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Mt. Juliet Christian, DCA among football programs receiving grants because of tornado damage

George Robinson
Nashville Tennessean

Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, Donelson Christian Academy and West Wilson Middle School are three of 82 youth and school-based football programs in Tennessee that were awarded NFL-funded grants from USA Football and the Tennessee Titans.

Mt. Juliet Christian, DCA and West Wilson Middle were damaged by the tornadoes that  pushed across the Midstate on March 3. The grants, valued at up to $1,000 each, will be used for new equipment, uniforms and other resources.

"For those organizations, who are known around the world, to look at our school and the damage we sustained from the tornado and want to reach out to help, that's exciting and we're honored to be among the schools in Tennessee to receive it," DCA football coach Paul Wade said. 

The damage DCA sustained was extensive. Wade said nothing was spared, including the school's athletic facilities.

"You're talking our stadium as a whole, our bleachers, our bathroom facilities, the roof on our concession stands was ripped off, our press box was completely destroyed, goalposts and light posts were snapped," Wade said. "It was devastating."

The school's baseball, softball, soccer and football practice fields were also hit hard.

"Every one of our dugouts are gone," Wade said. "In total you're talking about over $3 million in damages, and that's not including what the school itself suffered."

The scene at Donelson Christian Academy after a tornado touched down Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.

Mt. Juliet Christian is facing a similar rebuilding process.

"We're always grateful to USA Football, the Titans and NFL for any help we can get," Mt. Juliet Christian football coach Dan Davis said. "They've been tremendous in our community and showing their support."

"I'll sit down and talk with our athletics director and have a conversation about how to use the grant. We have needs for just about every thing. One thing I can guarantee is it will be used immediately."

Wade said he is hoping that some facilities are back up and running by the time school starts in the fall but acknowledged that the process could take time. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the rebuilding process for schools like DCA and Mt. Juliet Christian.

Volunteers clean up debris at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy on Friday, March 6, 2020, in Mt Juliet, Tenn., following the tornado that moved through area Tuesday.

"It's going to take awhile," Wade said. "I know half of our school will start the new school year at an offsite location next fall. But God as a plan for DCA and this is just part of our story."

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.