Give them a ring: State champs hope for donors

The Oscar Smith High School football team did its part. After earning the school's first state football title, the team is hoping the community will help provide the crowning touch on that 15-0 season: a championship ring.

"We are trying to do a little fundraising and getting the word out, looking for donations," coach Rich Morgan said Wednesday. "People may think the school buys the rings, but they don't. Not with today's budget."

About $11,000 has been raised of the $20,400 needed for the 80 rings, which cost $255 each.

The rings, made by Balfour, are silver with the crown in the shape of a football, with a blue-and-gold "S," surrounded by cubic zirconia. One side of the ring has "Oscar Smith" engraved on it, with a banner that has "USA #6," which signifies the Tigers' No. 6 ranking in the country. Below that is "AAA 15-0.".

The other side of the ring will have the athlete's name, jersey number and position.

Inside each ring will be engraved "L.A. #26" in memory of Oscar Smith standout Lonnie Andrews, who was killed two months after his May 2008 graduation.

Seven businesses have donated at the $500 level, and Morgan is hoping more will come through. The ring ceremony is expected to be sometime in March, as soon as the company is finished making the rings.

"Anyone who donates is welcome to come to the banquet," Morgan said.

Donations are tax deductible, Morgan said. Checks may be made out to Oscar Smith High School Booster Club, in care of Richard Morgan, Oscar Smith High School, 1994 Tiger Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

Devon Hubbard Sorlie, 757-222-5202 or  devon.sorlie@pilotonline.com