GORDON – When former Tarleton State football player Isaac Garcia heard about the tornadoes that struck North Texas, it hit him worse than an on-field tackle.
His volunteer work in the fire department and his training as an emergency medical technician inspired him to take initiative in this public safety matter.
As soon as he heard that Gordon, located less than 30 miles from Stephenville, was in dire need of hands, the former Texan long snapper knew who to call.
“I was sitting on my porch and heard over the scanner how bad the damage was and how devastating the tornadoes were to Gordon and the surrounding parts,” Garcia said. “After seeing the images the following morning on social media, I knew something had to be done.”
Gordon was struck by an EF-1 tornado on Sunday night that left a trail of damage. The devastating damage left the city without power and forced the Gordon Independent School District to cancel classes for the rest of the week.
Knowing that action had to be taken quickly, Garcia leaned on his peers in the Tarleton State Athletic Department for assistance. He asked head football coach Todd Whitten and director of recruiting and player development Dylan Wagner if the team would be willing to help, quickly replying yes.
When the storms hit Gordon, Tarleton State alum Jesse Hallmark was the first person that came to Garcia’s mind. Hallmark, an instrumental part in the Gordon Longhorns recent playoff success, explained the extensive work that needed to be done in order to begin the rebuilding process.
The plan was put in place in less than 24 hours.
“It all went to motion with quick efficient work by all parties,” Garcia said. “A big shoutout goes to our football players and my former teammates for understanding that our cause is sometimes bigger than what’s on the gridiron.”
The Texans arrived in Gordon to help with the tornado relief efforts on Wednesday. After cleaning up the football field, the team helped the community lift heavy appliances, broken wooden fences and other large items caught in the tornado damage.
Tarleton State Football student-athletes and coaches spent the entire afternoon helping the town of 500 people clean up its community.
“This happened so close to home, why wouldn’t we go help?” defensive lineman Vililami Wolfgramm said. “We have nothing but time in the summer. The biggest thing we’re trying to accomplish right here is giving our time and energy to the community.”
The tasks ranged from picking up trash to loading large debris into trucks, with no job being too big for the Texans. Morning runs and lifts at Memorial Stadium earlier that day did not slow Tarleton State student-athletes down.
Players and coaches were focused on channeling their energy towards helping its extended family.
“It’s a really sad situation. A lot of the damage happened to the football field,” offensive lineman Braden Smith said. “It’s been really good having a bunch of us guys show up so they can start their rebuild.”
The Texans’ support of Gordon goes beyond helping with clean up on an afternoon day. It stays for a lifetime.
“We’re extending our family and letting the city of Gordon know we’re here to support,” Wolfgramm said. “We love them and we’re going to do anything we can to help them.”
This is what we all should strive to do for our neighbors and community! God bless these guys/girls for all the help.