Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow and Chuck Muncie were playing for the Chargers when Sweetwater High School last added brand new weight room equipment 35 years ago.
They most recently added used equipment in 1996 when Bobby Ross was head coach and Stan Humphries under center.
Now, thanks to a grant through the Chargers Champions program, Sweetwater High School unveiled a brand new $63,000 state of the art weight room that also tripled in size. Tuesday's unveiling was so important to Denzel Perryman that the linebacker flew in from Miami just to attend.
"This meant a whole lot to me," he said. "When I first walked in here, it actually reminded me of when I was in high school. The weights are set up in the same way with the same racks. I started lifting when I got to high school, so it was so important for the Chargers to build this facility for these students."
The Chargers Champions program improves physical fitness in San Diego County schools by providing grants for new facilities and equipment. Over $5 million has been donated to over 115 schools over the years since Alex Spanos established it in 1995. As a result, it is a program near and dear to President of Business Operations A.G. Spanos.
"Today's the type of day my grandfather envisioned when he founded the Chargers Champions program," he said.
Before cutting the ribbon on the brand new weight room, Spanos, Perryman and Head Coach Mike McCoy spoke about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The Chargers linebacker then spent 30 minutes demonstrating proper techniques for the students to use.
"I became a maniac in the weight room when I was in high school," he said. "I like to give back, so this opportunity to talk with these kids and show them how to use the equipment was something I didn't want to miss. The Chargers love this community, and this is one of the ways we show it."
While the students at Sweetwater High School spend their Sundays watching the Bolts on the field, Principal Maribel Gavin explained how they'll be forever grateful for their impact off the field and in the community.
Thanks to a $63,000 grant from Chargers Champions, Sweetwater High unveiled a new weight room.
Geremy Davis extends his arms to hual in a reception during a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Geremy Davis extends his arms to hual in a reception during a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Austin Ekeler ducks under a bar while hurdling bags in a practice drill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Austin Ekeler ducks under a bar while hurdling bags in a practice drill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Derek Watt hurdles the final bag to complete a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Derek Watt hurdles the final bag to complete a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Austin Ekeler sidesteps a barrel and secures the football as Andre Williams tugs back on an elastic band during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Austin Ekeler sidesteps a barrel and secures the football as Andre Williams tugs back on an elastic band during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Branden Oliver cuts around a barrel and secures the fooball as Derek Watt tugs from behind during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Branden Oliver cuts around a barrel and secures the fooball as Derek Watt tugs from behind during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Branden Oliver secures the football as a teammate tugs the elastic band in a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Branden Oliver secures the football as a teammate tugs the elastic band in a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Melvin Gordon takes instruction from Anthony Lynn in a drill at practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Melvin Gordon takes instruction from Anthony Lynn in a drill at practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Kenneth Farrow goes through his steps with Trevor Williams during a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Kenneth Farrow goes through his steps with Trevor Williams during a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Desmond King goes through his steps in a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Desmond King goes through his steps in a drill during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Michael Davis sidesteps a barrel in a drill during practice on Wedneseday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Michael Davis sidesteps a barrel in a drill during practice on Wedneseday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Craig Mager sprints into coverage during a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Craig Mager sprints into coverage during a drill in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Trevor Williams leaps to reel in football in a practice drill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Trevor Williams leaps to reel in football in a practice drill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Keenan Allen drops to his back to complete a catch during a practice drill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Keenan Allen drops to his back to complete a catch during a practice drill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Travis Benjamin squares up to catch a football at practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Travis Benjamin squares up to catch a football at practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Whitney Richardson collides with dummy during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
Whitney Richardson collides with dummy during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.
78 OL Michael Schofield
78 OL Michael Schofield
Chargers President A.G. Spanos, Head Coach Mike McCoy, and linebacker Denzel Perryman unveiled a new weight room at Sweetwater High School thanks to a $63,000 grant from the Chargers Champions program.
81 WR Mike Williams
81 WR Mike Williams
74 OL Michael Ola
74 OL Michael Ola
"Having this state of the art equipment is so beneficial for our students," she said. "This makes such a great improvement in their healthy lifestyle, so we are grateful for this grant. This is money we weren't able to attain on our own, but the fact that the Chargers came through for us has made a major impact. This shows our students how important they are to the Chargers, who think about the community. They are the ones that need role models like the Chargers, and we will benefit from their great contributions."
