Winners Breakfast Club draws dozens before dawn

South Lakes student athletes fuel up with food, study time, and peer support.

by Matt Reider, Staff Writer

Originally formed to help student athletes keep their grades up to remain eligible to compete. Winners Breakfast Club has become much more about building skills and confidence for all students. Photo by Matt Reider.

It’s 6:25 a.m., and 25 students are already waiting outside South Lakes High School for a “study session.” While that may sound unusual, each Tuesday morning this August, 60 to 75 student-athletes gathered in the lecture hall for the Winners Breakfast Club (WBC).

The club launched in the second semester of last school year, starting with just 10 participants and growing to an average of 30. During the summer, word spread, and the student leadership team worked to make WBC a popular morning activity.

Students check in by scanning a QR code on their laptops, which records attendance and asks about current grades, assignments, and whether they need peer or teacher support. This system alerts teachers to students’ needs without requiring them to ask directly. While working, students can eat breakfast and socialize, making the time both academically productive and community-building. The club’s goal is to boost grades by strengthening executive function skills such as scheduling, time management, and organization, supported by coaching and guidance from peers and teachers.

WBC was founded in early 2025 when coaches, teachers, and team leaders sought to help student-athletes manage the heavy demands of school and sports. The idea began when Terry Redican, a new freshman football coach, discovered some players didn’t meet academic eligibility—not for lack of ability, but because of weak time management and limited tech skills. His wife Patty stepped in to tutor one struggling student. Redican then asked team leader Joshua Dagbe if others would come early for a good breakfast and study support. Joshua’s enthusiastic “for sure” convinced Redican the idea would take off.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a breakfast club without breakfast. Students receive a free, protein-rich meal designed to fuel their day. Originally provided by parents, the meals are now supported by sponsors since WBC gained nonprofit status this summer through The Core Foundation. With 501(c)(3) designation, the club secured company and individual sponsors, and school administrators helped arrange teacher support and more space.

On Aug. 26, student leader Riggins Legler served chicken and waffles while his family prepared fruit, juice, and chocolate milk. “It’s definitely better to have upperclassmen and other students helping,” he said. “If a parent or coach tried, students would probably tune it out.” That peer support has made a difference—students once struggling are now improving.

Senior Eric Kowalczyk began as a student tutor. “My role has been to help in any subject and check in on grades,” he explained. “This year, I was asked to join the leadership team.” Teachers are also engaged. Math teacher and robotics sponsor Sherri Evans said she “would always walk past Coach Hescock’s office and hear about this breakfast thing” before deciding to get involved.

For senior Logan Legler, the early start is a bonus. “Breakfast at 6:30 gives us extra time for schoolwork without interfering with practices or games,” he said.

This year’s leadership team includes seniors Logan Legler, Labeed Zaib, Brady Theis, and Eric Kowalczyk, along with sophomores Joshua Dagbe, Riggins Legler, and Koa Falls. Their efforts, combined with adult and community support, have driven the program’s rapid growth.

While the original aim was to keep athletes eligible to play, the program’s impact extends further. By building relationships and fostering teamwork, WBC helps all South Lakes students—whether preparing for college, careers, or military service—gain the skills and confidence to succeed.