They usually block for their team-mates, but this season StFX X-Men offensive linemen decided to tackle hunger. During each home game this season at Oland Stadium, volunteers collected non-perishable food items and donations for the StFX Student Food Bank.

“We thought it would be a great way to give back to other students,” fifth-year lineman Rory Campbell said. The student-athlete came up with the idea a couple of years ago. He decided to put the plan in motion during his final season. “I finally got it together,” the affable Campbell quipped.
 
After getting the green light from X-Men head coach John Bloomfield and school athletic director Leo MacPherson, Campbell started to iron out details. Most importantly, food bank coordinator Michelle Pereyma and her volunteers were supportive. “Everyone helped out so much. It was really a team effort. Michelle was really great, she made our little project a success,” Campbell added.
 
It was easy to convince his fellow starters on the offensive line, including Stewart Walsh, Steve Myddelton, Christian Oberegger and Gordie Sawler. Back-up lineman Tyler Scott also contributed to the cause. “They really put a lot of effort into it,” Campbell said.

The initial goal was to collect the offensive line’s total weight in food. “When we came up with a total, it was a little too steep,” Campbell joked. With that, the targeted goal became 1,000 pounds.
 
While the offensive linemen took the field each home game, volunteers like Pereyma and X-Men players not in the line-up collected food and donations. “They did a lot of work and the response from the fans was great. We really appreciate it,” Campbell said.

The O-line also made the food drive an opportunity to get out into the community. On a couple of Friday evenings, the players set up shop at Sobeys in Antigonish. “People were so generous. We met a lot of people and we were able to give out some tickets to our games. We not only collected food and donations, but I think we picked up some fans as well,” Campbell said.
 
The X-Men veteran added Sobeys and store manager Mike Pitts were phenomenal. They not only provided space for the Friday night collections, but they also provided plenty of food items. “We would not have been able to do it without them.”
 
Fittingly, the entire effort to help tackle hunger at X was a team effort. Even when the players put up posters, athletic and recreation department members Jerrett Defazio and Krista McKenna were integral. “It was a tremendous success. It could not have gone any better,” Pereyma said.
 
With the final tally, an estimated more than 255 pounds of food and $760 was collected. Pereyma said one dollar is equated to one pound of food. “The guys exceeded their goal, which is really impressive.” Pereyma said the effort accomplished more than stocking the food bank’s shelves. “We were able to raise a lot of awareness especially in the broader Antigonish community. It also raised awareness for X students as well.”
 
At the final X-Men home game, the team recognized the generosity of their benefactors. They awarded a team helmet to the winner of a ticket draw for people that made donations. Campbell said the project cemented an already strong bond between the team-mates. “More importantly, I think we learned a lot. It was a great experience for all of us.”
 
The first-year education student would like the initiative to become an annual event. “Maybe all varsity teams could get involved and do something similar, even if it is for one home game.”

Courtesy Corey LeBlanc, the Casket newspaper