Arkansas Teen Scores Touchdown in Wheelchair
- Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:13pm by
Meredith Jessup
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In a story of true sportsmanship, two competing high school football teams in Arkansas came together last Friday night to help one fellow student’s dream come true.
Manila High School trailed top-ranked Rivercrest High 47-0 when Rivercrest forfeited a perfect game to allow Manila senior Dylan Galloway to score, carrying the pig skin over the goal line in his wheelchair. Dylan was born with cerebral palsy and thanks to a pre-arranged moment between opposing coaches, he was able to realize his dream of playing varsity football. (h/t Business Insider)
While most of us focus on the scoreboard each game, I found that heartwarming stories like this are more common than we might think.
Earlier this fall, two teams came together in a similar fashion during a match-up in Wisconsin. An agreement between the coaches of Menomonie and Superior High Schools gave Sam Kolden, a Menomonie senior who struggles with autism, the chance to shine during his team’s 52-14 victory. From the Superior Spartans Facebook page, one fan who sat in the stands that night wrote:
Both teams played hard though over time the score tipped in Menomonie’s favor. Our team has one player who, due to special needs, is only occasionally able to be on the field. On this particular night, after a conversation between head coaches, our special player took to the field in his wide receiver position. Teams lined up, ball was snapped, a gentle pass found its way into his hands, and with great care and energy Superior players lunged in pursuit knowing well the dream they granted was more important than the six points it placed on the Menomonie score board.
The crowd was a mixture of joy and humble silence as we observed a larger than life gift given by these Superior HS men. This act of honor clearly reflects character, an attribute that our society so yearns to see. That Friday night the Superior HS Varsity football team and its coaching staff exhibited, without apology, a willingness to honor the “least of these”. To the Superior staff and players that held our stadium in awe that evening, I extend our deepest appreciation. The scoreboard that night told only part of the story. Might their display of character serve to remind the fans and others that the scoreboard only tells one aspect of the story. The coaching leadership at Superior has the right priorities.
And in Washington state, a junior with Down Syndrome at Snohomish High School ran for a 51-yard touchdown to put his school on the board in their 35-6 loss. Ike Ditzenberger got his wish with just 10 seconds left in the game against Lake Stevens High School when the coach called for the same play that ends each Snohomish practice, now aptly referred to as the “Ike Special.”
Ike’s mother, Kay, later explained to the Everett Herald why football is so important to Ike: “[Down syndrome kids] don’t learn by what they hear; they learn by what they see,” she said. “So he’s a real imitator. For him to be able to watch and learn by doing, and to be like his older brothers, is a really big deal.”
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Comments (165)
hemipuma
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:46pmIn the words of Mr. Bill O’reilly—— everyone that was involved—-YOU ARE A PATRIOT!!!!!!
Report Post »Papahall08
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:41pmBroker, I was actually a high school football player but more importantly a high school/college wrestler, them a high school wrestling coach. Nothing teaches discpline and hard work like the sport of wrestling. Don‘t tell me I didn’t bleed for a cause.You don’t know me. I understand your point but we are talking high school football here, in a game that has clearly been decided. It’s not a battlefield where people fight and die. It is a cruel harsh world out there and life hands down heavy shots at times. I will teach my kids these things but I will also teach them to be charitable and good people. Why you feel the need to insult me I don’t understand as we just have a different opinion.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:50pmPAPAHALL08. For what college did you wrestle and what high school’s team did/do you coach? I’m curious to know what institutions so blatantly confuse the ceremonial with the competitive.
Report Post »Papahall08
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:58pmBroker, you want any further info from me you can email me directly. PapaHall08@yahoo.com I don’t feel like broadcasting any other personal information. Otherwise, I wish you and yours well.
Report Post »COLTChief
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:02pmI am with you PAPAHALL08, and no one can question my credential in regards to “fighting” for something. I am forced to wear my credentials on my chest.
Report Post »gotea
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:40pmNothing wrong with instilling honor, integrity, and a good sense of being humble. Propping up a person is never a bad thing. A good lesson learned. Character.
