Success can be measured in a number of ways.

For the Marian Colts’ football team, it’s not just about winning football games, although a four-game winning streak in November during a rebuilding year offers tremendous promise for the future.

Off the field, Coach Stan Dakosty and his players have also performed exceedingly well. In fact, based on their recent volunteerism, they showed the true spirit of the Christmas season, and one might suggest the Colts deserve the “gold.”

The Colts were one of only four teams that took up the request of The Salvation Army on Dec. 4 during what the nonprofit organization labeled “2021 Football Ring Day.”

They offered their services at the Walmart store in Hometown to collect funds for the Army in its mission to help those less fortunate.

Assistant coaches Billy O’Gurek and J.D. Hackenberg joined Dakosty and a host of Colts in manning the entrances to the store.

Collectively, the “Colts” took in amazing $708.08 in staffing the red kettles through the entire day.

“The Marian community is known for giving back. We try to get our kids involved more in the community,” said Dakosty, who pointed out the Colt football program is designed to “working to win in the classroom, in the community and on the field.”

He added, “all three areas are important to the boys who play for us.”

“When we were up there (Walmart) with the kids, it was really neat to see them excited about the Christmas season, and wanting to help others. I’m proud of each them and our coaches and I’m sure the Marian football family is proud of them, too.”

That included Head of School Michael Brennan, who commented, “When we talk in school about being Marian, it is about far more than just when we are in the hallways or competing in an athletic contest. It is about being active in our community, and being role models for future Colts.

Our student-athletes and coaches giving up their Saturday to help those in need in our community is just one example of the service our programs give to help others. I was very proud to see the great participation to help the Salvation Army.”

Thirteen area high schools were invited to participate in the Football Ring Day. Besides the Colts, players and coaches from Nativity, Blue Mountain and Schuylkill Haven gave of their time.

“Each team brought in much more than usual at each of these sites, and we are so appreciative and grateful for your help this year in our Red Kettle Campaign with the Salvation Army Service Units and the Pottsville Salvation Army Corps! Between these two groups, we make sure that there is Salvation Army assistance to anyone in need in every ZIP code of Schuylkill County,” said Rebecca Netznik, regional manager of The Salvation Army Service Department.