(Continued from last page.) Babbush’s boys, Max and Sam, and Eisenberg’s girls, AJ and Sydney, helped coordinate the event by gaining support from the soccer team. Seven hundred wristbands were then distributed to attendees, as well as to soccer and football players, and when the football team ran onto the field at the start of the game, they ran through an arc formed by the soccer team, all in pink wristbands, with their arms raised. Uniformly, the players all pointed to the stands where Randy and Sophie were seated to show their support and let the Alters know this game was for them. Randy is Darcy’s husband. “It was a proud moment for those in attendance and a great way for the Beachwood High School community to support each other,” Babbush told us. “The Alters have a tough road ahead and our hope, for these few hours, was to add some additional support and meaning.” Coach Damien Creel, described as a “diamond in the rough” by Babbush, was touched by this outpouring of love. Creel, a first-year coach, said, “There is more to life than what happens on the field. One of our teammate’s mom is battling cancer and we were able to draw strength, lift up Max, and get the kids to understand that we’re playing more than a game. Things are more important than what we’re doing now.” Throughout the game, especially when the game got tough, players and coaches looked at their wrists, feeling proud of what they’re playing for. Because of the unity felt during the game, Creel had Team Alter/ Edwards t-shirts made the following week to once again bring together the community and honor both the Alter and Edwards families. Justin Edwards, a senior and varsity football player, had just lost his brother, Jason, and thoughts, prayers and love went out to both families. Then, on October 31, Brian Davis, another Beachwood parent, and Babbush met about 10 of the varsity soccer players and took Maggiano’s over to the Edwards’ home. They were all greeted with a great big hug, and Mr. Edwards shared with the boys how important it is to pick the right friends and do the right thing. He also stressed the importance of talking with and telling their parents if something is wrong. “You are all good kids and your parents will help you through, no matter how tough or bad things seem to be,” he said. This support is truly at the core or mission of what The Beachwood Boosters should strive for: Community, engagement, support and citizenship,” Babbush told us. “My hope is that we, the BHS Boosters, will continue to help, support and guide our student athletes and their families so that we can build a stronger Beachwood school community.” Although the Bison were defeated in both dedication games, Creel equates the season to building a house, saying there are seasons of digging, and building a foundation is painful. “That’s what you seniors did. Now, we will lay the bricks in our foundation. When you come back, you’re going to see how your digging paid off.” Creel and Babbush both proudly stated that these games showed the true meaning of community, support and school spirit all rolled into one. With coaches, students and parents like this, winning is defined as more than just a number on a scoreboard. Jewish Federation OF CLEVELAND MAKE AN Launch Event CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF JEWISH CLEVELAND’S NEW VOLUNTEER INITIATIVE FOR ADULTS OVER 50 You are invited featuring DICK GOLDBERG FORMER NATIONAL DIRECTOR, COMING OF AGE with panelists plus MINDY DAVIDSON, ANN FREIMUTH & ZACH PARIS LEARN ABOUT UPCOMING IMPACT! OPPORTUNITIES Thursday, January 7, 2016 · 7:00 p.m. Jewish Federation of Cleveland Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building 25701 Science Park Drive, Cleveland (kosher dietary laws observed) Dessert Reception No cost to attend For more information or to register Email shyman@jcfcleve.org Call 216-593-2887 Online www.jewishcleveland.org IMPACT! Chair: Bonnie Marks Jewish Volunteer Network Chair: Joanie Berger Board Chair: Reneé Chelm · President: Stephen H. Hoffman With coaches, students and parents like this, winning is defined as more than just a number on a scoreboard. @JewishCleveland | #jewishcleveland www.jewishcleveland.org December 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 25