Vero Beach, Florida – In a heartwarming testament to enduring community spirit, a unique tradition in Vero Beach sees residents of Indian River Estates, a local retirement community, wholeheartedly supporting the Vero Beach High School football team. For over 25 years, this dedicated group has been bussed to the Citrus Bowl for home games, creating an invaluable intergenerational connection that enriches both seniors and student-athletes alike.
The tradition, which began with a resident more than two decades ago, has flourished. Wendy Bushong, the activities director at Indian River Estates, took the reins 20 years ago and has seen the program grow steadily.
“It’s grown,” Bushong shares. “There are about 20 to 25 season ticket holders now. It’s been pretty popular.” This consistent support for the Fighting Indians has become a cherished highlight for many residents.
The relationship between the retirement community and Vero Beach High School is far from passive. Before the football season officially kicks off, players, cheerleaders, and band members visit Indian River Estates for a spirited preseason pep rally. This direct interaction is mutually beneficial, as Vero Beach High football coach and director of athletics Lenny Jankowski notes, “I know they enjoy it over there, but our kids get as much, if not more, out of it than they did. It’s really just a good thing.” Senior offensive lineman Romeo Vargas echoes this sentiment, remarking, “Yes sir. It was fun. It was great hearing what they had to talk about. They were pretty cool. They were definitely into Vero Beach football.”
On home game evenings, the anticipation builds at Indian River Estates. Residents gather for a special pre-game meal, often enjoying hotdogs and hamburgers prepared by the culinary staff, all while dressed in the team’s vibrant red and black colors. From there, they board a bus for the 5.8-mile journey to the Citrus Bowl, arriving in time to catch the warm-ups. Resident Leo “Lee” Megow, a six-year veteran of this tradition, describes the experience: “The residents just love being with the big, brawny football players.”
Beyond the regular game nights, a special tailgate is held once a year at the Citrus Bowl, where players stop by for a visit before their pre-game preparations. This allows for deeper connections to form. Megow, a former teacher and coach, finds joy in nurturing these young athletes. He follows individual players closely, developing a keen appreciation for their growth and dedication. He’s particularly fond of Efrem “E.J.” White, noting, “I’ve watched him since he was a freshman, so I’ve gotten to really appreciate him.” Megow relishes dissecting plays from his prime spot at the 48-yard line, turning his “coaching expertise into being a real pain-in-the-neck spectator.”
The impact of this program extends beyond personal friendships, providing invaluable support for the Vero Beach High School athletic program. Angela Banzhaf, president of the Fighting Indians Booster Club, praises the residents, stating, “Oh yes we love them. They are so great. They’re a huge support of our program, just really great people.” Even former teachers of current team parents have been rediscovered through this wonderful bond, highlighting the deep roots of this community connection.
Coach Jankowski sums up the profound nature of this tradition: “It’s one of the very special things about our community. Most of them are not Vero Beach natives… but the majority are people who have just adopted our team and adopted our program. They have a blast, and we have a blast having them root for us.” The tradition fosters new friendships, not just between generations, but also among the residents themselves, creating a vibrant social fabric. As the football season wraps up, plans are often made for a postseason gathering, with everyone hoping it will be a celebration of a state championship, bringing even more joy to a community united by the love of the game and each other.
