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A Big Boost Beyond Football
By Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider
October 30, 2004
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| (Photos: by the Samurai unless otherwise indicated.) |
No matter how strong or important any individual may be, there will always be a time in his or her life that a little boost may be needed. Whether it comes in the form of an encouraging word or a monetary contribution, receiving aid can go far in restoring the emotional well being or the financial worth of a person in need. When an individual experiences a traumatic experience in life, both emotions and bank account can be taxed. And that is where football booster clubs across the country, like the Jersey Shore Raiders Booster Club (JSRBC), come into play.
When the general public hears about a football booster club, it conjures up visions of a bunch of rowdy, beer-drinking hooligans wasting away a Sunday afternoon cheering for a favorite team. That such prejudicial and stereotypical thinking should pervade our society is understandable, given the poor press that football fans often receive. While members of the Jersey Shore Raiders Booster Club (JSRBC) fans enjoy their brewskis, spicy wings, and onion rings, they still have an appetite for helping out those in need. Indeed, while the members of the JSRBC make football and the Raiders an important part of their lives, they still have their priorities straight when it comes to the important things in life and giving those in need a boost, whether an organization or an individual. |
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Thus, on October 24, 2004, the JSRBC, in conjunction with B & G Sports Memorabilia, hosted an autograph signing and memorabilia sale, held at Bar Anticipation (Bar A), located in Belmar, New Jersey, with a portion of the proceeds going to ALS research. The JSRBC also held a touching tribute to local hero Alan Sherman. |
| ALS is one of the national charities that the JSRBC has adopted. Raider legends S Jack Tatum, OL Henry Lawrence, P Ray Guy, LB Phil Villapiano, LB Rod Martin, TE Todd Christensen, and DL Otis Sistrunk were on hand to greet fans, pose for photos, and sign pictures and Raider artifacts, showing their support for ALS research. |
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ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), "a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles." Motor neuron diseases are defined by the "gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons." |
| Found in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord, these nerve cells function as the directing units and the crucial communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord and to the body muscles. When ALS brings about the degeneration or death of the motor neurons, the muscles are unable to receive messages from the neurons. |
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Therefore, the muscles stop working, gradually atrophy, and die. Sooner or later, the brain fails to initiate or control voluntary action of the muscles.
When crucial diaphragm and chest muscle cease to function, afflicted individuals are unable to breath without a support system. The majority of patients expire because of respiratory failure, some three to five years after the symptoms begin.1
The need for more research is indeed apparent. Thus, ALS researchers are striving to comprehend what factors set off certain motor neurons to degenerate, and to discover efficient means to stifle or, at least, retard the progression, which ultimately results in cell death. Detoxification therapy, which attempts to cleanse the neurons of certain fats that might affect the function of the neurons, and stem-cell therapy, which might regenerate cells, could both be avenues that need to be explored. |
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"There are new things constantly being researched and learned about, especially ALS," Chie Smith, wife of ALS—afflicted Steve Smith, former Raiders fullback, explained to this writer back in June. "And I think you just have to constantly be open to that and always have a positive attitude if you can, somehow, somewhere." |
Theresa Ausiello, who organized the affair for B & G Sports Memorabilia, explained why her group takes an active role in doing charitable events: "It needs to be something that's out there. There's so many fans that love to buy sports memorabilia for themselves. And I think if they know that it goes to a function in which one of their own—people that they love and enjoy to watch—has been stricken with something, I think that a lot more people would be out here to support that gentleman and any other teammate or any other illness or affair. And that's why we’re doing it; we want them to know it." It's sad to see a strong healthy man, like Steve Smith, debilitate from ALS, so it's the least we can do, she added.
