The IFCA Good Works Team is a special initiative to recognize the outstanding service of Indiana high school football players, managers,
and entire teams. This program celebrates those who embody the values of leadership, compassion, and commitment to their
communities through service.
1st Team Player and Program Award Winners
Luke Alberts from Park Tudor High School (1st Team)
Luke Alberts of Park Tudor High School exemplifies leadership through his work with the Emily
Strong Foundation, supporting pediatric cancer research. As founder and CEO, he has raised
over $10,000, inspired by his sister Emily’s battle with cancer. Luke’s innovative fundraising,
including an art show featuring local artists, has raised funds and awareness, fostering
community engagement. Through corporate sponsorships and peer-to-peer fundraising, he
expands the foundation’s impact. Luke’s dedication honors his sister’s legacy and provides
hope to affected families, showcasing how student-athletes can lead meaningful change.
Ellis Dumas, Andrean High School (1st Team)
Ellis Dumas of Andrean High School demonstrates exceptional leadership and service. He
serves as Youth Pastor and Youth Director at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and is
President of Jack and Jill of America (Gary/Northwest Indiana Chapter). Ellis has held key roles
as Vice President of the Gary NAACP Youth and College Division and participated in national
ACT-SO events. He is also involved in the Young Adults Really Care program, Andrean’s
Student Ambassador, and has spoken at Purdue University and the Indiana State House,
showcasing his dedication to community service and leadership.
Sam Spolyar of Brebeuf Jesuit High School (1st Team)
Sam Spolyar of Brebeuf Jesuit High School founded the Sports Service Club, which collects and
donates sporting goods to local organizations in need of equipment. In its second year, the club
has successfully donated to a dozen clubs and programs, making a significant impact in the
community. Sam’s leadership has been pivotal in the club’s rapid growth, as it continues to
expand each month. By providing essential sports gear to underserved groups, Sam is fostering
inclusion and helping young athletes access the resources they need to succeed. His dedication
to service makes him a strong leader in his community.
Ben Riva and Daequan Viverette of Lafayette Jeff High School (1st Team)
Ben Riva and Daequan Viverette of Lafayette Jeff High School are outstanding examples of
leadership and community service. Daequan, a member of the team leadership council, played
a key role in organizing and participating in the team’s community service projects. Both Ben
and Daequan volunteered monthly at the local Boys and Girls Club, where they mentored
elementary school students in their district. Their dedication to helping others and their
involvement in fostering positive relationships with young people highlights their commitment to
service and making a lasting impact on their community.
Cooper Ross, Wyatt Small, and Lucas Thomas of Providence Catholic High School (1st Team)
Cooper Ross, Wyatt Small, and Lucas Thomas of Providence Catholic High School have
exemplified dedication to service throughout their high school careers. They have collectively
participated in the Polar Plunge for five years, raising funds for the Special Olympics Kentucky
while engaging their friends in the cause. Their service includes over 40 hours of community
work, volunteering at the Parkwood Autism Awareness Fair, helping at St. Paul Episcopal
Church’s soup kitchen, and supporting the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Family Picnics.
Additionally, they contribute to local football programs and honor veterans through the
Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Westfield High School football team (1st Team)
Westfield High School’s football team, with over 220 players, is deeply committed to community
service. Their efforts include participating in Robbie’s Hope Run for mental health awareness,
assisting with prom setup and cleanup, volunteering with Miracle League, and organizing blood
drives. They collected school supplies in the “Stuff the Bus” campaign, supported the SMA Cure
Walk and Rock the Block events, and engaged with fans at the Indianapolis Colts Training
Camp. The team raised funds for Riley Children’s Hospital and plans to make Christmas cards
for seniors. Their dedication to service highlights their compassion, teamwork, and community
spirit.
NorthWood Football Team (1st Team)
The NorthWood High School football team exemplifies the IFCA Good Works Team’s values
through their extensive community service. They engaged the community at the Maple Syrup
Festival, hosted a blood drive with the Indianapolis Colts, and supported the NorthWood Youth
Football League Apple Festival by managing booths and engaging young fans. Their
participation in the Miracle on Main Parade spread holiday cheer, while their summer work with
the Family Christian Development Center’s Community Garden provided food for those in need.
