Southern High football players honor teachers who inspire them

All year long, Southern High School football players have been giving their “away” jerseys to teachers who have made a difference in their lives.

By Toni Konz-Tatman | JCPS Communications

It started with the first home football game of the 2017-18 season on Aug. 18.

“I think they were surprised or even a little confused at first,” said Mike Gossett, the head football coach and a teacher at Southern. “But then when they started thinking about it, thinking about someone who has made an impact in their life, a lot of them instantly had a teacher in mind who they wanted to give their jersey too.” 

football play jersey teacher

All season long, the players have worn their jersey to school on game days – and brought another jersey for a teacher. 

“When I first came to school here, he was one of the first teachers I talked to,” said Marc Gartner, a senior and the team’s quarterback, who has given his jersey to Kirk Latsha, a physical education teacher. “He was in the Army and I respect him for that … and it makes me feel like I can respect him by giving him my jersey on game days.”

Latsha remembers the day Gartner approached him in the gym with his game jersey.

“I was extremely flattered," Latsha said. "He is a great kid and a great student. It’s an honor.”

Tyler Edwards, a junior, has given his jersey each week to his wrestling coach, JD Tatman.

"That first week, I think he was more excited than me," Edwards said. "He smiled, the look on his face just kind of warmed my heart. It made me happy to give him my jersey because he is somebody who has changed my life. He's somebody I inspire to be like."

Edwards added: "He's changed my life the most and I appreciate that."

Cynthia Santiago, a Spanish teacher, has been wearing Markel Braden's jersey. He says he chose her because she "pushes me to be a better student athlete."

"It makes me feel really good to hear him say that he's learned a lot from me ... it's what I always try to do with each of my students," she said. "I've also learned a lot from Markel. It’s been a pleasure being his teacher."

English teacher Emilie Blanton has been the recipient of a couple of jerseys on game days.

"The first day I got a jersey, I was honestly surprised," she said. "I received jerseys from two kids and I had no idea they'd choose me to be the teacher to wear their jersey. It's been a great experience to see all of the teachers sporting our kids' jerseys."

Gossett says he got the idea from Dan Leasor when the two coached together at Bullitt Central High School.

"I'm really proud of my guys, it has been great to sit back and watch it take place," he said. "Many of the teachers will come to the football game, still wearing their jersey. The kids love to see that."

Blanton says it has brought a lot of smiles to the classrooms and hallways.

"I love asking the teachers 'who' they are wearing every game day," she said. "I spend so much time in my room, it's great seeing the relationships my colleagues have formed. I love the jersey tradition, I hope we continue to do it next year."

PHOTO GALLERY | Southern High football players with teachers

high school football players with teachers

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