Difference Makers — Cathy Parker

By TERRY BROWN / terry.brown@jacksonville.com

Watching ESPN’s Outside the Lines television show last fall with her sons, Cathy Parker was moved by the story of a first-year football team that played on a gravel-laced, tundra field near the frozen top of the world. As the wife of former NFL player and Bartram Trail offensive coordinator Carl Parker, Parker knew the young men of Barrow, Alaska, deserved the same opportunities to excel on and off the football field as those who played alongside her boys at Bartram.

Remembering the new turf fields placed in a few northwest St. Johns County parks, Parker hatched a plan to provide an artificial turf field to the Whalers. Undaunted by naysayers, she launched herself into Project Alaska, and vowed to raise $500,000 to make it happen — $380,000 has been raised so far. In addition, she enlisted the help of the Bears football program and worked to bring the entire Whalers team and coaches to St. Johns for a week of joint practices and outings for the squads.

On May 18, the Barrow Whalers stepped off a bus and into the warm embrace of the Sunshine State, its host team and their families. The young men from a whaling village have spent the week learning new football techniques, hanging out at the beach, visiting the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, and enjoyed watching practice and working with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Parker said most importantly, both teams have bonded beyond her expectations.

Well, what does it feel like to actually have the Barrow team here for a visit?
It feels very, very good to have this moment finally arrive.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in having the team arrive?
 Just getting them here, logistically, has been the biggest challenge. The majority of the team arrived in Atlanta and we had to bus them here. That was a nightmare. I thought it would get easier once they arrived, but it has still been a lot of work. Instead of caring for four children, I’ve got 32 more to take care of.

Who provided your greatest moments of inspiration growing up?
 I would have to say my parents. They always set such a good example and always opened their house to others. They always looked out for the needs of others. My parents were always bringing strangers home, feeding them and helping them get on their feet.

How did you and Carl meet?
We were high school sweethearts in Valdosta, Ga., and have been married for 23 years. I’ve practically raised him — it’s still a work in progress [laughing].