While the JSRBC is involved with national health issues, such as ALS, they have not lost sight of those in the local community who have suffered a tragedy of a different nature. Thus, the concerned group also conducted a benefit for a fallen comrade, Marine Sergeant Alan Sherman from Ocean Township, NJ, who lost his life in Iraq. Sherman, 36, was assigned to the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Marine Corps Reserve, Folsom, Pa. On June 29 of this year, while on his second tour of duty in the Middle East, Sherman, along with four comrades, was traveling in an area southeast of Baghdad when the Humvee in which the detachment was traveling was struck by a roadside bomb. Sherman and two of his comrades were killed in the blast, while the other two marines were wounded as a result of the explosion.2 |
Bayonne resident Tom Grieb, who served with Sherman, solemnly presented his sentiments: "A great man, great family man, loved his family, loved his children. I miss him. I wish he was back. But he's in a better place. God bless him. God rest his soul."
Along with the fans, friends, and families, the Raider legends also participated in the memorial to the local fallen hero and the fundraiser for Sherman, which raised over $2300. |
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With the donations collected from a 50/50 drawing and a raffle, featuring merchandise donated by 95.9 WRAT, Miller Lite, Bar A, and members of the booster club, the JSRBC intends to erect, in a local park near Sherman's home, a memorial comprised of a flagpole, and enhanced by a plaque surrounded by flowers and lights. The dedication will be held sometime this coming spring. |
| Sherman's ex-wife, Dolores, was deeply affected by the event. "It's overwhelming," she said somberly. "But I'm glad people feel the need to honor someone who did so much." There was not much she could truly say other than "thank you" to those who wanted in their own small way to share in the family's time of need. "It's really awesome that people just fell out of their way... it's very overwhelming, and every time I turn around, there’s something else," Dolores noted. |
In reference to the bad rap that the Raiders and the fans get, Dolores Sherman was outspoken: "Yes, it is, actually. But you know what? Everybody here has been absolutely wonderful to my boys and to me today [including the Raider legends]. And I just want to thank everybody for being so generous and awesome."
Many of the fans, too, expressed their support for the event and their disdain for the bad reputation of their team and fans. |
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Mike Scaramuzzo, who came down from Staten Island to attend the event, gave his perspective on the way the Raiders stick together and support worthy causes: "All Oakland Raider fans and especially ex-players who come to support the team long after their playing years are over. And they are still united with the team as a family. They never leave the Raiders, for once you leave the Raiders, you always come back for benefits, raising money for people, for children in need. And that just goes to show you it's not just about football; it's also about family." |
| Barbara Scaramuzzo, Mike's wife, was not originally a football fan, but eventually was won over because of Mike. And learned to love the game, as she definitively pointed out: "I love the game, and I love the Raiders." She also learned to love the concept of a booster club: "Charity work is very good because when you have, you should be able to give it back." |
| Jeff Whitaker, a member of a Michigan-based Raiders Booster Club, drove 18 hours to attend the event and to demonstrate the fire within the fans. "That's a good thing to do: have charities and get people and get the young kids involved in it, and just keep it going." |
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Shelby Peters, a bartender at Bar A who covers the Raiders fans room, dispelled the negative image of the fans. "I find the fans to be extremely loyal, extremely loyal. They treat me like a lady and always have. They're always very, very, very respectful of me." In fact, Shelby does not feel like a worker, but more "like a daughter most of the time." They even give her 50/50 tickets "just for putting up with them," she said, laughing, "but really, it's no hassle. It's my favorite shift." |
| Johnny B, one of the managers at Bar A, has seen many fans as part of his job. "Raider fans get a bad rap," he agreed. "The Raider fans that come in here are just like any football fans that come in here. They get rowdy, just like normal football fans. They support their team just like other football fans. They may be a little bit more animated than the next. That's just what a pure fan is. Fan is short for a 'fanatic.' Raider fans are fanatics about the Raiders. |
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The Alan Sherman thing, it gives you a sense of warmth that somebody that can be so 'oomph' about a team can also be so full of heart about somebody that was lost," Johnny O concluded.
