Forks and first downs: Hermiston Football enjoys team meal before kicking off season with win

By Michael LeCompte
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Hermiston football players get dinner before kicking off the season on Sept. 4

HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston High School Varsity Football team enjoyed a team meal before taking on Union, of Vancouver, Washington, in the season opener on September 4.

“It’s a blessing to do the pregame meal here at Hermiston with the nice grounds and facility,” said Hermiston Head Coach David Faaeteete. “It shows support for the team from parents, the community, and Good Shepherd. The kids really appreciate it.”

Hermiston Head Coach David Faaeteete at the Bulldogs’ team meal

Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) sponsored the pregame meal from Delish Bistro, with members of GSHCS Primary Care and Urgent Care serving players and coaches.

“As primary care providers it’s important to give back to the community and food is guidance to good health,” said Maria Holden, with GSHCS Primary Care.

Jadie Dolan, FNP with GSHCS Urgent Care (left), with Maria Holden, PA, with GSHCS Primary Care

For Jadie Dolan, FNP, with GSHCS Urgent Care, showing support for healthy high school athletes was important.

“We’re used to seeing athletes after the fact for sports-related injuries,” said Dolan. “It’s great to support these high school athletes in their primes, and to let them know we’re there for them if the day ever comes when they do get injured.”

For Hermiston players, the pregame meal is a cherished tradition, building camaraderie and fostering team chemistry for the Bulldogs.

The Hermiston football team enjoys a pregame meal on Sept. 4

“It’s great to come together with some bonding and be energized before the game with a meal,” said senior Wyatt Larson, who plays Right Guard and Defensive Tackle for the Bulldogs, and who celebrated his 18th birthday at the pregame meal.

For Ulises Pena, a senior Center and Defensive Tackle for the Bulldogs, the pregame meal provided an opportunity for the team to continue to come together.

“Our expectations are high this season,” said Pena. “It’s great that we can all sit down and talk and build chemistry before the game.”

Following the pregame meal Hermiston overwhelmed Union, taking down the Titans 58-28, to start the season off with a win.

Hermiston will host a Salute to Service Night at Kennison Field on September 11, as the Bulldogs take on West Valley in the second game of the season, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.