Giving back
LH graduate Gallagher continues to run youth camp
Rodney Gallagher III will never forget where he came from.
Whether the 2023 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School is playing 30 miles down the road in Morgantown, or over 2,000 miles west in Tucson, Ariz., Gallagher will always hold Uniontown in his heart.
The soon-to-be senior, who spent his first three seasons as a member of the West Virginia University football team, is now playing for Arizona after transferring to play for the Wildcats on Jan. 10.
Gallagher is currently in Tucson preparing himself for the upcoming season, but he recently had the opportunity to spend some time back home, which he put to good use on May 24 in hosting the 4th Annual Rodney Gallagher Youth Football Camp for students in grades K-5.
The event was held at Mustang Field on the campus of Laurel Highlands High School, which is a venue Gallagher wowed coaches, players (opponents and teammates), family, friends and spectators on many Friday nights.
“Uniontown has a big place in my heart,” Gallagher said. “I had the opportunity to see my family, but I also wanted to give back to the community and bring back some positivity. It was a great moment to be back at Laurel Highlands.”
Gallagher plans on continuing the camp for as long as he is able to. His schedule has gotten more hectic in recent years, which may increase if he reaches his goal of playing in the National Football League, but he doesn’t want to forget where he came from.
“My dream is to play in the NFL, and I know I have to put the work in to do it, but I am ready for the challenge,” Gallagher said. “Whenever I can get some free time, my priority is to be with my family and help kids in the community.
“We have other coaches in the area who help out at the camp. We teach them the fundamentals and provide advice that we hope not only helps them as football players but as individuals.”
One of the local coaches who was assisting Gallagher in camp is the Mustangs’ new head football coach Ian Edenfield.
“I love Ian and that’s a big-time hire for them,” said Gallagher of Laurel Highlands’ decision to bring on a fellow Mustang who also played in the Big 12. “I can’t wait to see what he does with the program.”
The first installment of Gallagher’s camp was at Mustang Field before the next two were held at the South Union Township Sports Complex.
Gallagher, who lost his mother, Crystal Fields-Gallagher, when he was seven-years-old, has opened himself up for grieving children through Champion of Hope.
Gallagher wore a special decal to honor his late mother and raise awareness for children who have experienced similar situations last season with West Virginia.
“I will do the best I can to try and help kids who have lost a parent,” Gallagher said. “I am always open if they want to talk about it.”