The undefeated Hobart College football team will host its fifth annual Touchdowns and Tackles for Happiness House game this Saturday, Nov. 1. The Statesmen kickoff against Liberty League rival Union at noon on Boswell Field at the Caird Center for Sports and Recreation.
 
The game will be televised by Time Warner Cable Sports Channel and broadcast on WEOS-FM (89.5/90.3).
 
This year's Touchdowns and Tackles fundraiser is being co-chaired by sophomores Patrick O'Connell III and Austin Gallegos. They, along with their teammates, have asked local businesses and fans to donate $1 for every tackle Hobart makes and $7 for every touchdown the Statesmen score to Happiness House. Interested contributors can also pledge a flat rate. Additionally, Hobart Athletics will donate the day's proceeds from ticket sales to Happiness House.
 
"In all honesty, Pat and I can't take credit for much," Gallegos said. "We just organized things. The people who really should be recognized are the donors and sponsors, Hobart Athletics Secretary Christine Finnerty, and the staff and families of Happiness House, because without their help none of this would be possible."

Happiness House branches span across Ontario, Seneca, Yates, and Wayne counties. Established in 1969, the nonprofit educational, health, and human services agency has developed programs and services for children and adults that address developmental disabilities and syndromes. On average, the organization serves more than 1,000 children, adults and their families each year.
 
The Wells family will represent Happiness House on the field for the pregame coin toss. Julian Wells, 5, is a Happiness House graduate. His father, Courtney, is an assistant professor of French and Francophone Studies and his mother, Elizabeth, is an adjunct professor of writing and rhetoric. In addition to his parents, Julian will also be accompanied by his sister, Valerie.

On Monday, Oct. 27, Hobart football players visited Happiness House on Pre-Emption Road in Geneva, reading to and playing games with the students. The Statesmen will also return to Happiness House periodically throughout the academic year.
 
"As college football players, we often hear that many younger kids look up to us and when we go visit, we make their day," Gallegos said. "People don't realize that it's them who make our day. There is no better break from college than getting to hang out with the kids in our community. On behalf of the Hobart football team, Pat and I would like to thank everyone for supporting us this season and for helping us try to reach our goal of $8,000."
 
Parents of current Hobart football players have been assisting in the effort by selling a wallet size card with the following inspirational quote from legendary college football coach Bear Bryant: "This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss—good, not evil. Success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it." The remaining cards will be for sale in the stands for $1 during the Union game.

The Touchdowns and Tackles fundraiser was started in 2010 by offensive lineman Jarrid Blades '12. In its first four years, the effort has raised over $18,000, including last year's game which collected more than $10,000.
 
To find out more about Touchdowns and Tackles for Happiness House email O'Connell or Gallegos. To make a pledge or donation, complete THIS FORM and return it to:
 
Hobart Athletics
c/o Christine Finnerty
Bristol Gymnasium
300 Pulteney St.
Geneva, NY 14456