For those unfamiliar with the Rhode Island Warrior Foundation’s Bristol/Warren Alumni football game, it’s more than just an exhibition of athletic talent between former Mt. Hope High School and Bristol/Warren High athletes. 

It’s an extension of the ideals and goodwill promoted by this dedicated group that goes far beyond the gridiron and well into the community.

Recently, three games were played at Mt. Hope High School’s Dietz Field and they were as competitive as ever. This was the fifth annual battle between the teams. This year’s games were dedicated to former athletes Robert “Bobby” Higgins and Joe Salvaggio, who passed away this past year.

In the first game between the Mt. Hope alumni women, Coach Matthew Harris’ Black team defeated Coach William Pannoni’s Silver squad, 18-0, behind the scoring of Emily Donahue (2 TDs), Jaime Kuehl (1 TD) and Jodi Furtado (2 passing TDs). Bethany Mello, Karyn Kopecky and Jessica Caldarone starred for the Silver team.

Game two featured the Mt. Hope High alumni (1994-2000) against the Bristol/Warren Alumni, with the latter coming out on top, 12-6.

Scott Kopecky and Nicky Fortin each scored a touchdown, with Jay Rose passing for two TDs for the winners. Kopecky and Steve Martel were the winning coaches. Jared Medeiros scored the lone Mt. Hope Alumni TD. The team was coached by Jayson Proulx and Jerrod Grifka.

The third game featuring Mt. Hope High alumni from 2001-2015, and produced a 35-18 victory for the Black team as Mitch Raiola (2 TDs) and Josh Chagnon, Aaron Booth and Harry Goff (1 each) led the winners. That team was coached by Raiola and Tom Estrella.

For Coach MJ Benevides’ and Joe San Martin’s Silver team, Aidan Silva scored a pair of touchdowns and Kyle Valenzuela added the other.

As previously mentioned, this annual tug-of-war between these teams is more than just a game. The Rhode Island Warrior Foundation was established by Mark Rhynard to help support local high school and youth activities in Bristol and Warren.

“We also help support local families in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas, providing groceries and gifts,” Mr. Rhynard said. “We were able to make 60 Thanksgiving baskets recently, helping to feed over 200 children in the East Bay. We are helping to support over 50 children and single mothers in Rhode Island for Christmas.”

Mr. Rhynard said the group is also starting a music festival next June to help support Rhode Island veterans.

“We have eight bands donating their time to celebrate our Rhode Island veterans, and all proceeds for this event will go directly to them,” he noted. “We support the veterans all year long, providing funding for the recreation department at the RI Veterans Home in Bristol and donating hats, gloves and socks.”

Such community service was part of the impetus for starting Rhode Island Warriors out of Mr. Rhynard’s Anchor Health and Performance.

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“I wanted to make a difference in the community and had a dream to someday start and lead a team that could do just that,” Mr. Rhynard said. “That was the dream, and I am living that dream right now.”