First-ever "Game To Remember" a community event
SAGINAW TWP. -- "Things do not exist in isolation," said Nouvel Catholic Central principal Irene Hensinger. "We're a part of - and we want our students to know - that they're a part of a much larger community that cares about them, that they should be involved in and care about. And this is a perfect example of that kind of community partnership."
The first-ever "Game To Remember" will take place at Nouvel Catholic Central tomorrow night (10/8), an event which encompasses players and fans alike paying tribute to loved ones who have passed away, as well as an effort to fight cancer.
In short, it is about so much more than winning a football game.
"That's what we were talking about earlier with the seniors," began Panthers head coach Mike Boyd. "I said tonight, I need you to go home and I need you to settle down, pause, and take some time and to think about exactly what this game is about."
Fans who make a donation will have a Panther player display the name of a loved one that fan chooses to honor. Money raised will not only go towards cancer research, but will also help fund a marker in the school's Memorial Garden for star soccer player Adam Puvalowski, who was tragically killed in a car accident last spring.
"He still has a lot of friends at school," said senior tight end Mack Schaper. "I haven't talked to his family at all, but I know people who have talked to his family and they're very nice people. We just hope we can play for them and do the best we can."
"Every time I did see him, he was always happy," added junior cornerback Josh Buchalski. "Always had a big smile on his face. He was happy to be alive, and that's how we gotta live, too."
Friday night's "Game To Remember" will help the memory of Adam Puvalowski endure, and has helped these high school athletes appreciate a world far beyond the reaches of the gridiron.
"It gives you the opportunity to not just focus on football," said senior fullback Dominic Vasquez. "It's a focus on life, and the struggles people had to go through. Hopefully this will grow into a really good thing, and I think it already is. So, I can't wait to see it go further."
