BleedGopher
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per KSTP:
When the University of Minnesota’s director of player development advertised about summer jobs working with St. Paul Parks and Recreation, two Gopher football players jumped at the opportunity.
U of M defensive linemen Jerry Gibson and Winston DeLattiboudere are soaking up the benefits of their first time working alongside animals - zebras, giraffes and more.
“I think they are black with white stripes,” said Gibson. “Some people say white with black stripes, who knows, it’s a zebra. They are just real chill animals.”
Three days a week, the 6 feet 3 inches tall friends and teammates patrol the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Equally as important, they act as ambassadors answering questions and helping people any way they can.
“Having a connection with the kids is a good thing as well,” said DeLattiboudere. “I know we look like we are big scary dudes walking up on a little kid, but we got big, soft hearts. As soon as they see that they are warm towards us.”
While Gibson has worked security at TCF Bank before, for DeLattiboudere it’s all new, while juggling an online class and summer workouts. They both agree there are similar responsibilities in their different uniforms.
“As far if they need help finding a missing kid or different things like that, it’s just the communication aspect because on a team you have to communicate calls - stadiums with 100,000 people - so communication is always key,” said DeLattiboudere.
Rarely are they recognized, which both say is a bonus.
“You get to kind of step away from football and be a regular human being and provide a service for people,” said Gibson. “So that’s another refreshing feeling you have.”
http://www.fox9.com/sports/gopher-football-players-spend-summer-working-at-como-zoo
Go Gophers!!
When the University of Minnesota’s director of player development advertised about summer jobs working with St. Paul Parks and Recreation, two Gopher football players jumped at the opportunity.
U of M defensive linemen Jerry Gibson and Winston DeLattiboudere are soaking up the benefits of their first time working alongside animals - zebras, giraffes and more.
“I think they are black with white stripes,” said Gibson. “Some people say white with black stripes, who knows, it’s a zebra. They are just real chill animals.”
Three days a week, the 6 feet 3 inches tall friends and teammates patrol the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Equally as important, they act as ambassadors answering questions and helping people any way they can.
“Having a connection with the kids is a good thing as well,” said DeLattiboudere. “I know we look like we are big scary dudes walking up on a little kid, but we got big, soft hearts. As soon as they see that they are warm towards us.”
While Gibson has worked security at TCF Bank before, for DeLattiboudere it’s all new, while juggling an online class and summer workouts. They both agree there are similar responsibilities in their different uniforms.
“As far if they need help finding a missing kid or different things like that, it’s just the communication aspect because on a team you have to communicate calls - stadiums with 100,000 people - so communication is always key,” said DeLattiboudere.
Rarely are they recognized, which both say is a bonus.
“You get to kind of step away from football and be a regular human being and provide a service for people,” said Gibson. “So that’s another refreshing feeling you have.”
http://www.fox9.com/sports/gopher-football-players-spend-summer-working-at-como-zoo
Go Gophers!!