Report Post »Papahall08
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:09pmYou people that think this is patronizing or degrading are hilarious. This is an opportunity to let someone have their day in the sun. Maybe this person gave everything they could to be a part of the program knowing they had physical limitations. Maybe it was the teams way of saying thank you to someone who obviously, any other time, wouldn’t be able to exprience this. You may be right that people with disabilities generally do not appreciate people who are overly helpful or who treat them like they are helpless. But in this case, these young men made a dream come true for someone. I agree it is important to treat people the same, regardless of limitations. Hey Artpf, if your buddy at work who uses a wheelchair couldn’t get out of a burning building, would you leave him to crawl his way out because it would be degrading and patronizing? I hope not. Lighten up. Great story, great job.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:20pmSpoken like someone who has never actually bled for anything as “frivolous” as “sports”. Let the poor kid get introduced during the pre-game starting lineups and get a hearty standing O from both sides of the stands to fulfill his fantasy. To actually give him the football during a “real” play in a game is disgraceful. Your post only proves you’ve actually fought for and earned very little in your life.
Report Post »StMichelob
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:06pmThis is a reply to Broker….Now, i never played football, but I did bleed for something frivolous like The Marine Corps, and I can barely see from the tears streaming out of my eyes. I agrre that normalcy should never be rewarded in society, but this is different. So totally and obviously different. These two events were monuments to the American spirit and American heart. To give these two kids the opportunity to “be there” and have a story to tell their friends and family are….well, too great to even imagine for me, since i have “been there and done that”. Now, as I respect your right to opinion, and I in some respects agree with the spirit of your opinion, on this I believe you are wrong and should rethink your hardened opinion. These were moments of greatness for our collective human spirit. I pray that we can all one day be like these fine young men and coaches.
Semper Fi.
Report Post »Proud American in Buffalo
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:32amIThis was a true display of Sportsmanship. Well said PAPAHALL
Report Post »sbsleddad
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 3:02pmSTMICHELOB said “I agrre that normalcy should never be rewarded in society, but this is different. So totally and obviously different.”
Why is this totally and obviously different? Because the kid has a handicap? Don’t you understand how condescending that is to people with disabilities?
Report Post »Torch
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:58pmSportsmanship at its best! Well done Arkansans
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:12pmGet a dictionary TORCH.
Report Post »“Definition of SPORTSMANSHIP : conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.”
NOTHING about this stunt qualifies as “sportsmanship”.
MissCherryJones
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:05pmBroker,
Report Post »“Definition of SPORTSMANSHIP : conduct (as fairness, RESPECT FOR ONE’S OPPONENT, and GRACIOUSNESS in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.”
Kinda disproved your own argument.
You can really take that and argue either way. I know you don’t care about our opinion of your comments (but yet feel the need to respond as such) It’s OK. You, me, everyone else here? We all get to have an opinion. That’s the beauty of discussion pages. Many folks like this story, few don’t. I personally wish we could all be so compassionate. And we can be AND be hard enough to fight when the time comes (and, oh baby, is it coming.) I actually agree with a great deal of what you post. Not today, brother, not this one. But I’m a big girl. I can shrug it off and carry on my days in peace. Some of these folks can’t. Too bad. And they’ll not be ready when the time comes to be strong.
Ga. Tea Party
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:56pmThis is not what life is about. Its a hard world and this gives a false sense of life. Sorry if you don’t get it.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:06pmWhen our most prized attribute becomes victim-hood, our culture and society is doomed.
Report Post »overlumber
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:47pmWith all the heart-breaking news out there these days, the stories within this story are wonders to behold and balm to our beaten down souls. THANK YOU The Blaze for bringing us something worthy, encouraging and uplifting.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:44pmHow do you imbeciles think this special-needs young man’s “teammates” feel? They actually trained, sweated, and bled to be a part of an actual football team that endured actual, physically painful, loss after loss in real-life, physical conflict, only to have one of their actual, physical defeats interrupted for a special needs student to enjoy fake, manufactured success on their behalf? You people disgust me.
