KC Wolf to join Bode football team send-off honoring teammate’s late mother
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Kansas City Chiefs mascot, KC Wolf, will make a special appearance Tuesday afternoon at Bode Middle School as the Panthers football team honors the memory of a teammate’s mother.
The send-off, scheduled before the team departs for its away game in Cameron, Missouri, comes after the recent death of Jenna Shepheard, the mother of player JaKobe. Shepheard died during the team’s last football game.
"I wanted to think of anything positive we could do in order to have the boys have a better experience," said Lacey Clark, organizer of the event and parent to one of the players on the team.
JaKobe plans to rejoin his teammates on the field Tuesday, and parents and school staff hope the celebration will lift spirits.
"It was my cousin and I want him to know that I'm here for him anytime he needs and that he's not alone," said teammate Javion.
Music, snacks and KC Wolf are expected to greet the players as they board buses for the game.
"You know we're ready to win, we're happy to be here, we're happy he's here and we're ready to get a dub," said teammate Acacia.
Fans from both schools will wear purple in remembrance of Shepheard. Organizers said the show of support is meant not only for JaKobe but also to unify the community around the team.
