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The best touchdown of the weekend...

By John Jagler

The best touchdown of the weekend .came out of New Jersey in a freshman high school football game.  It was Matt Ziesel's 60-yard scamper.  Matt has down syndrome and got to see his dream come true.  Not only did he get into the game, he scored. 

 

Here's a note from his family...

Matt is a special athlete who has Down Syndrome. He loves football and has grown up in an environment surrounded by sports. His father is a coach/ athletic director, and all his siblings play sports. He grew up at athletic events, and has always been a cheerleader. He registered as a freshman at Benton High School -Saint Joseph, MO this year, and told his mother and father he wanted to play football. The team takes good care of looking after Matt, and he is still the cheerleader on the sidelines. He puts his pads and helmet on, stands next to Coach McCamy and waits for his turn to play. Over and over during the course of the game Matt will say, "Coach McCamy, I am ready! I am ready Coach!" On this Monday night coach gave him a chance. The Cardinals were down by a few touchdowns with 15 seconds left. Coach McCamy called a timeout and asked the coach of Maryville High School if they could run their "Matt Play". He agreed and this is where the video begins. Thanks to Coach McCamy and the freshman coach at Maryville, Matt and his family will cherish his moment forever!

- Sincerely The Ziesel Family


 

 

Friday, Sep 25 at 5:44 AM Ro wrote ...

That was a great day to start my day!! Thanx for the beautiful story.

29642824 Flag for moderation

Wednesday, Sep 23 at 9:03 PM Maryvillian wrote ...

This actually happened in Missouri instead of New Jersey

29572351 Flag for moderation

Tuesday, Sep 22 at 5:22 AM Phil-Oshkosh wrote ...

Way to go John! You brightened my day!

29481691 Flag for moderation

Monday, Sep 21 at 3:42 PM Jim B wrote ...

Blessed are meek for their's is the kingdom of God.

29461293 Flag for moderation

Monday, Sep 21 at 10:43 AM mikeyp3 wrote ...

In today's "in your face" world of athletics (even at the high school level), this was a rare -- and welcome -- gesture of sportsmanship and kindness.

29444939 Flag for moderation

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