Report Post »supercapo
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:31pmDude are you serious? Do you go and boo at the Special Olympics because it’s made up of largely manufactured victories as well? It’s called compassion and good will. These Special Needs kids go through their entire lives feeling like the outsider and never have the opportunity to be the star. It‘s so wrong to allow that for one touch down that doesn’t affect the outcome of the game?
This entire display embodies the motto of the Special Olympics “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
It was noble of these boys to do this and brave of Dylan to get up in front of people that normally stare at him and be seen by all of them.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:32pmThe games were basicly over and into the history book, “garbage time”, even the the players that take up space that are restricted from being near the ball are allowed into the game to hit and to be hit. It’s charity. Give the kids a break.
On the other end of the spectrum, these video’s reminds me of Josh Pastner, head coach University Memphis basketball. Player coach with University of Arizona 1997 NCAA title. He was player coach, the only time he played was during “garbage time”, when games were in the Fridgerator and the jello‘s giggling and the butter’s getting hard, he’s the only one on the court with the biggest smile. If you didn’t know his role on the team, you’d think he was a charity case.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:35pmSUPERCAPO, THIS WAS NOT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS. That’s the point!!!!!!!!
Report Post »AmericanPatriot01
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:06pmBroker Give it a rest. Get laid or something, you got way too much testosterone, its getting all over my monitor.
LOOK, this team was getting pounded. They were obviously not going to win. If not for this special event there would be no celebrating at all. The kid got a dream come true situation and the team can go home feeling better for the effort. No matter what the conditions were, that kid scored the only touchdown for the team that night, he’ll be the hero the next day. Would you deny him that little bit of acceptance he would have never been able to achieve otherwise due to his life circumstances. Grow a heart or at least act like a human being.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:23pmYou are one very sick person. Whether you want me to or not, I’m going to say a prayer for you tonight. You need as much intervention as possible!
Report Post »molleighsgm
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:38pmBroker I know we are speaking in big words and you can‘t understand but both teams agreed to allow this which means the whole team said let’s go for it. See they have human kindness in their genes and they don’t need anything in return for doing something selfless. I‘m sorry your brain can’t comprehend all that love and selflessness.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:22amYou boys shouldn’t even respond to this Broker character. He might just go quietly away if we all ignore him. What an a-hole, I’ll pray for him…..NOT!
Report Post »Thizzy
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:09amdude ur kinda right but ur jus askin for it, although thats prolly wat ur after. But u dont know how the other teamates feel, they prolly were happy for the kid.
Report Post »unionrockstar
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:34pmClass act guys
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:19pmYes, we are all winners. Please contact me for your “I Managed to Log on to the Blaze Comment Section World Championship Trophy”. Each and every one of you are worthy of receiving this very exclusive award. It is made of only the finest quality cow manure substitute. Congratulations one and all!!!!
WBOPP
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:24pmWhen i saw this story i had that sick feeling in my stomach, at first, then realized this was a very special moment in these kids lifes. However. What BROKER has said is going to come very true in the next couple of years when China or whoever else out there in the world reminds us that THIS IS SPARTA. like it or not.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:52amHow does it feel to be manure?
Report Post »Grandpa
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:13pmThank God more are begging to realize some things are more important than a score. I hope this catches on.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:22pmThank you for overseeing the death of American Greatness, GRANDPA. Your generation is a cancer any of us will be lucky to survive. I pity your actual grandchildren.
RobertCA
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:42pm@ BROKER0101 You went too far with your comment , someone needs to teach you about Charity & Sacrifice & it ain‘t gonna be me cause you’re a waste of time .
Robert .
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:53pmRobert. Your opinion that any of my comments have “gone too far” is of absolutely no concern to me.
Report Post »AmericanPatriot01
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:57pmI guess they don’t teach respct for their elders in his neck of the woods.
