Mercer Island High School’s football players are on top of their community service game.

During the Islanders’ Aug. 1 volunteering event at the YMCA University branch in Seattle, facility leader Jonathan Arevalo was grateful and ultra-impressed with the 35 players’ landscaping and cleaning skills along with their packing of hygiene kits for residents in need.

Head coach DJ Mims joined the players in completing their vital tasks over an efficient three-hour period. Arevalo marveled at the locals’ work ethic, noting that it would have taken the organization six weeks to complete that job.

Football practices don’t commence until Aug. 21, but the players are already making a positive impact together off the field.

“These activities not only benefited the community but also fostered a sense of teamwork and responsibility among the players. Glad we were able to come together for a great cause,” said Mims.

Senior gridiron guy Joe Shleifer said it was a rewarding experience to connect with his teammates, give back to the community and see a project through from start to finish.

“Not only do we get to help out, but we also get to bond as a team, making us a stronger unit both on and off the field,” he said.

Mercer Island Football Booster Club President Scott Rockfeld said the Ellen Kuo-led effort included the booster club volunteer reaching out to a YMCA contact and getting the ball rolling from there. The YMCA was vastly supportive of the Islanders’ involvement in the event.

“We are so proud of our boys who recognized the impact they can have when they work together,” Rockfeld said of the work that has become a crucial element of the football program while developing the whole child throughout their entire sport experience.

Kuo praised the YMCA for welcoming the players and identifying mission-focused and group-appropriate projects for them to tackle that day.

“Our goal is to inspire our kids by showcasing the leadership, inclusion and commitment that will lead to success, both on and off the field,” she said.

Mims said the gridiron program members have run youth football camps and volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club and he wanted to schedule a summer community service event.

“It was a good time to get this rolling because we are trying to establish a culture where we represent not only the football program but the school as well,” Mims said.

Mims and Rockfeld said the program plans on participating in further community service events. Shleifer added that the enthusiastic players were on board with the event and many of them are expanding on their year-round volunteerism through various organizations.

“The parents loved seeing their sons learning something more than just running and tackling,” Rockfeld said.

Following the event, the crew gathered at Clarke Beach for a barbecue to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work, Shleifer said.

In about two weeks, the Islanders will begin their gridiron work in earnest with practices to prepare for their opening non-conference matchup against Lincoln (Seattle) at 5 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle.

“The team is super fired up to kick off another great season. This project definitely honed in the team dynamic and brought us closer together, which will be great for the season,” Shleifer said.

Added Mims on translating the service event duties to the field action: “Learning how to work together and communicate in work settings knocking our various tasks will carry over to the field and these guys will be able to rely on their teammates next to them.”

Mercer Island High School freshmen football players Riley Anderson, Chip Dubois, Kianoa Brown and Thiago Siguenza participate in a community service event on Aug. 1 at the YMCA University branch in Seattle. Photo courtesy of Linda Kercher