Junior offensive lineman Jarrid Blades wants to ensure the Hobart football team continues its tradition of community involvement. This year, Blades and his teammates will tackle opponents and score touchdowns for Happiness House.

Following in the footsteps of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and its facilitators – graduates Angelo Catalano '10 and Tim Ivory '10 and current student Mike Barlow '11 – Blades began preparations for the fundraiser in early June. During the summer, he contacted Hobart Athletic Director Mike Hanna '68 and brainstormed ideas.

“Mr. Hanna was extremely helpful during this process. This is an exciting opportunity not only for us, the student-athletes, but also for the children.”

Blades, who has an aunt with Down's syndrome, said Happiness House and its goals hit close to home. “We wanted to give back to the local community this year.”

Happiness House branches span across Ontario, Seneca, Yates, and Wayne Counties. Established in 1969, the nonprofit educational, health, and human service agency has developed programs and services for children and adults that address developmental disabilities and syndromes. On average, the organization serves 1,000 families each year.

The Tackles and Touchdowns fundraiser is slated for the WPI game on Oct. 30. Local businesses and fans will have the opportunity to donate $1 for every tackle Hobart makes and $7 for every touchdown Hobart scores.  Interested contributors can also pledge a flat rate.

In the days preceding the contest, Hobart football players plan to visit Happiness House. “We'll wear our uniform and play with the kids,” Blades explained. “We'll read to them, play games with them, pretty much anything they want us to do.”

Overall, Blades hopes the service project will raise awareness and funds for Happiness House; it will also allow the Statesmen to give back.

“Angelo essentially passed the torch to me,” the political science and American studies double major said of his appointment to the fundraising effort's helm.

Last year, Statesmen student-athletes chose the WWP, a non-profit organization that helps injured U.S. military personnel upon their return home from service.

“Angelo was able to get the entire team behind the cause. I'm trying to get everyone involved as well.”

The Statesmen (2-2) will square off against Union (Oct. 9) and Merchant Marine (Oct. 23) before the WPI matchup.

Those interested in making a contribution to Happiness House may contact the Hobart Athletics Department (315.781.3565) or Jarrid Blades (jarrid.blades@hws.edu).