Oregon City HS football team starts Fridays with elementary school visits

OREGON CITY, Ore. (KPTV) - Friday mornings have become more exciting at Oregon City elementary schools over the last couple years, thanks to visits from the high school football team.

For the last three football seasons, Oregon City High School football players have started their Fridays by greeting elementary students as they get off buses at schools like Redland Elementary.

“Other teams are sleeping in while we are giving back to the kids,” said Kyle Jacobs, senior middle linebacker.

The program started in 2023 and was spearheaded by head football coach Aaron Skinner.

“Just teaching our young men that they can have a positive impact on people through simple acts of kindness,” Skinner said.

Program expands beyond football team

The visits have been popular with students, prompting other high school teams and programs to join. The volleyball team and marching band now participate in the Friday morning visits.

“A couple weeks ago we had a little girl, who stole her mom’s phone to FaceTime one of our students at our high school to ask what number the tall player was cause he gave her the best day ever,” Skinner said.

Skinner said the program helps build community connections and encourages younger students to envision themselves at the high school.

“I am trying to sell the idea and emphasize how important community is here, and playing high school sports with your best friend that you grew up with,” he said. “So we are trying to plant the seed early and have these young people in our community envision themselves at our high school.”

Players motivated by community support

The energy from the elementary visits carries through to game day for the football team.

“I know the team loves to play for ourselves, but we also play for everyone else, and the community and we go out there and do the best we can and do the best for the kids,” said Tristan Waage, senior running back and outside linebacker. “We want to put on a show.”

Jacobs said the Friday morning visits consistently brighten his day.

“Just seeing all the kids getting off the bus and having a big smile on their face,” he said. “What we learned is that it’s always good to give back and it can make a positive impact on anyone and everyone.”

Skinner said every visit has been positive.

“I haven’t been to a school yet where I’ve had a bad Friday morning,” he said. “All the kids coming out, with smiles on their faces. I love it. Every Friday morning is a good morning. It’s game day and I get to see all these kids, happy that we are here.”