Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – San Bernardino County Sheriffs and Supervisor Curt Hagman turned out to be a great defense for Diamond Bar’s Pop Warner Football team during its weekly Monday Night Football fundraiser Nov. 16 at Pacific Fish Grill in Chino Hills.

Assistant Coach Deon Edwards said the event was also an opportunity for the kids to discover how cool it is to be a Sheriff and help build a positive relationship with community leaders.

The 16 young players – ages seven and eight – had their share of defeat. At the start of the season, they had gone through three coaches and lost every game often playing against teams twice their physical size.

So the team and families pulled from their resources and worked to rebuild morale and stay motivated.

“These kids are truly resilient and have gone through so much,” Edwards said. “At one point, we even had the dads help out coaching during the season.”

Local businesses poured out their support. At Monday’s event, Red Dragon Karate of Diamond Bar gave each player and their siblings a certificate for 2 weeks free classes. Sheriff’s gave goody bags. Pacific Fish Grill gave the kid’s meal certificates for some fresh and healthy food. Supervisor Curt Hagman gave Certificates of Recognition to each player for their hard work and dedication.

Pacific Fish Grill heard about what the team was going through and decided to donate 20 percent from all receipts during Monday Night Football each week to help the kids afford a team party, lifting their spirits and give them a place to come together and watch the game, Edwards said.

San Bernardino County Lt. Sheriff Dave Phelps also heard about the team and gathered a few Sheriff Deputies to spend some time with the young players and encourage them.

“Deon and I teamed up and decided to reach out to our local communities in seeking some help to fundraise for our team,” Priscilla Gibbs, the team’s photographer said. “We were both eager to share our team’s experience. These kids have worked so hard.”

The boys and team of supporters intend to continue sharing their story of resilience and dedication as well as motivate the young players.

“The kids will remember this day with a smile for the rest of their lives,” Edwards said.