Derry Football Team Struggles To Pay For Camp After Booster Theft

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Derry High School football team is supposed to be going to camp next week at Shippensberg University.

But right now, that trip is in question because a theft KDKA reported last month, which has left the team short on cash.

Members of the Derry High School football team spend the entire year looking forward to camp.

"It's a lot of fun, it's a team event, we all work together, it's a great time," said Derry football player Sal Decario.

A great time, that is a team building experience both on and off the field.

"I think the best part is staying in the dorms together, because you get that college experience," said Derry football player Kyle Holmes. "You kind of just like, between the games and practices, in between lunch and stuff, you just chill with your teammates and it's pretty fun."

The camp is three nights and four days and costs about $250 per player.

The boosters usually pick up the tab, but this year they can't.

And parents are being asked to chip in.

"I think parents surprised by it and taken back by it -- and some just can't afford it and that's not fair," said Jodie Edmiston with the Derry Football booster.

It's not fair, because it's not the kids' fault.

Last month, former booster club president Lori Nicely was charged with stealing nearly $30,000 from the football program between 2009 and 2011.

Most of that money was never recovered.

And the team was already committed to spending around $28,000 on new uniforms.

The weight is now on the players' shoulders.

They held a "lift-a-thon" in a last-ditch effort to raise some cash.

And while they lifted a lot of pounds, the dollars didn't add up.

"I think it will be very disappointing, because I'm looking forward to getting out on the field and practice some more and getting better to be ready for the season," said Derry football player Hunter Edmiston.

The team has until the end of the week to come up with the money they need to foot the bill for camp.

As it stands, they are about $1,500 short.

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