Don’t let him get to you Granpa, he is a special case like the kid in the video, we let him hang around so he can feel included.
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:03pm@ BROKER0101 wich part of ” YOU’RE A WASTE OF TIME ” you didn’t understand , ask your neighbors they will tell you what it exactly means .
Report Post »Keep the blinding hatred to yourself .
broker0101
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:05pmAMERICAN, Make no mistake, you don’t “let” me do anything.
Report Post »AmericanPatriot01
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:08pmNo, your right. We pretty much let you do whatever you want then sit back and laugh at you.
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:13pm@ AMERICANPATRIOT01 I’m laughing LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Report Post »timej31
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:02pmI saw him use the Nitrous.
Report Post »charliego
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:00pmTwo wonderful stories—-stories of how good humankind can be! (Chile and FB–who knows where the next miracle will occur—they are all around us!
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:56pmThis is one of those stories that makes me damn proud to be an American!
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:53pmGood still lives on in the world, most of us just see what the news wants to show us – negativity on the extreme. Glad they did this for him.
http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mixed art)
Report Post »LONGLEGGEDMACKDADDY
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:09pmYo those cat people in your drawins is gay.
ARTPF
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:53pmIf I were the dude in the wheelchair, I would have had some self respect and turned down the degrading, patronizing offer.
I worked with a guy in a wheelchair and we all treated him as an equal, not s some bizarre toy.
Report Post »Papahall08
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:50pmArt, lighten up. You don‘t know what it’s like to be “that dude in the wheelchair.” Maybe it’s a reward for being dedicated to a cause. Maybe he put his heart and soul into the team in every way he could and they wanted to show some appreciation. Maybe he earned the right to have his moment in the sun. There is nothing degrading about this. It’s a compassionate heartwarming story and both teams should be applauded for their efforts. I think it’s great that you treat people the same regardless of their limitations. But, if your buddy at work couldn’t get out of your building that was on fire and you had to carry him out, I hope you wouldn’t leave him behind to crawl out because it would be degrading or patronizing.
Report Post »Red Neckerson
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:56pmTake your heartless liberal diatribe over to the Daily Kos.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:32am@REDNECKERSON
I suspected you the first time, but now I know for sure… you’re a troll. I‘m a pro at trollin’. If you want some pointers, just ask. Here’s a couple:
1) Don’t use the same fallacious / irrelevant angle more than once per article. You’ll out yourself on the spot.
2) Don’t name yourself something so obvious, such as a derogatory term for the very people you’re posing as. Try to be more discreet about it.
If you want more, just leave a comment on my YouTube channel. You can get there by clicking my username.
Happy trolling, my young apprentice… may your endeavors be prosperous and lulzworthy. Wear the coolface with pride, and most of all, honor. For it is a great honor that has been bestowed upon you.
Now… go!
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:48ami would be willing to bet, the kid in the wheelchair, did not feel this way. i could never play big league ball, but i would love to have Nolan ryan give me a lollipop down the plate
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:43pmGreat sportsmanlike conduct.
Report Post »Butterfly2012
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:42pmThere IS still good in the world. This warms my heart.
Report Post »msctex
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:41pmA perfect game?
Report Post »caitlynsdad
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:57pmI know, that threw me too–I’d only heard of a perfect game in baseball. But I don’t watch much football, so I was thinking that maybe a perfect game in football is the equivalent of a shutout in baseball.
Report Post »aeronut44
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:36amWhat they are saying is the other team had not scored…
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:40pmWhat else is there to say…….. Great job by all involved!
