'They just kept winning so we just kept writing'

The John R. Rogers Football team earned their first win in three years this September, inspiring an article in the Spokesman-Review and at least one school of kindergartners. 

Longfellow Elementary teacher Casey Divelbiss caught that news piece. 

“Coach Dewey talked about how those kids are taking care of their younger siblings, their houses, as well as keeping up on schoolwork, homework, and playing football,” she said. “And I wanted them to be recognized for that.” 

She enlisted the help of her kindergarten class to write a collaborative letter, saying how proud they were of the neighborhood team. 

“Not all of us knew how to write our names yet, so we put our fingerprints on the bottom of the page and sent it away,” she said. “And they just kept winning so we just kept writing.” 

Her fellow kinder teachers at the school joined in and sparked a connection that culminated in a visit last Tuesday from the Rogers team. A line of youngsters stood as patiently as possible in the cold, holding a long purple banner that read, “Welcome Rogers Football,” as their teachers occupied them with sing-alongs. 

When the busload of teens finally arrived, it was a tossup as to which group was more excited to give high fives and pair up for a hand-held walk to the playground. Rogers Coach Mike Dewey shared what the letters meant to his team as a bag full of footballs was handed around. 

“It gives our guys a chance to realize that their actions have meaning,” he said. “That it’s beyond just playing a football game. These kids, they have a huge impact on their community, just look around here right now.” 

Some groups played catch or shot baskets while others ran around or chipped at the remnants of a snowman. A circle gathered for a dance off, laughter rising like they’d known each other for years. 

Justin, a Rogers junior, attended Longfellow as a kid. “When I went here, we didn’t really interact with any other schools,” he said. When asked about the letters, he replied, “I was glad to see someone celebrating our success, which we don’t have very often.” 

Lunch called everyone inside, where olders helped youngers navigate the meal line and open milk cartons. Little smiles mirrored bigger grins. Games of rock-paper-scissors were shared along with more laughter before the kindergarteners lined up for autographs from their favorite players.  

“I just think this sort of thing goes a long way toward developing people who understand in the long run that what you do matters,” Coach Dewey reflected, chuckling with a nod as Casey Divelbiss spoke up: “Hillyard Nation is on the rise. Here we come.”