By Sgt. William Watson
RUSSIAVILLE, Ind. - Western High School in Russiaville, Ind., was the site of a military appreciation night during a football game against the Eastern High School Comets, Sept. 28, 2012.
The Western High School Panthers, wearing Indiana National Guard jerseys, fought their way to a victory over the Comets, 35-19, with a standing room only crowd cheering them on.
Wearing camouflaged jerseys is part of the Hometown Jersey Night program, and Western High School planned an evening that showed the pride the community has for its military services. The centerpiece of the night was the dedication of senior running back Hudson Featherstone’s monument for military service members that was built beside the football field flag pole.
“It was an honor to represent the National Guard and everything they do for us,” said Featherstone of wearing the camouflaged jerseys.
Indiana National Guard soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry headquartered in Logansport, Ind., supported this event by providing a Humvee and camouflage netting as a display and backdrop for the monument. The B Company Soldiers also answered questions about the Indiana National Guard and the display.
The Panthers stole the show as they took the field wearing the Army inspired jerseys.
“As they ran out of the tunnel, I was thinking about the talk we had with them in the locker room. How boys their age are wearing that uniform overseas right now,” said Derek Tuggle, the Panthers’ defensive lineman coach.
The Panthers players were proud to wear the special jerseys.
“We are wearing America’s away jerseys tonight,” said Drew Bellus, the Panthers quarterback.
The Indiana National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Command offered the camouflaged jerseys to high schools around the state. Teams that have worn the jerseys have a winning record, 11-2.