The UMFS Charterhouse School Mustangs revealed new jerseys ahead of their basketball season opener on Dec. 7.
The jerseys came to UMFS courtesy of Gail and Lew Held, the husband-and-wife duo who for 47 years have owned Disco Sports in Richmond.
When UMFS rebranded early in 2014, its colors, messaging and signage all changed — but the jerseys for sports teams didn’t.
Rai Beasley, a parent of a UMFS student and active member of the Charterhouse School community, recognized the need for an update. Having previously worked with Disco Sports to procure cheerleading uniforms for UMFS, Rai again reached out to Gail.
During the first half of the Mustangs season-opening victory, Gail spoke fondly of Rai and said they became fast friends. She also remembered the joy of seeing the cheerleaders wear their uniforms for the first time.
“That was such a blessing, just to see how happy they were,” she said. “They said, ‘Miss Gail, look I’m a cheerleader.’ Oh, Honey. I know you are.”
So when Rai reached out about new basketball jerseys, Gail couldn’t wait to assist.
(Pictured from left to right: Rai Beasley, Lew Held, Gail Held, Coach Dexter Taylor, Justain Murphy)
“Let me know what kind of lettering you need and everything,” she remembered telling Rai. But when it came time to pay the bill?
“I said, ‘Rai, I tell you what: Use your money for something else.’ ”
Gail and Lew happily donated the jerseys, an investment that will extend far beyond the basketball court.
Justain Murphy, UMFS Health and Physical Education Teacher, said the jerseys will be utilized for other sports, as well.
“It’s special to the kids to have new jerseys,” he said. “It helps them feel unity and school spirit. We couldn’t be more thankful for the donation.”
Gail said she and Lew feel privileged to be a part of the Mustangs’ family. And when asked about her relationship with the children at UMFS, she responded with a smile.
“It’s a blessing that they came into my life.”