Buddy Program provides inspiration to Mt. Lebanon football family
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Jimmy Green makes his move during a recent Mt. Lebanon varsity football game.
By Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Bennett Thompson and Alexia Rosenfeld are two of the many kids playing in the Mt. Lebanon Youth Football Association that have been paired up with a member of the high school varsity as part of the Buddy Program.
Only youth football players in Mt. Lebanon own a ‘Football is Family” cap as part of the Buddy Program.
By Eleanor Bailey
Jimmy Green says he tries to get youth players to look up and look forward. As a spokesperson for the varsity’s Buddy Program, he said he dispenses his knowledge so as to pave the way for the future players. “I try to tell them what to expect and motivate them to be gig and strong.” He added, “We are there for them. We have them and the community on our back and we are grateful they support us.”
Jimmy Green idolized Colby Sorsdal long before the Mt. Lebanon graduate became an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions.
When Green was playing youth football at Mt. Lebanon, Sorsdal had come to a practice.
“Colby talked to us,” Green said. “I remember exactly what he said. He had just moved from Texas. He had long curly hair and I looked up him.”
At 5 feet, 8 inches, Green still does because Sorsdal stands 6 feet, 6 inches.
However, Green is a giant in the eyes of today’s youth players at Mt. Lebanon because of the Buddy Program that first-year head varsity coach Mike Collodi brought with him from his previous gig. He spent eight years at the helm at Elizabeth Forward before coming to Mt. Lebanon
“We did a small version at EF,” said Collodi. “Once I got to Mt. Lebanon we added it. It’s bigger and better.”
The Buddy Program pairs a single high school player with every competitor in the Mt. Lebanon Youth Football Association. All the youth players received a specially designed hat. “None of my players got them,” Collodi said. The players, who range in grades 1 through 6, also were mailed a save-the-date postcard to attend an upcoming game.
Written with a black Sharpie, the invitation read, “You are the future of the program. Love to see you on Friday night.”
Additionally, the varsity players visited a youth practice session. After player introductions, Connor Young, a Navy recruit, and Beckham Dee, showed the youths their helmets and practice jerseys. Green even jumped in and participated in a tackling drill.
“The chances of these kids getting to meet and touch (Steelers quarterback) Kenny Pickett are slim to none,” Collodi said. “But they can see and feel what our players look like when they put on the pads and connect with them in a way that is so important. They can create a relationship and share our core values of brotherhood. That never leaves because we are a family.”
Collodi noted that there is a “disconnect” in a lot of programs and there is not a lot of involvement with the youth.
“We wanted to find the time to incorporate them and continue to build and create a family atmosphere. It doesn’t stop in grades nine through 12. It trickles down to the elementary schools. The part that we are a football family.”
Green has been part of the Mt. Lebanon football family since first grade. Plus, he used to watch his older brother, Billy, play and instruct during youth camps. As a freshman, Green dressed for the varsity team that went undefeated and won WPIAL and PIAA championships in 2021. He remembers running behind Alex Tecza, who currently is excelling at the Naval Academy along with former teammate Eli Heidenreich.
“I looked up to Alex. He was my biggest idol,” Green said. “He was my role model.”
Collodi expects his players to be role models for their buddies.
“I tell them to remember that they were in their shoes before and don’t forget or underestimate the impact you have on them,” he said. “They look up to you.”
Green is aware of his image among the young players as well as his peers.
“I try to set an example for everyone, even my teammates,” he said. “I try to make them aware of what the Blue Devils are and how we roll.”
Green is conscious of his behavior on and off the field. He says that when he has a big run, he doesn’t do a “dumb celebration” dance and if a flag is thrown on a play, he doesn’t freak out on the sidelines.
“I try to set a good example for my buddy,” he said.
Positive by nature, Green shakes off a bad day, too.
“It’s hard not to get frustrated and get down on yourself but you will always bounce back,” he said. “I can’t be negative ever but then that’s just me. Being negative has no point to it. Being upset doesn’t make anything better and doesn’t help anybody.”
The Buddy Program though has improved community relations and boosted the confidence of Mt. Lebanon players.
“For sure, it makes me feel like a celebrity. I love it,” Green said. “The buddies are so energetic and excited. They don’t shy away from asking questions. It gives us players such satisfaction knowing that we are an inspiration. We can put a smile on their faces and bring so much joy to them.
The Buddy Program helps all involved. Green added that he believes in it 100 percent and only sees positive outcomes from it.
“It’s a real good thing and every program should have it because it helps the youth and the community a lot. You learn how to be respectful and be a young man,” he said.
“It’s also a good way to bring youth and varsity together and show what the future is like.”
Bennett Thompson and Alexia Rosenfeld represent the future. Youth football players, they both are involved in the Buddy Program.
“I don’t have a favorite (player),” Rosenfeld said. “It’s really cool that we get to watch them play all these football games though,” she added.
A nine-year-old fourth grader, Thompson favored Cameron Petrie. A senior defensive end, Petrie fits the mold of a Sordsal, weighing in at 250 pounds and standing 6 feet, 4 inches tall.
“My buddy is No. 72 and I watch him play. I’m pretty excited about that because I want to grow up and play varsity football,” Thompson said. “My dream is to be an NFL player.”