Inaugural Zach Martin memorial game held at Dunbar

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Every down, every snap, and every touchdown scored Friday night at Dunbar High School was done so in the name of Zach Martin Polsenburg.

July will mark the fourth anniversary of the death of the football player after suffering from heat illness during a practice at Riverdale High School. 

Friday’s game between Dunbar and Estero was for Zach. 

“I was convinced that this is something that we could do and accomplish,” said his mother Laurie Giordano. 

Tonight’s game comes as a results of a settlement reached between Zach’s family and the Lee County School District. 

“Tonight is the first of many collaborations with the school district of Lee County and Lee County high schools,” said Giordano. 

Meanwhile, just before kickoff, when it came time for the team captains to meet at midfield for the pre-game coin toss, Zach’s younger brother, Nick Giordano, was chosen to represent the Tigers. 

“It means a lot that we’re out here to represent him and the foundation,” said Nick. “And I love him. I love him to death, and I’ll do everything out here for him.”

In a game that sold out hours before kickoff online, 25 percent of the proceeds went directly to the Zach Martin Foundation. 

In turn, Laurie Giordano said the foundation will put that money right back into Lee County schools to help prevent heat illness from costing another life. 

“This is one way I feel like I can take that back and do something for my son and do something in his name to continue his legacy,” she said. 

Giordano also said the Cleats vs. Heat Zach Martin Memorial Spring Game will be held for the next six years at a different venue every Spring.

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