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:29pmI ve got chills watching this……………..you young men should be proud of yourselves.NOW THESE YOUNG MEN ARE ARE FUTURE LEADERS. let us hope and pray they never forget this moment in which they gave joy, hope, and pride to one who is handi-abled. I think videos like this should be shown on a daily basis on our tvs and IN CONGRESS. so they can see what life is all about……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..YOUNG MEN OF AMERICA STAND UP PROUDLY FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND NEVER FORGET WHAT THIS COUNTRY REALLY STANDS FOR………….THE FREEDOM TO SUCCEED, AND THE CHARITY WITHIN OURSELVES TO HELP THOSE WHO WANT TO , BUT CANT. the young man will never forget this day of kindness, and it will fuel him to endevor and never give up. WE APPLAUD YOU
Report Post »caitlynsdad
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:27pmBeautiful. Just beautiful. Truly truly I say to you, whatever you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me. God be with you, Dylan Galloway.
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:26pmNice :)
Report Post »calijohn
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:26pmshoulda started the kid
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:03pmEver see Rudy? It is simply the thrill of the crowd, lights, the dream that comes true because of the selflessness of two coaches and a fine group of young men. Compassion given freely without government intervention. Love it!
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:13amne37bug, reread my post. Leave it alone. Why break it down and fault others? What is your goal?
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:05am@TRUTHTALKER:
“Leave it alone. Why break it down and fault others? What is your goal?”
1) Break what down? The illusion that he played football? Sorry. I was only breaking it down for you though; he knows it perfectly well no matter how hard you want him to be deluded. That’s why I have mixed feelings. Why is that so hard to understand? He wants to play football, and he can’t, didn’t, and never will. Excuse me if putting a ball on his lap so he can roll to the end zone doesn’t make up for that fact for me. Maybe it does for you and everyone at that field, but that sounds pretty patronizing and self- aggrandizing to me.
2) No I won’t leave something alone just because you want me to. I wouldn’t ask you to either.
3) What is my goal? If you can‘t figure that out while I’m blatantly saying what my goal is in every post, I can’t help you.
I was just offering my perspective… sorry if it bothered you. I’m happy for him, but could be happier. Hence my mixed feelings. I’m also pretty cynical when it comes to “charity” and “kindness”, especially when it takes place on television.
From grades 7 to 9 (until I dropped out) I was in the same class as a blind kid. I didn’t hang around with him, but talked to him occasionally in class or when I bumped into him at the mall. I never really thought anything of it. Well, I bumped into him again a couple of years ago and said “James! Remember me?” and he knew who I was immediately. We had a smoke together and I aimed him at the right bus when it arrived, and before he left he stopped and thanked me for being one of the only people in school not to treat him like he was 5 years old. He genuinely appreciated it.
I always wondered if he noticed the way people were with him or if it bothered him, because it annoyed the hell out of me. I figured he must have, but he was always so patient and courteous I wasn’t sure. If it were me, I would have been in a constant bad mood. Everyone had a different tone when they spoke to him, as if he were special. It was always “Hey, buddy!” as if he had to have his spirits lifted all the time. Even his best friend did it constantly. I naturally don’t do that, but also consciously made sure I never did just because it bothered me so much. He noticed.
I guess that’s the best way to explain how I feel about this whole thing. I just feel embarrassed when I see someone get patted on the head. The thrill of the crowd and being on the field is fine with me… good stuff. I‘m glad he’s having a good time. But all the “Yay! You did it!” crap like he’s a 3 year old on the potty makes me cringe, and I‘m just assuming he’s bright enough to pick up on it like James was… because he’s not an idiot. His legs just don’t work. Just like James‘ eyes didn’t work.
I just hope people are remembering that, is all… that’s my entire reason for making that comment. It doesn’t go any deeper than that. I’m sorry, but he didn’t accomplish anything. He didn’t break any barriers. He was handed something, which is FINE with me because he’s happy, but to be saying all of these things people are saying just gets to me.
It was very nice, but people take this stuff too far. When I watch that video and read some (not all) comments, I feel happy, but not “just” happiness. There‘s also embarrassment and of course some sadness for a kid who can’t walk and has just accomplished his supposed dream. It’s over now, and that’s that. I really hope he has other ambitions… ones he can accomplish, because there are many.
I’m done explaining this. Take it or leave it.
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:49pmHey N37BU6…. I’m gonna take some of the heat off you.
