Tracy J. Chappelle 
Cass City Football recently launched a new match day tradition called “My Shirt. Your impact. This tradition lasted for weeks 7, 8 and 9 of the regular season.
Players choose a teacher, advisor, or staff member for the week. The staff member receives their jersey and will attend the match, as the staff member has had an impact on the player whose jersey they receive. Cass City coach Scott Cuthrell said the idea actually came from his wife, volleyball coach Amy Cuthrell.
“It was actually Amy’s idea, she was looking at other schools and different techniques that inspire kids,” he said. “There’s a school in Texas that does it, and does it well. We thought it might be a good idea, we just had to figure out how we would do it. So, we did it for three weeks, of first seniors, then juniors, then freshmen and sophomores. We told the kids two weeks before you find someone who has made a difference in your life at school. ‘they be recognized, to tell them what inspired you to give them your jersey and come to the game. The four seniors who made it had a tremendous response from teachers and counselors. Every person was grateful , that made his day, his week. Hearing something positive from the student-athletes was a great response. “
Cuthrell also said there may be adjustments to the program going forward, to improve it.
“At the Texas school, impact jerseys are all worn during a game,” he said. “We didn’t want two players to choose the same person. It means a lot to whoever receives the shirt.”
In week 7, four senior football players (Jordan Mester, Lance Swiderski, Ayden Torres and Connor Herford) selected and surprised a faculty member who had an impact on them and asked that person to wear their uniform throughout the school day. Ms. Heather Middleton, Ms. Danielle Laming, Ms. Tessa Cambell and Ms. Christin Hempton were surprised and excited by the gratitude and appreciation the players showed with this surprise recognition.
“The coach explained the idea and I really thought it was great,” Swiderski said. “I know those who wore the jerseys really liked it. Ms. Laming is such a kind woman who will help you with anything.
Swiderski chose Laming as a teacher who made an impact.
“I was pleasantly surprised. It was unexpected and instantly warmed my heart, ”she said.
Jordan Mester knew who he was going to give his jersey to once he presented the idea.
“I thought it was pretty cool,” he said. “Ms. Middleton, my agriculture teacher, respects her students and always has a positive attitude in the classroom. She makes school fun.
Middleton thought it was an honor of humility that Mester gave him his jersey.
“As educators, we are told how we have a significant impact on the journey of our students throughout their lives, but not much is said about the impact of these students on our lives,” said she declared. “Being invited to wear the jersey has affected me greatly, and I will never forget how honored I was to be invited.”
Torres chose Campbell, the Cass City high school counselor, as his impact staff member.
“It was an honor as a staff member to be recognized by a student for having made an impact,” said Campbell. “We are working in school systems to help have a positive impact on the younger generation. It’s the type of recognition that affirms the work we do every day.
Connor Herford chose to recognize Hempton.
“It was nice to recognize Ms. Hempton for the work she did to help me in college and prepare for my future,” he said.
Hempton was honored with his selection.
“Connor is such a hardworking, kind and humble kid with a bright future,” she said. “I am so honored to work with him and be a part of his journey.”
In the final two weeks of the regular season, the Redhawks once again honored teachers and counselors who have impacted their lives. Cuthrell and the team seek to carry on the tradition.