Gary Brown, president of the JSRBC, explained the group's 'oomph' and its involvement and dedication to charitable events and to community service. "Because part of what goes on with a booster club is you actually adopt charities to work with the community to enhance the image of the Raiders. We have a couple that are dear to our heart, but the one we did today was, I think, dear to every American's heart... and unfortunately is something we had to do because of a loss of life of a friend from the area, Alan Sherman. Having the marines from his unit, his sergeant who was there when he passed away, and having Henry Lawrence sing "God Bless America" was awesome in tribute to him."
Brown went on to explain how Reggie Hyde, the owner of Bar A came up very quietly during all this fund raising and gave a handsome donation, one that brought tears to a few of the members of the JSRBC who witnessed the present. It was a quiet gesture that was not advertised or announced to those at the benefit. |
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"Aside from what goes on the field [the Raiders losing] making my eyes tear, I was pretty welled up with that, having the owner of this bar come over." He didn't want anyone else to know, Brown noted, but Hyde merely said, "I hope this helps."
Aside from his generous donation, Hyde is always there to support the Raiders booster club by making his establishment available for their benefits and functions. |
| Sherman was not a Raiders fan or a member of the JSRBC, and neither were his family members. He was, however, a close friend of Tim and Terri Russell, who helped with the benefit. After seeing the response of the JSRBC and the way Raider legends related to the Sherman boys, Brown noted, "as far as being Raider fans, his family and friends are now." |
| Brown summarized his feelings toward the legends: "I can't speak enough about how the Raider alumni wanted to personally go up, be with the kids, take pictures with the kids. And you know what ? I heard fans from other teams say how jealous they were that they never have a chance to meet their favorite players, let alone see how nice they are with everybody. So, I was pretty proud of that." |
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Former Raider linebacker Villapiano reinforced that feeling of pride: "We're down here at Bar A, which is a wonderful thing... The people here... make us feel as if we’re at home. Guys come from everywhere." It wasn’t just the Jersey crowd that supported the event. Fans came from Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, upstate New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland to support ALS and honor Alan Sherman. "It's just a wonderful thing that everybody's here and we’re celebrating a little Raider thing and a little give back, a little give back today." |
Although the Raider legends are truly some of the toughest guys you will ever meet, their burly image can’t conceal neither their tender side nor their sense of responsibility to the community. "Every one of us is pretty much the same type of people, and we all appreciated how far we went and how lucky we were to get there, and that's the key thing," Villapiano explained. "We were lucky. Every one of us had a good coach. Every one had a lot of great things happen to us to get us into the pros. Also, we had our health, and right now this weekend, we’re giving back."
Football players also give back to the fans every Sunday by their inspirational playing. To those who knock Raider football fans fail to understand the cathartic nature of football. You see, no matter how tired these fans are, no matter what problems overwhelm them, just say two magic words—"Raiders football"—and they come to life. They can forget about the tax audit, the kids' braces, the broken-down Dodge, and a multitude of other mundane problems and concerns, and—for a few glorious hours—focus on a 19- or a 32-inch screen. They can transfer their problems to their favorite player and to their favorite team. They feel the Raiders' "thrill of victory and agony of defeat." They empathize with the Raiders' struggle to gain every bit of turf that they can. And when the players gain that precious inch or two, and when the Raiders win, it is a victory for the fans, too. Even if the Raiders lose, the fans admire the courage and never-surrender spirit of their team. And in their own small way, after the game is over, the fans are inspired to exhibit the same tenacity as they tackle the problems of their personal lives. |
| That same spirit is displayed by the efforts to boost the lives of those who are in dire need of a lift. The benefit for ALS and for Alan Sherman demonstrated unequivocally that, although the members of the JSRBC are dedicated to supporting their Raiders, they are, most importantly, committed to helping those in need—a big boost that goes well beyond football. |
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Copyright © 2004 Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider
All rights reserved.
Permission to link to this story is granted; however, no part of this story or any of the photos may be reproduced for commercial purposes without the written permission of the writer. For permission to reproduce this story, contact Paul Turse: SamuraiRaider@comcast.net
"Commitment to Acceptance"
An Article by Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider
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