As the sun set beautifully over Roo Stadium, the Varsity players emerged from the Kangaroo tunnel amid two glimmering lines of silver and blue poms held high by the Blue Belles. Cheerleaders flipped and tumbled, leading the way down to the end zone where the team knelt in prayer and silence to honor the 14th anniversary of the day that forever changed America.
As a special tribute, the varsity players donned helmets of red and white stripes, amid a field of stars on blue. The coaches surprised the team with the helmets. Players were instantly sharing pictures online with friends and families.
“We couldn’t believe how cool they [helmets] looked! We knew the coaches had a surprise, but they really outdid themselves,” said Chase Warren, senior receiver. “I was really proud to wear something so patriotic.”
Other players felt the same way.
“It was a great feeling being able to play on 9-11,” said senior Stanley Merchant. “It felt like the people who died were in the stands cheering, just as everyone else was.”
The crowd was in awe as well.
“What a beautiful sight! I loved all the red, white and blue on the field. It was such a nice tribute on such an emotional anniversary,” said Pam Van Horn, #67 Jake Van Horn’s biggest fan and mother.
Despite the hard fought game, the Roos did not come out victorious, but what could be more American than playing your heart out for your fans…and THAT, they did do!