University of Delaware football players beat the heat by helping habitat

Temperatures were pushing 100, and for some Blue Hens it probably felt like they were doing on the field training camp workouts.

These University of Delaware football players knew the work they were doing Wednesday with Habitat for Humanity-New Castle County was more important than any game. Their goal today was to clean and spruce up the backyard of a future home in Wilmington.

The team of 15 members sawed off old fencing, leveled the lawn and removed waste by the wheelbarrow. Players said that working to help the community was rewarding.

“It makes you feel great. We’re a little busy as far as football players,” said junior quarterback Tim Donnelly, the team’s backup. “We don’t get as many opportunities to work and help the community, so when we get an off-day, we get to come out here. It’s real fun.”

“This is a humbling experience,” said senior left guard Gino Gradkowski. “It makes us all feel good to help out. We’re always doing stuff as a team. Everybody’s willing to help out.”

Work today was primarily outdoors. There is still work to be done inside before it is turned over to a family.

Training at the Bob Carpenter complex will begin before you know it. While Coach K.C. Keeler didn’t help out today, Jerry Oravitz, U.D. operations was on hand to help out.

The Blue Hens, last year’s runner-up in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, finished with a 12-3 record. They will start the season on September 3, when they travel to play Navy in Annapolis.