By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

The Osceola Kowboys, like all of the county’s football programs, spent much of this summer conditioning and preparing for the upcoming season.

But, under the guidance of OHS faculty members Beth Jeffcoat and Jo Beach, many of the Kowboys took time out of their summer schedules to volunteer at Give Kids the World, the renowned charity organization based in Kissimmee that grants wishes to terminally ill children.

The players performed a variety of tasks, such as serving food, while also interacting with the young visitors and their families.

“It was a great experience, something that makes you feel good because you can see how much they enjoy it,” senior defensive back Oscar McGee said.

Kowboys Coach Doug Nichols said his players volunteered several times over the summer, and the benefits to both his players and the visitors at Give Kids the World are mutual.

“We want them to understand that it’s important to contribute something to your community, and this is a good way to do that,” Nichols said. “It’s been a great experience for them, and made them realize how lucky they really are.”

Give Kids the World provides food and lodging at its Kissimmee campus for the visiting children and their families, and provides trips to the local attractions. It tries to accommodate the wishes of each child.

Many in the Kissimmee community, like OHS graduate Jonathan Summerton, now a professional racer, have volunteered at Give Kids the World.

Jeffcoat, the team mom, said she took her sons, Heath and Luke, to Give Kids the World last Thanksgiving to volunteer. She approached Nichols after he took the head coaching job in April about having other members of the team volunteer.

“I thought it would be a good thing for the boys, and a way for them to earn their community service hours,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how many of them would sign up, but I was amazed at how many jumped at the chance.”

Jeffcoat said the Osceola players have enthusiastically embraced their volunteer work.

“We’ve been out there three times, and each time it has been great. We’ve had so much fun,” she said. “They are rock stars out there. The little kids love it when they see the boys in their uniforms, and if you could see how great the players are interacting with these kids ­– it really is amazing.”

McGee said Osceola High senior running back Defario Phillips is a huge hit at Give Kids the World because of his magic tricks.

“He really makes them laugh,” McGee said.

Phillips said his routine is a simple sleight-of-hand that makes candy “magically” appear from beneath the table.

“They can’t figure out where it comes from,” he said with a grin. “What surprises me is how the kids look up to you when you’re talking with them. They ask for your autograph. They get excited about it.”

Beth Jeffcoat said the players work hard at the charity.

“We work at the Gingerbread House, and the boys do everything. They serve, they clean the tables, they mop the floors. They’re great,” she said. “You know, Osceola High doesn’t have the richest student body, and many of our kids have faced challenges, but I think this helps them realize that things may not be as bad as it seems.”

Among the players participating are Frank Thomas, Nathan Testa, R.J. Butler, C.J. Butler, Reggie Turner, Terrance Tatume, Dan Helligar and Cody Ausherman.

Nichols said that his players are learning a sense of higher purpose, something that is overlooked when wins and losses are the measure.

“You know, we might not win a game next season, but we are good for something,” he said.