A few weeks ago we had some big excitement in the family. My nephew Nick plays football and is #52 for the IKM Hawks. His team not only made the playoffs but went on to win the Class A State Championship football game. It couldn't have been any sweeter since they beat arch rival, the Manning Bulldogs, to earn that playoff spot. HAWKS EAT BULLDOG MEAT!!
Anyway, they played their next two games in Cedar Falls, Iowa at the UNI-Dome so our family got see Nick play two games. Our son, Jordan, had to miss out on the game but he did get to watch it later on TV. Nick was so awesome! In the Manning game he dislocated his shoulder so he played his last two games with a nasty shoulder injury and lots of Tylenol. He is one gritty guy. Nick plays center on offense and nose guard on defense. He played practically all of both games! He was only out for a few plays per game and he took himself out at that. We would see him running towards the sidelines, flagging for someone to come in for him with his left arm, while his right arm hung limply at his side. But a few plays later and he was back in there, crushing people. Being the competitive person that I am and having had some championship experiences in my life, it was emotional . There is nothing like a championship experience! So many hours, weeks and often years of hard work and dreams all come down to one game. I feel for those athletes who are just as good and work just as hard but may not have as good of a team...it is such a blessing to be #1.
I was popping at the seams and even better was being there with Nick's dad/my brother Mike (the awesome #66 for the Hawks from 1972-75), Nick's mom Julie, and Nick's sister Kami. IKM is made up of three small Iowa towns, Irwin, Kirkman, and MANILLA. I'd say that most of the population from all three towns traveled to Cedar Falls for both games. Also attending were Nick's grandma, aunts, and uncles from Julie's side so he had an entourage of fans. It was a blast! I'd like to invite you to come along and watch Nick again next year but that can't happen. Nick is one of 16 graduating seniors for the Hawks! Congratulations Nick to you and your team. We are all so proud of you!
Anyway, they played their next two games in Cedar Falls, Iowa at the UNI-Dome so our family got see Nick play two games. Our son, Jordan, had to miss out on the game but he did get to watch it later on TV. Nick was so awesome! In the Manning game he dislocated his shoulder so he played his last two games with a nasty shoulder injury and lots of Tylenol. He is one gritty guy. Nick plays center on offense and nose guard on defense. He played practically all of both games! He was only out for a few plays per game and he took himself out at that. We would see him running towards the sidelines, flagging for someone to come in for him with his left arm, while his right arm hung limply at his side. But a few plays later and he was back in there, crushing people. Being the competitive person that I am and having had some championship experiences in my life, it was emotional . There is nothing like a championship experience! So many hours, weeks and often years of hard work and dreams all come down to one game. I feel for those athletes who are just as good and work just as hard but may not have as good of a team...it is such a blessing to be #1.
I was popping at the seams and even better was being there with Nick's dad/my brother Mike (the awesome #66 for the Hawks from 1972-75), Nick's mom Julie, and Nick's sister Kami. IKM is made up of three small Iowa towns, Irwin, Kirkman, and MANILLA. I'd say that most of the population from all three towns traveled to Cedar Falls for both games. Also attending were Nick's grandma, aunts, and uncles from Julie's side so he had an entourage of fans. It was a blast! I'd like to invite you to come along and watch Nick again next year but that can't happen. Nick is one of 16 graduating seniors for the Hawks! Congratulations Nick to you and your team. We are all so proud of you!
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