"I hope the message travels:" Rivalry high schools sport all red to support ALS
BROOKFIELD -- Friday night high school football games are very meaningful to students. But not necessarily for the reasons you'd think. We're seeing time and time again, kids cheering for opposite teams and coming together for a greater cause.
With the high school football playoff nearing, rivals Marquette University High and Brookfield East High are facing off on the field. But once again, high school students in Southeast Wisconsin are coming together off the field despite their rooting interests on it.
ALS red out
"It's crazy, there's a lot of people going to be here tonight," said Jack Barczak, Marquette High School senior.
"We decided to do a red out for ALS awareness. Both sides, Brookfield East side and the Marquette side, we're both doing a red out," said Nick Bevington, Marquette High School Senior.
Nick Bevington came up with the idea in a way to raise awareness and support the fight against ALS because it's something personal to him and his family.
"My grandpa has been battling ALS for six years now. He was a basketball coach back in the day and when he was diagnosed it hurt our family pretty bad. We weren't expecting it, much like anyone else who battles ALS. It hit us pretty hard," said Bevington.
As fellow students, like Marquette senior Jack Barczak, join the fight by sporting red, shirts are thrown into the crowd during the the game as another way to remind people of the fight for a cure.
ALS red out
Also, the world famous ice bucket challenge is part of the halftime festivities.
ALS challenge
Getting both schools involved isn't always an easy process, but with social media, the word of a red out traveled wide and far.
Even though the game only lasts a couple of hours, Friday night's message is one they hope lasts until a cure for ALS is found.
"I hope the message travels goes on beyond the final buzzer tonight and that people really take it home with them," said Barczak.
And that message will continue with a walk for ALS this weekend. If you'd like to learn more on how to help fight ALS, CLICK HERE.