Submitted by VHS Football Coach
This past weekend, Kyle Peterson and DJ Baron played their final home football game. Prior to taking on the Seward Seahawks, Kyle and DJ were recognized along with their parents as they shared their memories of the past and hope for the future. They will play their final football game next week as they travel to Fairbanks to take on the Monroe Catholic Rams.
This past Saturday was a terrific example of the importance of a football team to a community. On a beautiful sunny Saturday, a terrific crowd showed up to support and cheer on their local players. Faithful volunteers came and contributed to run the chains, set up the field, and otherwise prepare for the day. The Coast Guard came and provided hot dogs and concessions. The Fire Department came and provided emergency care. The Civil Air Patrol color guard presented the colors, and a previous student played the national Anthem prior to the game. Behind the scenes and less well known, mothers and fathers of football players brought their weed whackers and lawn mowers for several days previous to the game to clean up our field and present it with pride. Several volunteers provided breakfast prior to the game to all the visiting players, coaches, and cheerleaders before then feeding the same from Valdez, all in all around 70
people were fed. A Saturday football game in our local community requires a terrific amount of volunteers to pull off. However, it also becomes a choice community gathering, a chance to show hometown pride to a group of visitors from out of town. There is no other sport that has the capacity to generate such hometown spirit and pride as a football game on a beautiful, sunny, autumn Saturday. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all those who volunteered, participated, and attended this past week.
While we continually make every effort to improve our skills and ability on the field, perhaps we might recognize one of the greatest victories of any football program is merely to bring a community together in a shared effort. The players gave their all as did the parents, the volunteers, and those who faithfully cheered encouragement. And we are all better for it. Thank you.