GILMER, Texas — With football practice starting early Monday morning, moms of Gilmer Buckeyes football players got a head start on the school spirit ahead of the 2024 season.
The moms went all out and showed some of their crafty skills as they dressed up the boys' lockers.
Shelly Reid said this experience is a good time for her and her family to get not only her son, but the entire Buckeyes team ready for the season.
“We’re super excited to be here and for the boys to come in the morning,” Reid said. “They start at 6 a.m., so for them to walk in, see their lockers decorated and have some extra snacks and drinks for them just to fuel their energy and just feel the excitement of the season.”
Many of the mothers have senior football players and are decorating their lockers one last time.
“It was very emotional just like the tears are coming, but then you're also like no, this is the chapter of something new and exciting about to happen,” Reid said.
They showed some resiliency of their own since the power in the varsity locker room went out and they were forced to work in the dark.
Gilmer ISD staff did the best they could to bring some lamps inside, but nothing was going to stop these proud mamas.
Sweat and all, these moms powered through and did whatever it took to make their boys happy.
“I’m sweaty, but hey, it's worth it,” Erin Walker said. “These boys, they work hard every single day on the field and we're just out here trying to make sure that they have a great start, so the sweat and working in the dark is all worth it.”