They should fly the kid down to Chili and let him ride the escape pod down and back up… give him a real thrill…
I’m just kidding (and no I wont grown up) It was really cool to see two teams come together and let this happen. N37BU6 I hear ya… as long as it made the kid smile, it’s very awesome.
Report Post »sbsleddad
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 2:31pmN37BU6 – Excellent, excellent, post! Thanks for truly understanding.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 7:25pmI have mixed feelings about this… it just seems kind of patronizing.
Oh, well. As long as he doesn’t feel that way.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:04pmI don’t have any mixed feelings about this at all. This is not like giving every kid in little league a trophy, these are special needs kids who got a gift they will never forget. The outcome of the game remains the same in the win/loss column and I find it wonderful that teens are being kind and compassionate.
Report Post »5
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:47pmThis is like a dream for that Boy. I love it. Like “MAKE A WISH”
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 8:56pmGulping back tears. Can’t imagine what the football players (from both teams) felt like…. or his parents.
Report Post »caitlynsdad
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:10pmUntameable Kate is right. The salient point is that this kid was treated like he belonged, like he was actually one and the same with everybody else, rather than treating him like he has nothing to contribute because of his condition. And I hope, for the young boys on that football field, they will have learned how good it feels to do good and be kind to another human being. Not in the sense that liberals congratulate themselves, by raising my taxes and lecturing me about healthy eating choices. But in actually showing kindness, one human being to another, face to face, directly with the very people that God has put in our way.
Report Post »TheDHndrsn
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 9:27pmPatronizing or partriotic. Both subjective. No one on this blog (suspect, at least) understands the dynamics of relationships involved. The only downside possibly is that it made the press. This event was used ultimately to sell a blog, paper or TV spot. Let people be people. If the kid welcomed and enjoyed the moment, more power to everyone involved.
Report Post »TheyTookOurJOBS
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:29pmSomeone needs to teach those kids some defense. They need to learn how to get off those blocks. Thats why i dont like high school football. At the college and pro level players just play at an entirely different level, skill and speed. On the other hand that running back lookd fierce. Its almost like the defense didnt want to stop him. We’ll be seeing him on sundays.
Report Post »Red Neckerson
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:55pmOnly a liberal could have mixed feelings about this.
Report Post »molleighsgm
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:30pmI don’t see how you can have mixed feelings. This was an amazing gift that these three young men will never forget. I feel great that we have young men on a team that have this kind of heart and compassion. The love between these two schools is great. Both schools will forever be tied for doing something special for a few handi-abled young men. God Bless all of you for being so selfless as to let these young men be just one of the guys.
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:32pmOur so called “leaders” could learn something from these kids.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:42pm@REDNECKERSON:
Liberal? Don’t be an idiot… I know that may be difficult for you, but try. I’m going to lay out a line of reasoning and some logic for you, alright? Try to keep up:
Do you know what “patronizing” means? I’m sticking up for him, not putting him down. That was the keyword, here. There shouldn’t have been the need for me to elaborate, but you’re obviously incapable of reading between the lines.
He said he wanted to “play” football, and “score” a touchdown. Did either of these things occur? No. He was just handed a fraudulent dream instead. He still hasn’t gotten his dream, and never will. That’s why I have mixed feelings. How can I be truly happy for him? I‘m happy that he’s happy, but unhappy that he still didn’t get to “score” a “touchdown”, I.E. do it by the book. See? Mixed feelings.
Get it now? I’m not so easily satisfied, therefore actually have more respect for him than you do… crazy, isn’t it? You’re happy with dusting off your hands and saying “well, that’s that” and I still have reservations over how synthetic the whole thing was.
In other words, I’m treating him like a person. You’re treating him like a thing.
Report Post »CultureWarriors
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:58pmI think it meant a lot to them. This is a great article – love to see more like it!
