More than a game

BRUNSWICK, OHIO – For 19 seniors, the Medina game was the last time they would step onto the football field. Years of grinding practices and weekly games were over just like that. For years to these young men, football has been more than a game; it’s been a way of life.

Senior Timmy Reagan, a captain and two year starter, has been playing football for ten years. Now with that chapter in his life closed, he looks back upon the time he spent playing football fondly. For instance, Reagan says that through football, he made friends that he never would have had before. “The best memories I have are the friends I made, specifically the o-line, and not just the starters. I consider my fellow offensive lineman to be family.”

Senior Jeff Chaya, who started playing football in sixth grade, has similar feelings. “High school football has been awesome. [Our class] did things like going 4-0 versus Strongsville and starting off 5-0, that people can’t take away from us.  It was something special [for us].”

Football also gave the seniors life lessons that they will keep with them for the rest of their lives. “No matter whether we won or lost, [football taught me to] always better myself, leave no doubt, and just try hard in everything you do.” says Chaya. Reagan shares a similar sentiment. “Nothing is given to you. You can have all the talent in the world, but none of that matters if you don’t have the work ethic.” he says.

The class of 2012 has also left an impact on the class below them. Junior Blake Bartchak says that the seniors have taught him lessons that he will never forget. “The seniors this year taught me to never count [myself and my teammates] out. We came into every single game, give or take one or two, as the underdog. No one except the team or coaches expected us to win. The seniors, me, and the team believed that we could win.” he says.     The class of 2012’s football season ended with a loss to Medina, which is not the storybook ending that was hoped and dreamed for. But the loss has not put a damper on the memory. Reagan admitted to crying after the game and hugging every one his teammates. But he will ultimately remember his years playing football as being some of the best years of his life. “My team is my family I love those guys.”