When the team was done with practice, we were invited out onto the field and Coach Bronco Mendenhall introduced Evan to the team.
The team had a wonderful presentation for Evan. They honored him for his courage in facing this difficult challenge, and they made him an honorary member of the team. They gave him his own team flag, that has signatures from every member of the team on it. They also gave him a beautiful team coin. Every coach and player has one and they carry it with them at all times. It has the team's mission statement engraved on the back, and this year's team motto "Quest for Perfection" on the front. It's really something to see!
As a new member of the team, Evan was asked to add his signature to the official team flag. This flag is carried onto the field by one of the players before every game as the team enters the stadium. This flag has the signature of every players, as well as each person who has been honored as a "Thursday's Hero." What an honor!
Towards the end of the presentation, Evan got to say a few words to the team. He expressed our great appreciation for their kindness, as well as our gratitude for their example and the integrity with which they represent the University and their fans, and he wished them continued success in the upcoming season. It was pretty cool to watch all those big strong players listening so intently as Evan spoke. Evan did a great job!
And finally, in one of the most moving moments of the day, the team asked Evan to lead them in their end-of-practice cheer. All the players gathered around him, Evan called out "1-2-3," and the whole team yelled "Go Cougars!" It was awesome! I get chills everytime I think about it.