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:02amDon’t get all political about this. This was a human/humane jesture and if the teams/coaches fulfilled a wish, then they served humanity. period.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:04amTo the rest of you:
You think this was his big dream? The kid‘s dream wasn’t to have a ball placed on his lap and roll across the end zone with everyone standing there. It was to catch it, run the length of the field and score an epic touchdown.
I’m not treating this like a “trophy for everyone” situation. I’m simply acknowledging reality, not blowing smoke up his ass. This isn’t his dream, and he knows it. This is just the next best thing, which is very nice, but not the real thing. Anyone who is truly happy with this, without “mixed feelings”, isn’t really relating to him or treating him with full respect.
He’s not an idiot… he knows he didn’t score a touchdown. He knows he was given a very nice gesture, but nothing more. He didn’t earn it with skill, and that’s going to be in the back of his mind for the rest of his life. At least have the decency to admit it yourselves. It‘s not like he isn’t going to notice if you don’t say it.
Everyone here needs to stop being so smug. He wants to play football, but is paralyzed. He didn’t get what he really wanted. You think he’s truly happy? Do you think this is really what he dreams about at night? Have some respect. Don’t be so quick to high five and move on.
Well, there it is.
-N37BU6
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:12am@TRUTHTALKER:
“This was a human/humane jesture and if the teams/coaches fulfilled a wish, then they served humanity. period.”
Of course it was a nice gesture… but it’s not his real dream, is it? That‘s why I’m not 100% satisfied. That‘s all I’m saying.
As for the coaches and the teams, I really don’t care how it makes them feel. It was nice, but I’m sure they all went home and inhaled their own farts afterward because they think they are such great people. Meanwhile, he‘s stuck in a damn wheelchair and still hasn’t scored a touchdown.
I guess I’m just not easy to please.
Anyway, I should have just elaborated in my initial comment and avoided all of this, but I wasn’t planning on being the first post.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:45amN37bug, glad you had introflection enough to say it was about you. I still say leave it alone. Go your own path. Don’t be harsh on those who try to find comfort in this world.
Report Post »caitlynsdad
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:46am@N37BU6
Report Post »I’ve read a lot of your other posts and know you are no liberal. And I understand where you’re coming from on this, I just think you’re overlooking something important. Of course he knows he didn’t really score a touchdown the way that he would have liked, and of course he knows he can’t do that and will never do that. But there’s something much more important in the way that he was treated by his classmates that actually scoring a touchdown could come nowhere close to matching. He was treated like he was important and belonged in a graceful way that enabled him to be as much of a “football player” as he could possibly and not just made to feel pushed to the side and that he has nothing to contribute. The important thing is not that he felt like a real football player; the important thing is that he felt like a real person.
Thizzy
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:04amholy piss give the guy a break. dont u understand what he is saying. hes happy for the kid as lond as he is happy. And its gay that most of the ppl did it just so they could look good, and be on the local news. damn @redneckerson ur the reason libertarians look bad, dude u gotta start useing logic instead of sayin hes a lib becuz u dont agree with him. THATS EXACTLY WHAT LIBS DOOO!
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:23am@TRUTHTALKER:
Weak attack.
I simply left a comment saying I felt he was being patronized… and you must know many of those people are doing just that. How was I making it about me, apart from me voicing my opinion? If you want to go there, that logic applies to everyone else here including you. It’s also quite an ironic angle coming from someone named “TruthTalker”; your name is referring specifically to what you say, and implying that it is always the truth, even when it’s opinion. That’s pretty arrogant in and of itself.
It’s also ironic for you to say “leave it alone” while not leaving it alone yourself. By “leave it alone” do you mean just go with the majority and shut my mouth? Who says the majority decides what “it” is, anyway? You’re telling me to “go my own path” while also telling me not to. Which do you want? I was going my own path in the first place… that’s why I left my opinion. You do realize you’re in a debate, right?
