The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl was a special experience for the 88 players selected to play in the annual high school all-star football game, particularly for Chesterfield High’s Kevin Diggs.
“It means a lot (to be selected),” says Diggs. “I’m the first player from Chesterfield to come in a long time. I worked my tail off to get here.”
The standout wide receiver spent a week in Myrtle Beach for the all-star game sponsored by South Carolina’s electric cooperatives. The Dec. 11 contest pitted players from the state’s North region against a squad from the South.
Part of the week’s experience was a Christmas shopping spree at a Myrtle Beach Target for 44 deserving kids from Horry County Schools. South Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide each child, chosen by school district officials, a $150 Target gift card to spend on clothes, toys, and other items on their Christmas lists.
“It made me feel good to help a kid out at Christmas,” says Diggs. “We don’t get to do stuff like that where I’m from.”
In addition to the shopping spree and the game, the players participated in Lineman Demo Day. They were able to explore careers as lineworkers through six hands-on demonstrations presented by Horry Electric Cooperative linemen. It likely won’t be the last time Diggs works with line equipment.
“I’ve always wanted to be a lineman,” says Diggs. “I’ve registered for the lineman program at Horry-Georgetown Tech.”
The players also rode in the Touchstone Energy Cooperative balloon, which lifted them above the Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium the night before the game. Diggs’ South squad won the game 20-17.