Classiest Play in Sports

While deciding which articles that I was going to blog on this week in came across an article that just pulled at my heart strings. It was, in my opinion, the most classiest play that two high school football coaches could have ever called.

In the story, "Rivals Give Last Touchdown To Player With Down Syndrome," (http://www.parentdish.com/2009/21/rivals-give-last-touchdown-to-player-with-down-syndrome) the St. Joe Benton Cardinals were playing their arch rivals the Maryville Spoofhounds last friday night. During the course of the game the Spoofhounds were beating the Cardinals by the score of 46-0. With time running out the Cardinal Coach approached the Spoofhound coach and asked him for a "favor." That favor was to let a freshman running back from St. Joe Benton to score a touchdown. The running back, by the name of Matt Ziesal, has down syndrome and always begged for some game action. Here's the really classy part of the whole story. The Maryville coached could have easily said no and preserve the shut out victory for his team. The coach of the Maryville Spoofhounds agreed and told his defense not to tackle the kid and let him score.

I have watched the video of the 60 yard touchdown run many times now. Every time that I watch it I can't help but to think of how happy Matt had to of been when he crossed the goal line. I've volunteered many times at Special Olympic Events and the smiles these athletes show after they complete their events are bigger than anyting in this entire world. My heart always melted every time I had the honor of volunteering at these events.

I believe at the end of the year both of these coaches should be given the "Coach of the Year" award and in my opinion "Human of the Year" award too! Both these coaches showed what it is to be true sportsman and they both showed great compassion in letting a child with a handicap score a touchdown.

After reading this story I showed it to my own son and let him read it. My son is a great athlete in his own right, but sometimes doesn't put forth the extra effort when he practices. After he read it he turned to me and before he could say anything to me I seen a different look in his eyes. A look of determination and desire that I haven't seen in his eyes for a very long time. Then he broke down and told me that he will work much harder and not take his gifts for granted anymore. He told me Matt Ziesal should be an inspiration for all athletes and he would work harder in practice in honor of him.

God Bless both of the coaches for their compassion. And I wish both teams good luck and good fortune for the rest of their seasons. Hats off to the St. Joe Benton Cardinals and the Maryville Spoofhounds.