There‘s one thing you’ll notice about my comments: I usually take someone else’s ruleset / logic and apply it back… that’s all I do. I just did it to you twice. I don’t claim to be morally superior to anyone, but when someone does it to me, I turn it around on them to show them how hypocritical it is. It just seems that way because of the nature of this particular argument. In another situation, it would be something else entirely. I was called a liberal and treated like an idiot with no explanation, so I was rude back while clarifying my position. Do you have a problem with that? I made a statement, just like everyone else here, then defended it. This is a news / opinion website, and there’s a “comment” section for a reason. If you think I’m being combative, just look at my first comment, and then the one I replied to. It’s pretty clear who set the tone here.
So, let’s boil it all down: I have mixed feelings, and that bothers you because you’re 100% happy. In your mind, rolling unopposed in a wheelchair was this kid’s dream, and you’re ecstatic for him.
Got it. We disagree on that. No need to try and end the discussion with “leave it alone”.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 4:12am@RED NECKERSON – “only a liberal would have mixed feelings about this”. Isn’t that a big sweeping generalization? Not all liberals are evil monsters – I‘m a liberal and I don’t have mixed feelings about that. Why do you make us out to be so evil? I am just like most of you in many ways – I am a Christian, a proud American and a Patriot – my father was a Marine who fought and died for this country, my uncle was beheaded by the Japanese during WWII, my cousin was shot by a sniper in VN also a Marine – and yet you act as if because I am a liberal I have no idea what a Patriot is and I am some how a traitor to my country. I want the same things you want for this country, I just see a different path to getting there. You believe you are right and I believe I am right but we still want the same thing. http://wp.me/pYLB7-ec
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 5:58amcaitlynsdad
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:46am
@N37BU6
I’ve read a lot of your other posts and know you are no liberal. And I understand where you’re coming from on this, I just think you’re overlooking something important. Of course he knows he didn’t really score a touchdown the way that he would have liked, and of course he knows he can’t do that and will never do that. But there’s something much more important in the way that he was treated by his classmates that actually scoring a touchdown could come nowhere close to matching. He was treated like he was important and belonged in a graceful way that enabled him to be as much of a “football player” as he could possibly and not just made to feel pushed to the side and that he has nothing to contribute. The important thing is not that he felt like a real football player; the important thing is that he felt like a real person.
SO TRUE!
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:38amit was disability awareness at fenway park, singer of national anthem got a case of giggles and the fans helped him through it, very similar video, hard to keep your eyes dry through this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhcZRFcjbhw
Report Post »tierrah
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:21pmMy grandson was in that Manila/Rivercrest Game from Arkansas – am proud of all of them for considering the wish of a young man.
Report Post »parmajohn
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:22amI Came across this yesterday…A little long but the end may explain somethings what this team effort was all about http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/film/?film=4dd298f102c77b625cf37a9e7744ac68
Report Post »DCPinPGH
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 11:14amI would say both teams, the cheerleaders, and the fans are patronizing him. Yeah, way to go, good job…they are all treating him like a 2 year old who made a poopy in the potty. I am embarressed for him
Report Post »firstHat
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:50pmI’m with you N3. I do think it was meant kindly and that kind gestures are far and few between and we need as many in this world as we can get. It sure beats the “jocks” I remember back the day who would spend their lives teasing the “‘tards.”
But on the other hand we do need to remember that is just that, a gesture. Would he have felt the same or better making a touchdown for real, but in a special Olympics game? I don’t know. I do know I was the non-traditional, older woman student who in grad school bristled at the idea that anyone should or would want to “cut me some slack” because I wasn’t cut from the same cloth as my peers. I remember telling my mentor that I wanted the right to fall flat on my face. I wanted to know that, even though I didn’t come from the best of schools and through the traditional tracks, that I could hold my own just the same.
Report Post »sbsleddad
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 2:18pmN37BU6, as a Dad of a special needs child, my son has spina bifida, I very much agree with you. My son loves football and dreams about just playing football let alone scoring a touchdown. He would be POed if the teams did this. It IS patronizing. My son would rather be handed the ball and be absolutely leveled by a blitzing linebacker – decleated as Madden says – than to have the other teams just watch him run the ball in and score.
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