Additionally, nine players mentored local elementary students through the Panther Pals
program. Their commitment to service and community impact makes them an exemplary
candidate for the IFCA Good Works Team.
Danville Football Team (1st Team)
The Danville Football Senior Class led a multi-day classroom clean-up and move at a local
elementary school, saving teachers valuable time. They also organized a trash pick-up along
US-136, hosted a trick-or-treat event, and a Holiday Huddle, where they mentored younger
students through football drills and holiday activities.
Hobart Football Team (1st Team)
In 2024, the Hobart Brickies Football team dedicated nearly 55 hours to community service.
Their efforts included Market Clean-Up, serving as ball boys at the Southshore Crossroads
Bowl, multiple food pantry deliveries, MRC Breakfasts for retirees, assisting at the Brickyard
Run, hosting Moms for Football, and participating in a West Side Community Clean-Up.
Martinsville Football Team (1st Team)
The Martinsville Football Team showcased their commitment to community service through two
key events. They dedicated a Saturday to helping build a house with Martinsville Habitat for
Humanity. Additionally, they volunteered as hosts for the Morgan County Unified Track Meet,
partnering with special needs students to support them throughout the event.
Covington Football Team (1st Team)
The Covington Trojans Football team participated in numerous community service activities this
season. They helped water flowers in the downtown square, assisted with a moving truck,
volunteered at a local church for a youth camp and back-to-school carnival, and hosted two
awareness nights focused on mental health and military service.
Honorable Mentions Players and Programs
Ryan and AJ Delgatto, Lafayette Central Catholic
Ryan and AJ Delgatto, students at Lafayette Central Catholic, exemplify leadership and
community service. Winners of the 2021 “Salt and Light Award” for family volunteerism, they
serve as altar servers and lead quarterly service projects. Their development includes attending
conferences like Steubenville and the National Eucharist Congress. AJ participates in football,
basketball, wrestling, and track, while Ryan excels in football, basketball, and track. Active in
numerous school clubs, they also lead retreats, demonstrating their commitment to faith,
service, and community.
William King, Faith Christian High School
William King, President of the Leadership Academy and Vice-President of the Senior Class at
Faith Christian High School exemplifies leadership and community service. During the
Leadership Academy’s annual “Do Good December Projects,” Will organized the assembly and
delivery of gift bags for local youth at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization. This initiative
was made possible through a partnership with Chick-fil-A, highlighting Will’s commitment to
fostering community impact. His dedication to service and leadership shows how he positively
influences those around him.
Nicky Neale of Cathedral High School
Nicky Neale of Cathedral High School is an exemplary candidate, demonstrating commitment to
both his faith and community. Notably, Nicky volunteered as the coach for the 5th/6th boys’
volleyball team at his home parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary. He also assisted with setting up
various church events. Through his Saint Andre project at school, Nicky connected his passion
for sports with the needs of his community, creating a meaningful service opportunity. What
began as an assignment turned into a true commitment, showcasing Nicky’s dedication to
service, leadership, and living out his faith in action.
Trey Schumacher, Culver Academies
Trey Schumacher of Culver Academies has demonstrated outstanding leadership and
community service. Since 2018, Trey has volunteered with the Challenger League, working with
children with various disabilities, including his close connection with Taylor Post, who has spina
bifida. Trey organized a successful fundraising event, raising $5,000 for the Challenger League,
funding equipment and accessibility improvements at a City park. He also led a “Resale for a
Cause” event that raised over $35,000 for two local women battling cancer. Additionally, Trey
founded Powerhouse Sports Closet, a nonprofit providing free sports gear to local athletes in
need.
