The annual faculty football game will take place at West Leyden today at 6 p.m. All benefits will go to the Chicago Hornets, a sled hockey team that gives disabled youth a chance to compete on a national level.

One of West Leyden’s very own, freshman Brody Roybal, is on the team. Brody was born without his legs.

“As someone with a disability there aren’t many sports I could play,” Roybal said.

The Chicago Hornets organization provides youths with physical disabilities the opportunity to be part of a competitive sled hockey team.

Brody joined the Chicago Hornets when he was 7 years old.

“The Chicago Hornets gave me a greater interest in sports,” and added that he is now looking forward to possibly competing against Russia and Korea this year.

Every year the Leyden Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes pick a family in need or a charity that they will help. This year Leyden will be raising money for the Chicago Hornets.

“We were in class talking about a family in need or a charity that Leyden could help this year, and I told Mr. Murphy about my team,” Roybal said.

The Chicago Hornets rely strongly on donations and contributions in order to allow the youths to play, oftentimes for free.

The East Leyden Sports and Entertainment Marketing class has donated items that will be raffled, and concessions will be sold at the football game. West Leyden’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes have been selling shirts and encouraging students to buy raffle tickets that could give them the opportunity to throw a pie in Mr. Murphy’s face. All proceeds will go to the Chicago Hornets.

“We are hoping to reach our goal of raising $700 and West Leyden raising their goal of $1000 between their two classes,” said Sports and Entertainment Marketing teacher at East, Sally Lakdawala.
Teachers from both East and West Leyden are also contributing by volunteering to play in this year’s faculty football game.

“I like the idea of helping any charity,” social studies teacher Mr. Tim Dykes said. “Leyden does a great job of helping the less fortunate, so anything I can do to help I’m willing to do it.”

English teacher Michelle Marchese thinks it’s great to be involved in other aspects of the school which is why she accepted. This is her first year at Leyden and she’s looking forward to taking part in the game.

“If students want to see me get beat up on the football field then I will be their entertainment when they come watch,” Ms. Marchese added.