Gerard Lyons IV believes playing football in his youth saved him. Today, he continues his association with the sport by coaching kids from 7 to 12 year old in the Highland Youth Football league. Last Saturday he, supporters and other coaches invited all of the kids who play in the league,  their families and friends to a BBQ and pig roast at the Highland Landing Park.

 

Lyons said he went through, “a bit of a rough patch’ during the COVID years and worked endless hours in his electrical business, but it was coaching that grounded him, especially starting with his nephews and nieces.

 

“My family and the community rallied around me and I found a new life through coaching youth football,” he said.

 

Dina Taylor is office manager of Gerard’s Big Red Electric, is his sister-in-law and helped support the day in the park.

 

“Our wagons have been hitched for 25 years and we celebrate every holiday and birthday,” she said.

 

Dina said they play their games at the high school, practice three times a week at Tony Williams Park and have about 90 kids who are part of the league.

 

“The games are on Sunday and the kids have to be at the field by 9:30am and everything is said and done by 3pm. Thank you to the Highland School District, it was a great invitation and we want to come back next year,” she said.

 

Gerard thanked family, friends and supporters and asks forgiveness if anyone is not mentioned but know they are in his heart: starting with his parents Gerard and Jeanne, sister Kimbery Renee Goodall, numerous nieces and nephews, league founder Kevin McKenna, Nick Capoliona, Dennis Bragg, Mark Schneider, Carl Relyea, Peter Miller, Dennis DiEsposito, Brian Beck, James Seward, Neil Terranova, all of the coaches and sponsors Fox Ari Corp, DK Renovations, Ryder Painting, Last Minute Creations, Minard’s Family Farm and special thanks to the Highland School District for the use of the Highland High School football field for their games.