BELLMEAD, Texas — He isn't just a part of the team. He's the heart of the team. The La Vega community is used to seeing Stefan "Hoorah" Jemison on the sidelines of every game leading the crowd in cheering on the Pirates.
"He's a guy that if you cut him, he'd bleed blue. If you cut him again, he'd bleed gold. He's a true La Vega Pirate," said Head Football Coach Don Hyde.
The 2002 graduate of La Vega High was invited to come out and help the team by former Head Coach Willie Williams.
"And I've been here ever since," said Jemison.
Jemison works five days a week in the athletics program. It's become his second home and a family to Jemison.
But it took a devastating fire to show Jemison just how much he matters there.
"My phone was ringing," said Hyde. "It was one of my coaches who gives him a ride every day and he said, 'Hey I just got home. Stefan's house is on fire.' And so he went and picked him up and took him to a hotel. We went to work the next day trying to find some means for him to have a new place to live."
Hyde started a GoFundMe page, and everyone from cheerleaders to players gathered items to help Hoorah.
"He just means a lot to the coaching staff and the kids and a lot of people in the district," said Hyde.
"What can I say about Coach Hyde? He's amazing!" said Jemison.
The GoFundMe has already surpassed its goal.
"I'm still feeling it," Jemison told 6 News. "I mean you look on that deal that Coach set up and you see people's names on there and it's amazing. It's amazing. I mean, God is good. God is good and that's why I do what I do. And I do it with pride."
Even without a home, Jemison knows he'll always have one at La Vega ISD.
"Believe it or not, this is my second fire," Jemison said. "When I was a junior in high school my house burned down and La Vega helped me. The Lord don't put no more on you than you can handle. It's a test. But I'm gonna make it through...that's part of life you go through. But you bounce back. That's the thing. You bounce back. And hey, I'm bouncing, baby."
More from 6 News: