Last Friday Night’s Game
Scott Gatlin, high school principal at Jackson Christian, sent a link to the video of the final moments of last Friday night’s game. A JCS senior player, who has suffered from physical and other limitations from birth, scored a touchdown. The person who posted the video said this about the situation:
“High school senior Aric Simms, known as the team motivator, saw his first action in the final home game of the season last Friday night (October 23, 2009). In a game against Harding Academy, the Jackson Christian School Eagles ended their regular home season with a win. But the real winners that night were the fans and the truest example of sportsmanship I’ve ever witnessed. Note the first person to congratulate Aric on his touchdown. In case you miss it, it’s a guy in the other color jersey.”
We have been inundated with emails full of compliments and thanks for Coach Derrick, Coach Underwood, Coach Banker, and Coach Easter who worked with the JCS coach and with the Harding players to give this player a memory-making experience. Here is just one of those messages: “I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the display of sportsmanship that your coach, team, fans, administration, and entire Harding family showed during our football game on Friday night. You gave Aric and his family, as well as all of us here at JCS, a memory of what it means to be like Christ that none of us will ever forget. Please let your football players know that they are the heroes of the night. Thank you for who you are.”
Scott said, “Coach, thanks again for your compassionate generosity in making this happen. It’s been a huge encouragement for Aric (#39) and for the JCS family. Please know that we stand ready to repay the favor.”