On a recent steamy Sunday evening in July, Bradley Herrmann maneuvered his power chair onto the sideline to capture some video.
The same evening, John Lytle carried a bag with water bottles, Willy Winnowski checked to make sure the tee was set up for kickoffs, Brody Holles stood ready to fist-pump players after a good play and Antonio Randazzo clutched play cards for coaches.
The sideline crew, as they are called by the coaching staff, assists the Quaker Valley High School football team.
They were connected to the team by Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Quaker Valley head coach Jason Cappa co-sponsors the school’s Best Buddies chapter there with fellow paraprofessional Julia Santilli, educators who work alongside teachers to support and educate students with disabilities.
This is the third season of the partnership.
“Is it about what they can do — our kids all have skills and talents to contribute to the team, from handing out water, to recording video, to coaching, to hyping up and encouraging the players,” Cappa said. “Antonio helps with game planning and player personnel. They are part of the team and the players see them that way.”
Even though on this night it was optional and temperatures were in the 90s, the young men weren’t going to miss this opportunity.
“I like helping,” said Herrmann. “This is fun.”
Herrmann records the action in practice and games. Cappa uses the footage he captures for strategy-planning purposes.
“The buddies and football players work well together,” Cappa said. “They are constantly high-fiving and fist-pumping each other. I love seeing the interaction.”
Cappa’s older brother, Jake, had spinal bifida and inspired him to do this.
“My brother taught me the true meaning of sportsmanship,” Cappa said. “I learned from my brother that everyone has talents and skills and should have the chance to be part of a team. I do it because I learned from him and my dad that everyone should be included and has something to contribute to the team.”
Samantha Mildner, Best Buddies area director for Western Pennsylvania, said what Cappa is doing represents the mission of Best Buddies. The number of schools with Best Buddies programs in Western Pennsylvania has increased from 19 to 65 in the past six years, she added.
“We are about inclusion and ending social and physical and economic isolation of people with disabilities,” Mildner said. “We see it working at Quaker Valley and our hope is this becomes something we continue to see.”
Mildner said the players are also learning life skills and they often carry the interactions from on the field into other areas, where they become advocates for the buddies.
Lewis Sebastian Juarez-Safran, a senior lineman, said he enjoys being around the buddies. He said it isn’t always a patient person but they’ve taught him patience.
“It’s important to care about everyone,” Juarez-Safran said. “They inspire us to put in the extra effort.”
Logan Benedict, a junior quarterback, wide receiver and outside linebacker, agreed.
“This is really cool that they can be out on the field with us,” Benedict said. “These guys can do lots of things. They just need to be given a chance. I love seeing the smiles on their faces on Friday nights at our games. They make us smile.”
The first official WPIAL high school football practice is Aug. 12. The season opens at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 at Freedom Area High School in Beaver County.
“The players are great and coach Cappa has created a family here,” said Santilli, who was wearing a “bethekindkid” T-shirt. “I love helping on the sidelines. I love the culture of inclusion and kindness that Coach Cappa, his staff and his players have created. There is a place for everyone on his team. In their own way, everyone gets to play. It’s so awesome to watch all the kids learn about football, and about life, and what it means to be a good human.”
Herrmann’s father, Doug Herrmann, said he likes that there are opportunities for everyone to contribute.
“It is really cool for both the players and the buddies,” Herrmann said as he watched his son wheel along the sideline. “They develop a level of understanding. Coach Cappa has respect for everyone. Bradley really feels like he is a part of it. He loves being on the sideline.”
So does Randazzo, who was an assistant coach last season. He said he loves the community, fans and students who come to the games.
“It was super fun,” Randazzo said. “Coach is an amazing coach. He treats every kid like one of his own. He is caring. I love the atmosphere of Friday night lights and that everyone is included.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.