Scrimmage To Benefit The Dawn Center

SPRING HILL - Real athletes don't perpetuate domestic violence.

Instead, they work to stop it, as the football team from Springstead High School in Spring Hill is doing tonight.

At 7 p.m., the team will host its annual intra-squad football scrimmage at the school's stadium. The school will donate all proceeds to the Dawn Center, Hernando County's shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Head football coach Bill Vonada explained that this is the first year the team has decided to donate the proceeds to a nonprofit organization, and that team members felt a particular desire to raise awareness about domestic violence.

"We talk a lot about using football to teach boys what it takes to become a man in the world," he said. "Unfortunately, they also see a lot in the news about domestic violence, whether it be professional athletes or public figures or (others). We just don't think that's what it's all about, and wanted to come out and make a statement about it."

The event will also include a variety of promotional activities surrounding domestic violence issues, planned by Springstead football players Jake Kelley, Zach Bailey, Mike Greco and Glenn Clarke.

"They've really been the driving force, in terms of getting the word out about this," Vonada said. "We'd just like to provide some financial support to the Dawn Center and hopefully make people aware of their needs, just by coming to the scrimmage."

Springstead football players are also planning to visit local elementary schools to talk about domestic violence issues in the fall.

Vonada said he expects a turnout of several hundred spectators.

And either way, it's sure to be a great game, he added.

"Our guys are going to play hard, we'll Gartner that," he said. "They've really been working hard these past several weeks."

Tickets for the game are $3 each.

The school's stadium is located at 3300 Mariner Boulevard in Spring Hill.