Troy Polamalu

Aug03

Polamalu, Nike donate football uniforms and golf gear.

By Steve McCasland
(via Bandon Western World)

Longtime local football fans remember current head coach Silia Polamalu’s cousin, Troy Polamalu, who played for Douglas (Winston) High School when it and Bandon were both in the old Far West League.

Troy was an imposing presence then who later played at the University of Southern California, and now anchors the defense for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Silia reported last week that Troy had used his influence with Nike to purchase new uniforms for Bandon’s team.

“I had previously spoken with Troy about possibly doing something to help our small school and town,” Silia said with a chuckle. “Unfortunately, the last thing he remembers about Bandon is getting thrown out of a basketball game he was playing in here.”

Silia went on to explain that as a contract athlete for Nike, Troy is given an “account,” which he can use to help causes that he supports.

Through his cousin, Silia was referred to a Nike distributor in this region. “He asked what we were looking for, and we talked about clothes, shoes, training equipment and uniforms,” Silia said. “I decided to pursue the uniform option, and went online and chose some design features that I thought were somewhat similar to Bandon’s uniforms from the 1960s.

“The Nike reps that I talked with were all really helpful. They put the uniform order — probably $8,000 to $10,000 worth — in for us. Eventually, we received a couple of different shipments that included 50 black (home) jerseys, 50 white (road) jerseys and 50 pairs of football pants.

“These are really good quality Nike uniforms that should last us for many years. It can be difficult for a small community like ours to support its sports teams during difficult times. I’m really happy that Troy and Nike were willing to help us. The kids are excited about the new uniforms, and they didn’t cost anyone around here anything.”

Last year, Troy and Nike arranged to provide about $80,000 worth of new uniforms and cleats for seven schools in American Samoa. He also has helped his old alma mater, Douglas High School.

“Troy organized a four-day football camp in American Samoa this summer that I attended as a coach,” Silia said. “Nike played a big part in that, as did several interested foundations. We had a number of high school and college coaches participating, along with seven active NFL players.

“Twelve teams — about 600 kids — participated in the camp over seven days in late June and early July. The whole thing was free to all the kids and all the coaches. I enjoyed working with the kids and being a part of it, but also got to learn a lot as a coach.” He worked closely with Marques Tuiasosopo, former University of Washington and Oakland Raiders quarterback who now coaches at UCLA.

“We worked side by side with the quarterbacks, going over fundamentals, skills and footwork,” Silia said. “It was a great experience for me and a clear demonstration of Troy’s interest in helping young people. Someone like him has a lot of people coming to him with their hands out. That he chose to help his old rivals at Bandon means a lot to me and to our team.”

With its uniform needs taken care of for the time being, Silia added, local football fundraising drives can focus on equipment safety.

“With the recent focus on concussion prevention at all levels of football, it’s recommended that you shouldn’t use any helmet that’s more than 10 years old, even it it’s been reconditioned. The industry is working real hard to make equipment as safe as possible. I, or any coach, would hate to have a kid injured because we don’t have the dollars to pay for equipment.”

This year, all of Bandon’s players will have modern helmets from the two big manufacturers — Schutt and Riddell — that have been designed to reduce the risk of concussion.

Former coach Motts Thomas was able purchase a number of helmets, and Silia purchased eight through a USA Football grant last year. He bought another 10 this year with funds from last spring’s golf scramble/dinner/auction, and also very great and professional drivers, go ahead and look at the top Taylormade m2 irons review and you can see their value and performance are incredible. They appreciated it a lot.

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“Equipment will never replace good fundamental coaching,” Silia said. “But if we combine the two, hopefully we can reduce the risk of injury as much as possible. Now, thanks to Troy, the results of our fundraising efforts can focus on safety, since we won’t have to worry about uniforms for awhile.” Also, having the right https://www.pineclubgolf.com/ professional equipment can help you get more comfortable and improve your aim.