When staff at South Walton High School returned after Hurricane Isaias swept across the Panhandle, they were met with an unwelcome surprise: water had flooded their two field houses, where the boys’ locker rooms are. Torrential rain and rising groundwater caused the flooding, and the school must now assess the damage and begin cleanup.
On October 12th at 9 am, coaches, parents, and players of all sports rallied together to help clean up the mess.
While the sanitation team prepared supplies, the community began carrying out equipment, uniforms, and cleaning out lockers. They hauled everything off the floor and outside.
“It’s been great to see all of these people come together and all the effort going into getting this done,” said head football coach Phil Tisa. “It’s a good bonding moment.”
The players worked together to place gear in bags, labeling them to the correct person. They looked out for those who couldn’t make it to cleanup, ensuring their football uniforms stayed dry and clean. The boys carried tables, couches, and chairs outside, and before no time, the locker rooms were empty.
“Everyone’s safe. That’s the most important thing,” linebacker Conner Rooney explained. “Fields okay, stadiums okay.”
This larger response wasn’t just about cleaning up a room. It was about protecting a space these athletes rely on daily and showing what the school community can accomplish together.
The South Walton Seahawks are on a bye week, with Mr. Tisa commenting that they are fortunate not to have to deal with the flooding and prepare for a game at the same time.
It is unclear when the locker rooms will be fully repaired or how extensive the damage is.
Players emptying lockers and placing football uniforms into bags. 
Flooding in the main locker room. 
Coach Tisa and his daughter Ella. 
Flooding in the bathroom of the locker room, with parents and students helping empty the lockers. 
Flooding in the weight room on rubber floors. 
Flooding in another field house with items still in the room. 
Players emptying lockers and the sanitation crew assessing the area. 
Flooding in the main room/kitchen of the locker room. Cabinets are open to be cleaned out. 
Bags filled with players’ uniforms sit in the grass, away from moisture. Parents and students rally together to help bring the items outside 
Gear and equipment lined up outside of the fieldhouse
