Wolverines welcome Wounded Warrior support from Gural

When the Waverly Wolverines varsity football team hits the turf for their first home game on Sept. 8 it will be more than just about winning.

It marks the team’s first-ever Wounded Warrior Game, which will raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project by collecting donations from fans, T-shirt sales, the 50/50 raffle and other promotions.

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Wolverines paid Tioga Downs Casino a visit to thank owner Jeff Gural for his $3,500 donation to the cause.

Gural’s donation helped the team purchase the military-inspired Wounded Warrior jerseys that they wore during the press conference, and will pull on again for the Wounded Warrior Game.

Gural quipped that the last time he provided a donation to support school athletics – with Tioga Central – they won a state championship.

“There’s a lot of pressure here,” Gural said with a laugh.

“It’s such a wonderful thank-you for something that was easy for me to say ‘yes’ to, especially with the Wounded Warriors Project a part of it,” Gural added on a more serious note.

Coach Jason Miller said the Wounded Warrior Game will not only provide money for the organization, but also show players “that there are things much greater in life than what we do on the football field.”

 “He’s always been so supportive of so many organizations in the greater community,” said Miller. “On behalf of the Waverly School District, the Waverly community and the Waverly football program, we want to thank Mr. Gural.”

“It’s very nice of you to take some time and for the players to come up here. I appreciate it,” said Gural to the team. “Go win that first game.”