Following this weekend’s game at home against Western Michigan, the Michigan State Spartans will be putting football in the backseat. Members of the team are planning to travel down to Houston next weekend to assist in helping those recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Michigan State football players will go to Houston during bye for flood relief. From @mattcharboneau —https://t.co/SCtiKsAxWC
— Detroit News Sports (@detnews_sports) September 6, 2017
Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio is working in conjunction with Lansing mayor Virg Bernero, along with other associations in the greater Lansing area, as part of the “Lansing Strong for Texas” relief campaign to aid the victims affected by the storm.
The campaign is accepting ongoing cash donations through the American Red Cross as well as items of necessity for families, including toiletries and cleaning supplies. All physical goods are being collected through Monday, September 11 (throughout various locations in the Lansing area) before Dantonio and the rest of the Spartans head out to deliver the goods.
Roughly 20 players have signed up to be a part of the travel plans to Houston for next week. Among them are sophomore wide receiver Darrell Stewart and sophomore offensive lineman Tyler Higby, both of whom are natives of Houston. MSU wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel is another member of the staff that calls Houston home, he too will be attending.
Offensive line head coach Mark Staten shared his thoughts on the team’s initiative to help in the continuing relief towards the victims.
“That’s a pretty cool deal,” offensive line coach Mark Staten said. “There are 20 guys that have signed up. Whether they’re all able to go or not is yet to be determined. But having two guys, three including Coach Samuel – just prayers go out to that and the people in Florida. It’s kind of unique and it’s what makes Americans awesome, when there’s trouble we all come together.”
Mayor Bernero also expressed his determination to help out those in the Lone Star State.
“We’ve got a heart as big as Texas here in Michigan, and we’re going to send some Metro Lansing love to the folks who have been hit hardest by these horrific floods,” Bernero said.
If you would like to donate to the Hurricane Harvey relief fund through the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, click here.
