CHICORA — Football means plenty to Ian Ferguson.

It means enough that he returned to Karns City, his alma mater, to serve as a volunteer assistant coach.

It also means enough that he took the initiative, with the support of the Karns City Quarterback Club, to organize a golf outing and Chinese auction to raise money for the replacement of lost youth football equipment in his area.

An Aug. 11 fire destroyed a storage shed at the Petroleum Valley Youth Center that housed equipment for the Karns City Youth Football program, a three-team circuit with about 150 players ages 7 to 12 participating.

"They lost nearly $30,000 worth of football and cheerleading equipment," Ferguson said. "I'm not a gazillionaire, so I can't help replace the stuff that way.

"But I can help this way."

Ferguson played in the KC youth league from 1993-96. He is a 2002 Karns City graduate.

"Without the youth football program, there is no varsity program. That's the bottom line," Ferguson said. "I want to give back what I took from the program."

At 1 p.m. Oct. 4, a four-golfer scramble will be held at St. Jude Golf Club. Fee is $75 per person or $300 for a team of four.

At 6 p.m., a tailgate party for the Pittsburgh Steelers-San Diego Chargers football game that night will take place, with food and beverages provided. The Chinese auction will begin at that time as well.

All proceeds will go to Karns City Youth Football.

"If we get part of the money we need through this, that's good," Ferguson said. "If we get it all, that's great."

The Steelers-Chargers game will be shown on a big screen at St. Jude Golf Club at 8:20 p.m. Those interested in the Chinese auction and the Steelers game can participate in both, food and beverages included, for $20.

Doors will open at 2 p.m. for the Chinese auction. Karns City football coaches and some senior team members will be on hand that night. Youth league president Bryan Fleeger will be there as well.

"That youth center has done a lot for kids," Karns City head coach Ed Conto said. "It's a nice program and it deserves the community's support."

Ferguson recalled looking up to Karns City varsity football players when he was a youth league player. Three of the players he admired — Eric Fritch, T.J. McFarland and Brad Miller — are assistant coaches with the Gremlins today.

"I remember players like (quarterback) Doug Rodgers and (receiver) Dave Hilderbrand and how much they meant to me," Ferguson said.

"Hopefully, I set that same example for some young kids. It's important for that cycle to continue."

Fleeger said he's been overwhelmed by people who have come forward with donations and offers to help recoup the losses incurred by the fire.

"We itemized everything and we lost about $32,000 worth of equipment," Fleeger said. "We've gotten calls from people whose son or daughter was involved in the program 15 years ago. One person donated two Steelers tickets we're in the process of raffling off.

"What Ian's doing is an incredible effort. That's going to be a big night," he added.

Sponsorships for the golf outing are available at rates ranging from $50 to $1,000.

For details on the golf outing, tailgate party or Chinese auction, call Ferguson at 724-448-9513.