Myles5

2008 St Regis Raider Football Season

Dedicated to Myles Beckley

Part Four – Post-Season

All season long, the coaches said to each other that we knew the season would be filled with tricks and surprises – Myles letting his presence be known! While we felt it and saw it all year, Myles also seemed to ramp up heading into the playoffs. The final week of practice provided great examples. One day that week is “jersey day” where the players can substitute their favorite pro, college or other jersey for their practice jersey. You never saw so many 5’s in your life – all colors, styles, teams – all #5. That night a rainbow appeared over our practice field, perfectly framing it with it’s ends. In all the years Coach has been out there, he’s never seen a rainbow there. It was right at the end of practice and Coach talked about in the huddle to close practice. The very next night, in the identical place, at the same time – the very end of practice – a double rainbow appeared.

The defining moment of the semi-final St. Mike’s game came during a field goal attempt to put victory in our grasp. Heading into the wind, the kick seemed to take forever to get to the goalpost. As it was slowly dropping and our breath was held, the ball doinked off the crossbar straight into the air. Not a sound in the stadium as we all watched … the ball fell over the other side and the referees raised their arms high in the air – just like we’d all seen Myles do countless times, just celebrating life. The Raiders were going to Ford Field.

On the sideline that day, Coach Grobbel decided we needed a Myles banner for Ford Field for the players to run under. Because it was Coach Grobbel, and it was Myles, it was going to be BIG. Coach unveiled it at the team’s unity dinner on the Thursday before the game. The ten foot red banner carries the Raider shield, MYLES and the number 5.  All the players and coaches signed the banner. Fr. Yost, who celebrated Myles service, was on hand to deliver an exceptional prayer, as he does. After, Father grabbed the Sharpie and autographed Myles banner.

Ford Field was outstanding except for one thing, we didn’t win the game. There are far more important things we win in life and our players, coaches, community and fans won big this season. We’re still winning if you are reading this far. We played a tough game against a team that creamed us earlier in the year. We gave them their toughest game of the season. They were relieved when it was over and are deserving champions … this year J.

At the start of the game, Theresa represented Myles and our entire program, wearing the #5 jersey to mid-field for the coin-toss and shaking hands with the referees and the opposing team’s captains. A St. Regis student did an amazing job singing the national anthem, filling up the huge stadium. Myles’ banner was unfurled and the team ran under it, everyone touching it and getting a little piece of Myles. The banner was captured by the tv cameras before being hung on the stadium wall. The announcers talked about our program and our season being dedicated to Myles. Congratulations to Coach Nick and the St. Anne Eagles for a great season and well-fought championship win.

An eternal and spirit-filled congratulations and thank you to the CYO, all its teams, and the Raider Nation. You carried another team – our family – on your backs with nothing but smiles on your faces and love in your hearts. Myles is SO proud of you. God Bless.