Dawgs Off the Court

It may appear that Osceola basketball is just what you see on the court, but head coach Jason Zelasney makes it a regular expectation for the team to give back to the community. When asked about the things that the team does off the court, he responded with multiple answers. He said, “We've helped different people move into and out of their houses. We also have torn down and set up chairs and tables for different community events. And also we do multiple youth basketball camps and leagues where our kids are volunteering.”  

Members of the team can say first hand that the community and their energy during games does not go unnoticed. That is why the team does so much off the court. You don’t find a lot of coaches that are making their kids leave their house on a random Saturday to go set up for events or go help someone move in. The team also participates in something called Bulldog of the Day. Every year, a kid in the elementary school wins a spot on the bench during a game and gets to be part of the team. It’s really important to Coach Zelasney that his players are always good role models to the youth because, “They worship you guys,” as he commonly says. The crowds at games play a huge factor, and ever since coach Zelasney came back to his hometown, there have been some crazy crowds that elevate the team's play. So it’s only right that the team gives back any way they can.