News Summary
The annual 10Tailgate season kicks off as local schools aim to tackle hunger through a food drive, fostering community spirit and competition.
KNOXVILLE, TN – The annual 10Tailgate season kicks off on August 22, 2023, bringing excitement for local high school football enthusiasts and a community initiative aimed at tackling hunger. The program will air each Friday at 4 p.m. and will highlight different East Tennessee schools leading up to their much-anticipated football matchups.
This year, a food drive titled Tackling Hunger will be organized in partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. The initiative intends to help alleviate food insecurity while also fostering school spirit and friendly competition. Each week, donations will be collected from August 18 through August 23, 2023, leading up to the featured football games.
In the opening week, the Maryville Rebels are set to face off against the Alcoa Tornadoes. Despite the start of the donation period, as of the last update, no funds or food items had been contributed to the Tackling Hunger fundraiser.
In an effort to boost participation, this season will include 22 teams in the Tackling Hunger initiative, collectively raising an impressive $19,406 and gathering 6,754 pounds of food last year. This year’s program aims to encourage schools to compete not only on the field but also for a noble cause, strengthening community ties through teamwork and generosity.
However, this year’s kickoff comes with challenges. Heavy rain and gusty winds have resulted in several high school football games being rescheduled, and both Knox County Schools and Anderson County Schools announced closures to ensure student and staff safety during the severe weather conditions.
Despite the adverse weather, WBIR cancelled its weekly 10Tailgate event but is still urging community members to contribute to the Tackling Hunger fundraiser. This commitment highlights the program’s dedication to supporting local families even amidst challenges.
Adding a unique dimension to this season, the Bearden football team has welcomed junior Aidan Wertheimer, who is autistic, to participate in their practice sessions. Known for his competitive spirit and fervent support for the Bulldogs from the sidelines, Aidan has quickly become a beloved member of the team. His inclusion reflects the program’s dedication to inclusivity and community building.
During practice, Aidan participated actively, impressively making catches and performing drills alongside team members. His growing friendships with players, especially tight end Andrew Lemons, exemplify the positive impact of fostering connections through sports. This initiative not only enriches Aidan’s experience but also embodies the values of teamwork and acceptance that underpin high school athletics.
As the 10Tailgate season opens and schools prepare for football matchups, the sense of community and the shared goal of helping those in need remain at the forefront. With the Tackling Hunger initiative, local schools are not only competing for victory on the field but are also demonstrating resilience in their commitment to support those facing food insecurity.
As the season unfolds, the community’s engagement in the Tackling Hunger fundraiser will play a crucial role in its success. Together, schools can make a significant impact, providing for those who rely on food banks while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: High School Football Schedule East Tennessee
- Google Search: High School Football Schedule East Tennessee
- WBIR: 10Tailgate Tackling Hunger
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tackling Hunger
- WBIR: Bearden Football Team Updates
- Google Scholar: High School Football
- WBIR: East Tennessee High School Football News
- Google News: East Tennessee High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
