LaMond Pope's story below was originally published by the Chicago Tribune on August 1, 2017:


When Warren needed help to protect its football field during the recent floods, coach Bryan McNulty (pictured above after leading Warren softball to the IHSA state title in 2014) reached out to his players.

Senior center Coleman Even was ready to do his part.

"He wanted us to get everyone we could," Even said. "Teammates. Friends. Family. Dogs. Cats. Anyone."

Members of the football, boys soccer, boys lacrosse and cheerleading teams were among those aiding the cause on July 12.

"The kids went above and beyond," McNulty said. "With one message to them, I had about 30 kids out there. They did a really good job.

"It doesn't really surprise me with this group of kids. Top to bottom, we've got really good kids in this program. They jumped to it and wanted to help. They are really good football players, but they are even better people."

Warren athletic director Mark Pos said the school has a deal with the village of Gurnee to tarp the field if there is a threat of flooding. He went to the stadium that afternoon and saw most of the back fields were under water.

Click here to finish story on Chicago Tribune website