Ty Zartman of Jimtown High School
Ty Zartman of Jimtown High School is a dedicated community servant with a strong focus on
helping others. He participated in a mission trip to Ecuador through St. Mark’s Missionary
Church, where he ran a Bible school for underprivileged teens and children with limited access
to church. Ty also contributes to the All for Alice breast cancer fundraiser, supporting those
affected by cancer. He serves in the Kids Ministry at his church every Sunday and volunteers
annually for the Jimtown High School Blood Drive. Ty’s commitment to service and his passion
for giving back make him an outstanding leader in his community.
Brownstown Central Football Team
The Brownstown Central Football team is actively engaged in community service. During
Superstars night, they collect canned goods for the FCA shed, which provides items to those in
need. They also assist with the Rock the Rind music festival by helping with stage teardown.
Every Friday, they read to local elementary school students, and annually, they host a teacher
appreciation night to honor school employees.
Carroll Flora Football Team
The Carroll (Flora) football team demonstrated community support by helping an elderly couple
move to a new home. Around 15 players volunteered after practice, coming together to assist
with the move, showcasing their commitment to serving others and positively impacting
their local community.
Columbia City Football Team
The Columbia City Football team actively participates in Read Across America Day by visiting
four local elementary schools. Players read to students in various classrooms, promoting the
importance of reading for their future education. This initiative demonstrates the team’s
commitment to encouraging academic success and fostering a love for reading.
Fairfield High School football team
The Fairfield High School football team demonstrated community spirit through two impactful
events. In October, they partnered with a local church for a Fall Clean Up, assisting elderly
widows with yard work. Additionally, 14 players volunteered for Toys for Tots, helping collect,
sort, and assemble toys for children in need across northern Indiana.
Mississinewa Football Team
The Mississinewa Football Team demonstrated their dedication to community service by
participating in We Care food drives, providing over 1,000 holiday meal boxes for families in
need in Grant County. Additionally, the players took part in community clean-ups and spread
mulch at Gas City’s City Hall, supporting local beautification efforts.
Mt. Vernon Football Team (Fortville)
From December 2023 to August 2024, the Mt. Vernon Football Team engaged in various
community service initiatives. They delivered holiday gifts to the Fortville VFW, hosted Youth
Nights for K-4 players, partnered with the Indianapolis Colts for a blood drive, and donated 24
stuffed backpacks to local schools in their district.
North Newton Football Team
Our Team has been spending time helping at the Food Bank of the Lake Village Presbyterian
Church. On the first Wednesday of every month, 6-10 volunteers from the football program
spend 3-5 hours of their day organizing the food bank. The Food Bank serves around 175
families every month, and our players’ hours are very welcomed by the older members of this
small local church.
Northridge Football Team
Over the past two years, the Northridge Football Team has honored veterans by placing flags at
graves for Memorial Day. They also support the local food pantry annually, distributing turkeys
at Thanksgiving, collecting food donations during a scrimmage, and donating toys and gifts to
needy families during Christmas.
Washington Football Team
The Washington Hatchet Football Team volunteered at Bethel Church’s annual “Bethel Mall”
event, which provides free school supplies, clothes, and shoes to local youth. The team helped
load and unload supplies and served as host guides, assisting over 1,500 children. This allowed
players to be positive role models for the community.
Plainfield Football Team
The Plainfield High School Football Program hosted its annual blood drive on July 26, 2024, in
partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana and the Indianapolis Colts. The event
encouraged football players, parents, coaches, and community members to donate blood,
impacting 15 patients. Donations included whole blood and double red cells.
South Vermillion Football Team
The South Vermillion Wildcats Football Team continued their commitment to tackling childhood
cancer with the PS We Love You Fund, raising over $10,000 through events like a Flag Football
Tournament, “Tackle Your Favorite Wildcat,” and their Carnival for a Cure. They also supported
Central Elementary’ s Garden Project, contributing to community improvement.
Tri-Central Football Team
The football team does a program called backpacks for the homeless with Doc Andrews. They
go a few times a year on Saturdays usually 4-6 times a year with Doc and pass out backpacks
to the homeless. The backpacks have supplies for the people to use. They also have a RV with
clothes, shoes, coats and a shower for them to use.