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Ole Brook football provides place for hurricane evacuees
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| By: TOM GOETZ |
September 26, 2005 |
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Football can be an anchor in the storm of life.
Brent Benvenutti, Tony Connetti, Randy Dixon and Matthew Mosteiro have something in common. Besides being evacuees from Hurricane Katrina, they love playing football.
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They've found a home in Brookhaven and a place on the Ole Brook football team. Since Aug. 29, when Katrina roared ashore along the Gulf Coast, their lives have changed dramatically. One of the rocks they cling to is football.
Seeking refuge from the storm, the quartet wound up in Brookhaven. Most of them found safety in area shelters. Others have family living in Brookhaven.
Connetti (5-8, 157), a sophomore running back from Bay High in Bay St. Louis, said his family's brick home was hit by a 25-foot storm surge. "There's a lot of water damage. The water picked it up and sat it back down."
Against Clinton last Friday night, Connetti had the opportunity to see some action as a runner and blocker. Benvenutti was the long snapper for extra points.
Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said the new players are adjusting to their teammates. "I think they've adapted well. They are learning what to do. They had to get back in shape a little bit. They had to learn the system."
Connetti said he was enjoying Brookhaven High School and the football team. "I like it here. It's a great football town."
He said he appreciated the support of his new teammates. "They're not worried about you taking their spot in the lineup. They encourage you."
Dixon (6-1, 260, sr.) is an offensive lineman who arrived on campus this week. His family lives on the West Bank of New Orleans where he was attending O. Perry Walker High School. His grandparents, Eddie and Arterbelle Hilliard, reside in Brookhaven.
Dixon's home suffered severe flood damage. "The ceiling in my room caved in. The wind didn't' hurt us as much as the water."
He has an uncle, Lionel Williams, who hasn't been heard from since the storm hit New Orleans. Williams lived in the ninth ward which was inundated by flood waters when the levee system broke.
"My uncle has a broken hip and he couldn't walk," said Dixon. "We haven't heard from him."
Dixon said he is enjoying the Ole Brook football team. "It's a lot different from my old school. There's a lot of dedication here."
Mosteiro (5-7, 205, fr.) is a quarterback from Chalmette, La. Like Dixon, he was concerned about Hurricane Rita, the latest threat to New Orleans.
"If there's any more flooding in New Orleans, it's gone," said Mosteiro. "We went down to see our house and it was still standing but nothing much was left inside.
"The only door left was a closet door. The walls are down and the carpet is all up."
Mosteiro and his family are staying at the St. James M.B. shelter. He's enjoying BHS.
"The school is totally different," said Mosteiro. "We didn't have five buildings at Chalmette; just one and the gymnasium. It doesn't seem like a public school because you can get a lot of help from teachers and the people."
All three players said they were impressed with the Ole Brook field house. "This is really nice," said Dixon. "They have a great place for lifting weights.
"Coach Peavey is really dedicated," Dixon added. "He knows a lot about football."
Peavey complimented the new arrivals on his team. "They have a good attitude. They've been through a lot, but they have handled it exceptionally well."
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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