By Zac Nicholson – Special to the Sydenham Current
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the world’s largest sporting events – The Super Bowl – the NFL handed out golden footballs to the high schools of former players and coaches who participated in the big game.
Wallaceburg District Secondary School was on the list because local NFL kicker Shaun Suisham and his Pittsburgh Steelers made the trip back in 2011.
The NFL contacted WDSS principal Rob Lee and told him they would receive it before Super Bowl 50, much to the delight of WDSS football coach Rob MacLachlan.
“I was kind of anxious because we hadn’t got it,” MacLachlan said.
“But we did get it the week of the Super Bowl, which was pretty cool.”
The program was designed as part of the nationwide Super Bowl 50 celebration.
The NFL started the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll program to acknowledge schools and communities that have directly influenced Super Bowl history and impacted the game for the better.
Over 2,000 high schools from all over the world received the golden ball.
California tops the list with 296 footballs being mailed throughout the state.
A total of 15 Canadian high schools were honored including WDSS and Villanova in Windsor, the former school of ex-Essex Raven and current Seattle Seahawks player, Luke Willson.
“Not a lot of schools received these footballs,” MacLachlan said.
“It certainly was a proud moment. We are looking to build a display case when you come in our big gym. It is a very good thing for this school and community.”
