When the Austin Prep football team goes to another school – it’s usually for a Friday night game. But less than 24 hours before Irene is expected to attack the Cape Cod coast, the cougars aren’t here to huddle, they’re in the Yarmouth High School gym to hunker down.
All 52 players came to the American Red Cross shelter after being evacuated from their nearby summer camp. “Coach told us the game plan had changed,” said left tackle Mark Maradei. “He prepared us saying we would be spending the next two nights here.”
The cougars pulled together and set up their cots, bags and blankets in a matter of minutes. Most have never slept in a gym before but they’re all team players. “I think this will help us on the field,” said Maradei.
While their coach hopes that’s true, his biggest concern is getting all of the students to safety. The shelter is not provides a sturdy roof but snacks and water. The Yarmouth shelter is just one of dozens opened across Massachusettes ahead of Irene.
The American Red Cross is prepared to open and support many more up and down the East Coast as the storm progresses. To find your nearest shelter go to www.redcross.org or download the free Red Cross shelter app on iTunes.