Esha Firoze | The Chronicle
On August 20, the Mason High School (MHS) Varsity Football team stepped onto the field for their season opener against Springboro, with Head Coach Brian Castner leading the way in an unexpected display of Springboro blue and white.
For their first game, the MHS coaching staff stepped away from their usual uniforms, instead sporting “Grant Strong” shirts in support of Springboro 7th-grader Grant Bross.
In July, Grant was diagnosed with an aggressive germ cell tumor of the brain. After having two surgeries, he is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will later undergo radiation. MHS English teacher Amanda Bross is Grant’s mother, and after 20 years teaching at MHS, she is taking a year off to spend time with and support her son.
Head Football Coach Brian Castner leads the Mason football team onto the field before the game against Springboro, wearing a “Grant Strong” shirt in support of Springboro student Grant Bross, MHS English teacher Amanda Bross’s son.
The Grant Strong initiative was created to rally support for Grant and later began raising money for Dayton Children’s Hospital, where Grant is currently receiving medical care. The t-shirts with “Grant Strong” written across have become a prominent symbol in Springboro and Mason communities, but have also spread beyond, with orders coming in from across the country.
Amanda said that the diagnosis has changed Grant’s life vastly. She said seeing the Springboro stadium full of “Grant Strong” shirts and the Mason coaching staff supporting her son reminded her of all the individuals rooting for Grant.
“[Wearing the shirts] shows that it’s so much bigger than one football game,” Amanda said. “It’s people knowing that this is a kid whose family needs to know that they’re supported and loved. It’s special to see both of these communities and both of these teams, even though they’re playing each other, all of them are supporting my boy.”
Brian Castner, head coach of the MHS football team, came up with the idea to wear the Grant Strong shirts at the game. Castner said it was important to show support for Grant and his family, as well as be an example for the players.
“I want to be here for the Bross family, and I want them to know that they’re being thought of,” Castner said. “Mrs. Bross has always been supportive of our team. The least I could do is give back and allow Mason Comets, the staff and our team to recognize her son and the fight that they’re going through right now.”
Castner said that faith, family, academics and football are the four major priorities for his players and what ultimately drives the team. He said that building better people comes before building better players.
“Some things are way more important than the outcome of our game,” Castner said. “The sooner I can get a young teenager to realize how to be there for others and be a part of something bigger than himself, the more I can help [him].”
Castner said that the moment he stepped off the team bus wearing the shirt, Springboro coaches immediately recognized the gesture and expressed their gratitude. He said that wearing the shirts will go far beyond that one night; it’s something he hopes will serve as a constant reminder of the support for Grant and his family.
“I wore [the shirt] just to give [Grant] support,” Castner said. “It’s all I cared about to have our staff in [the shirt] for an hour the same night we play [Springboro]. When Mrs. Bross comes back next year after Grant beats this thing, I’d imagine we’ll all put those shirts on again.”
Castner said that his players recognize the importance of showing support and being able to empathize with and understand what the Brosses are going through. He said the team’s goal this year is to come together and be united in everything they do. He has seen the team make huge strides toward this goal, specifically through faith and prayer.
Senior Justin Paciolla leads prayer every week, hoping to bring his teammates closer and show compassion for others. Paciolla said that Grant is one of the people they pray for.
Amanda (left), Grant (middle) and Tim Bross (right) all wear “Grant Strong” shirts in support of Grant’s cancer journey.
“I’ll speak out and pray before every meal that we eat as a team,” Paciolla said. “Our team believes in the value of prayer and faith. We thought it was the right thing to do to pray for [Grant].”
Paciolla said that leading the team through faith is a role he doesn’t take for granted. He said that along with giving back to the community, prayer is one thing the team prioritizes during the season.
“In [the Brosses’] situation, we can’t directly help,” Paciolla said. “We hope that showing our support has made an impact on [Grant] and helped in any way possible.”
Amanda said that the diagnosis has transformed her family’s world, but at the same time the support has been overwhelming. From receiving emails every day to being sent meals, she said she has felt the impact of the community surrounding her.
“Going through something like this can be isolating,” Amanda said. “It’s powerful to see how people wrap you in their arms and make you feel comforted. Having a lot of different people from a lot of different places remind you that you’re not actually alone.”
