Small But Mighty
Dedication, perseverance, pride, and sportsmanship.
Each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday these hardworking athletes
gathered at the gridiron. But, to see these players you may have to
look a little lower. These Fifth and Sixth grade football players
may be half the size of the Peter brothers, but their heart is just
as big as anyone else's.
The
Fifth and Sixth grade students took part in the St. Mary's football
program; seventeen boys and two girls, participated. The athletes
were then divided into two eight-man teams, the Redbirds and the
Cardinals. The squads held biweekly practices on Tuesday and
Thursday throughout the season. The first game of the season was
canceled due to the weather. The following week the Cardinals came
back from a 8-0 half time deficit to beat the Redbirds 14-8. The
second week marked a strong showing by the Redbirds as they busted
the Cardinals 36-8 and drew even at one in the series. The short
season ended on a well played third game by both squads, but the
Redbirds prevailed 16-6 one cold windy day.
More
important than the scores, team records, or games, may be the time
dedicated by those who were involved. Six Varsity football players
gave up their free time after practice to help coach the squads.
Coaches for the Cardinals included Colin Jensen, Kevin O'Connell, and
Jeremy Zakrzewski. Dave Dougherty, Brian Hoesing, and Brian Koenig
coached the Redbirds. Varsity coaches Dan Wolken, Mike Pardun, and
Mr. Simons offered the younger coaches assistance and advice. The
most important thing achieved from this may be the trust and
friendship gained from the young adults and children alike.
Brian Hoesing