NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – The New Bern Rotary Club hosted its third annual Pigskin event at the New Bern Shrine Club on Tuesday evening.
Family, friends, and community leaders gathered to show their support, prepare for the upcoming football season, and raise money for the high school football teams in Craven and Pamlico counties.
“All the money raised here [for the event] through sponsorships and ticket sales gets divided among the four high schools; Pamlico, West Craven, New Bern, and Havelock. 100 percent of the proceeds goes to their athletic programs,” says committee event member Walt Crayton.
While many of the football teams present at the event are rivals, one football player says that the event goes beyond football and is a way to bond.
“It’s just getting to know the whole county and showing that we’re not divided. Even though we’re rivals; Havelock, West Craven, and Pamlico, we’re still one big county. One big family,” says New Bern High School football player Karvin Magwood.
The Pigskin event was started three years ago by the New Bern Rotary Club, based on an idea by Stephen Clayton, who is also a high school official. The event was created to showcase their love for football and to celebrate the tradition that football holds in the county, as stated by Crayton.
“Here in the 252, We have a strong football tradition in this part of the state and especially here in Craven-Pamlico county. I think that every one of these four high schools has played for state championships in the last 10-15 years,” says Crayton.
August 1st signifies the first day of official practice for high school football players. On this day, players are permitted to practice with their full pads and helmets.