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Zach Collaros Foundation Donates Uniforms to Jefferson County All-Stars

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Photo Provided Members of the Jefferson County All-Stars basketball team show off their new threads following a donation by the Zach Collaros Foundation. The organization, which is named for Steubenville native and Canadian football quarterback Zach Collaros, provided new uniforms for the team to replace outdated apparel. Pictured are, front from left, Kim Myers, Gary Harding and Sheldon Webb. Back: Josh McAlpine, George Tingler, Logan Briggs, Mike Harris, David Verhovec, Thomas Huggins and Tom Pitts. Not pictured is Melissa Vargo.

The Jefferson County All-Stars basketball team is holding court with some brand new duds after receiving updated uniforms from the Zach Collaros Foundation.

Teammates sported the signature gold and blue apparel for their first home game of the season against the Holmes County Bucks on Jan. 8 and now have two types of uniforms for home and away games. The basketball season began on Dec. 6 and runs through Feb. 12, after which players will head into tournaments.

Marisa Bruzzese, local coordinator for the Jefferson County Special Olympics, said she learned of the contribution in November but the uniforms arrived around Christmastime and players have donned them for two games thus far. They replace outdated gear that had not been upgraded for many years and she was excited to see the team benefit from the foundation's generosity.

"The previous uniforms served us well, but after 20 years we were in need of new ones," said Bruzzese. "The Zach Collaros Foundation reached out to us to see if there was any way they could help out. It was a perfect fit."

The apparel was provided by Total Sports Connection of Martins Ferry and features dry-fit material for more comfort and sustainability. Even a few of the players said they enjoyed the new threads.

"I'm excited," said Kim Myers. "I'm really happy."

"I like it," added Mike Harris, who chose a new number with a significant meaning. "I like No. 23. It's my favorite number because it was Michael Jordan's number back in the day."

Collaros, a Steubenville native and quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team, established the foundation and has provided grants in support of sports and schools throughout the county. He also was pleased to assist the All-Stars in his hometown.

"We are honored to be able to support the Special Olympics, which is an organization that provides athletes the opportunity to stay active through sport, demonstrate courage and experience and learn the importance of teamwork while creating lasting memories with their families and friends," he added. "The Special Olympics is an organization that embodies what the mission of our foundation is: the importance of being active and creating relationships in our community through sport and community service."

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