost.

    “But it’s better to get the community involved,” she said.

    Truckers brought in three semi loads of sod last week. By the time the players arrived at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday, there were five pallets of sod on each green.

    The boys worked through the morning before being treated to a burger lunch in the appreciably warmer clubhouse.

    Head football coach Jason Fulton said the golf course also bought a blocking sled for the football team.

    “This was a chance for the players to give back to the community,” Fulton said.

    Junior A.J. Hyatt said the workday will be good for the team beyond receiving the equipment.

    “I think this will help unify the team,” Hyatt said. “It was good for the team to get together to help do this.”