FOLEY, Alabama — It’s football season in Alabama once again … chilly weather replaces a sweltering summer and refreshes the go-and-do spirit of Baldwin residents. Hometown heroes run for touchdowns at Friday night football games as crowds roar, yell their praises and stand on their feet.

But one Foley businessman has taken his support a step further. Josh Wild of State Farm Insurance decided to donate funds to the athletic department so he could help all the sports teams for students at Foley High School.

“I just wanted to do something for the local school,” he said with humility. “My business is right here in Foley, so I wanted to support them.

“I’d rather give to the schools — I figured, honestly, that they’d need it.”

According to Todd Watson, the head football coach, Foley High’s sports teams are dependent on donations, since the state no longer funds athletic programs.

“Financial support from the community is huge because there is no budgeting that comes from the state or county,” he explained. “You have to raise your own money.”

Watson said Wild hopped on the bandwagon, or the school bus, as soon as he arrived in town.

“Josh is new; he’s been here about two years,” Watson said. “Ever since he’s been here, he’s jumped in and been supportive.”

He said Wild’s financial contributions cover more than just football. The FHS athletic department includes cross-country running, swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, soccer, baseball and softball, track and volleyball. The school fields varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams.

“There are about 20 teams that have to fund themselves,” Watson said, “then there’s band, clubs…”

He explained there’s more to these activities than meets the eye.

“It’s a great benefit to our students,” he said enthusiasm. “There’s things they don’t get in class. It teaches them accountability, responsibility and how to handle adverse situations. It’s full of life lessons.”

Wild agreed. He said he knows young people need athletic outlets since he participated in sports when he was young.

“That’s all I did as a child, teen and into college,” he spoke with a hint of remembrance. “Basketball, baseball and football — I grew up in an athletic household.”

He added, “It helps keep them out of trouble; they develop understanding of responsibility and maturity. It’s the building blocks for the life you partake of as an adult.”

Wild said he plans to add Gulf Shores to his list of donation recipients for next year, and he already extends his generosity beyond Foley by purchasing advertisements in Robertsdale school publications.

“I always took it up, so it’s my obligation to do as much as I can.”