Clearfield High football coach Randy Johnson wants to make sure his players have permanent reminders of their state championship victory last month - $8,000 worth of rings and watches.
Johnson is spearheading a drive to raise funds for championship rings for his 35 senior players and 50 commemorative watches for the junior and sophomore players."We're not begging for money," Johnson stressed. "We're just trying to cut down on the cost. There's no way some kids can afford a ring or watch."
Johnson said he estimates it will cost $8,000 for rings and watches, items he believes will spark long-lasting memories of the team's victory, the school's first state football championship. Each ring will probably cost around $150.
Several of the Clearfield players had to be given fee waivers just to play on the team, and Johnson said there's no way they can afford a ring or watch. To be fair, he said, he and some of the parents of team members started this fund-raising campaign in early December.
Johnson admits December is an expensive time of the year for most people, and he doesn't want anyone to feel pressure to make a donation.
"If people can help, fine. If not, that's fine too," he said, indicating he's hesitant to even talk to the media about the fund drive.
So far, the drive has earned almost $4,000 and Johnson hopes to end the drive by the end of January.
The Clearfield and West Point city councils have each donated $500 and the South Weber Council chipped in $350. Syracuse City Council could not donate because of its donation policy, and Johnson said he has not yet approached the Sunset City Council.
Several businesses have also donated to the cause, including $500 from Tom Winegar's. Johnson said he also received $1,000 from a donor who wants to remain anonymous, as well as $50 here and there from various sports fans.
Johnson said it will take some time to get the rings ordered and tooled, but he might have them ready for the players by early spring if the order is sent in next month.
Enthusiasm, even a month after Clearfield defeated Bonneville 27-0 for the title, is still strong, Johnson said, and he said he feels very lucky to have coached a state championship team.
"We're proud to be able to support Clearfield High," Ernest Millgate, West Point City Council member, said after voting to donate $500.
Johnson said state championships are rare and he doesn't think he's going overboard to help the players have daily reminders they can wear.