On the Front Line at the Sidelines (By Laura Duggan, Director of Marketing & Communications)

Juniors Mathew Gilby and Mason Smith didn't hesitate to step up and help out when St. Austin’s cancelled their flag football season due to Covid.

"They jumped right in and offered to coach, prepared for practice, put together a playbook, and coached against dads who had been coaching their kids for years, all while being great role models for the kids," mom Keili Smith said.

Matthew, who plays football and runs track and field at St. Michael's, and Mason, who also plays football and lacrosse, both graduated from St. Austin's in 2018. They said that they saw it as a good opportunity to give back to their former school and get their service hours.

"I remember flag football games at St. Austin’s, and they are some of my fondest memories," Matthew said. "I had never coached a team without an adult before, but knew a lot of the kids, including my sister and Mason’s brother. I knew we would have a lot of fun." 

The boys spent a couple of hours putting together the playbook and organizing practices. Together they coached one-hour practices each week and games on Sundays.

The experience was an eye-opener for Mason, who said, "I thought it would be a fun experience managing the team. I now know how hard coaching a team is and have a newfound respect for my coaches growing up."
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