Please read this touching story about Matt Ziesel a young man that "Just wants to play football" that became a media sensation overnight.
Matt Ziesel is a freshman at Benton High School in St Joseph, Mo, who loves to play football.
Last Friday night displayed what true sportsmanship truly is about in a freshman game against Maryville. The score was 46-0 which was a lost game for Benton but a winner for sportsmanship, coaches and all the players that night, along with Matt Ziesel who just wants to play football!
With 19 seconds left in a meaningless game, Benton Freshman Coach Dan McCamy, approached Maryville's coaches with the idea of allowing Matt to enter the game and score a touchdown. At first bewiltered by Mr. McCamy's advances the Spoofhounds' staff agreed.
Matt sprinted down the sideline, with Coach McCamy giving encouragement, and Maryville's players feigning attempts to tackle him.
Matt's father, Mike, Benton's activities director witnessed the game but his wife was out of town so Mr. McCamy decided to put the video on the internet for Mike's wife to see.
Matt has Down syndrome and Doctors had advised his parents that he probably shouldn't play football, due to the dangers of physical contact.
Matt watches the video and sees a touchtown regardless of the circumstances.
Matt just wants to play football!
To the Maryville and Benton players, and coaches, Thank You, for making this happen for Matt!
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Dona,
Very nice story, thank you for posting it!
-David
Hi David! The story really shows the true meaning of Sportsmanship and changing one boys life, doesn't it? I am really proud of the coaches and players in the game.
Dona I think this was on the world news! I saw it and thought how incredible that is that the other team did it!! It shows there are people with very big hearts out there!
Tami: It will always be remembered most likely as not only a special day for Matt but the true word of Sportsmanship for both teams & coaches was shown. Many news channels have aired the video and lets everyone know that their are many people in the world who truly make a difference.
Donna,
Thank you for posting this information on your Web site. My wife and I are very proud of our son Matt and the many accomplishments he has shown progress toward in his young age. We are also very pleased with the positive comments that most people have shown toward this story. This includes the many friends and family along with the media that have used this as a life changing story for many. We are proud and thankful to the many people involved and may God bless everyone.
Thanks,
"Matt's Dad"
Hi Mike:) or Matt's Dad!
Matt is a great ball player and St Joseph is proud of him. We are also extremely proud of the other players and coaches for giving a young man a chance to play football. I really wanted to post the video on this 160,000 member site, but honestly could not figure out how to do it!
Congratulations to Matt, his family, friends and media for sharing his story,
Dear Donna,
I just visited your blog and want to say thank-you as well. I am Matt's Mom (that seems to be my identity after Matt's video was shown) and we ARE very proud to be Matt's parents. He has been a welcomed addition to our family. Matthew does keep us active and young at heart. We cannot take complete credit for Matthew's development into the young person that he is. Matthew's siblings, other members of our families and friends have been very supportive and encouraged him all along the way. As you already know, we live in a great community. This community has also been extremely supportive and kept us positive with Matthew and his accomplishments and his dreams.
We are grateful to the Maryville coaches and players for allowing Matthew into the game. Many times we talk about the negatives of sports and how ugly some games can get. This game showed the positives of sports.....a learning tool to show compasion, sportsmanship and unselfishness. A lesson that all the young men on the field will remember long after they graduate from high school.
Thank you for posting this story to your website. Little did we know that a video would have such an impact !
Best Regards,
Patty Ziesel
Hi MATT'S MOM! Patti, Thank you for visiting my blog....High School sports should not be about winning or loosing but rather Team Work and Sportsmanshipand I think every player should have the privilege in playing for their team. LeBlond and Maryville displayed just those qualities in letting Matt have the privilege to play for his Team! I am pleased to let others know about the video that made Matt a Media Sensation along with both teams and coaches! I saw Matt and his Dad on TV and the glow from both of their faces, it was such a joyous occasion. As parents you should be proud and St Joseph is also just as proud! St Joseph is a great community, isn't it? Best Wishes to your family.
Dona,
Thank you for sharing this story. What an uplifting, positive story!! I am so glad Matt had his moment in the sun. He will forever cherish the memory of making that touchdown!! How wonderful for you to receive family feedback as well!!! :)
Sonja. I am so pleased that the Ziesel's stopped in to comment, they are proud and so is the City of St. Joseph. Sports is a learning tool and the team shared such sportsmanship and compassion. Matt will always remember his special day he made the touchdown and St Joseph is proud of both teams! Have a great week!
Hi Dona ~ You have such a big heart! This is a great story you have shared about Matt. I can tell from reading the comments made here by Matt's mom and dad they are so proud of him and are so thankful for people like you who care so much about others! Thanks for sharing Matt's story.
Hi Terrie! Kids are a very important part of our lives. I am proud of Matt, his accomplishments and his parents that have also let Matt just be like one of the other kids.
Hi Dona! What a tender story of passion and compassion in, what are otherwise normally, rough and tough teenage boys. What a lesson they all learned from this wonderful moment. And, how very special that Matt's parents stopped by to comment on your blog. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us here.
Debe, Thank You! It was a magnificent moment for Matt, he will always remember that day. I was honored to have Matt's parents stop by. There are so many compassionate folks in this world, sometimes we need to share it. I hope your doing well and say hello to Ray!
I heard about this. It is a wonderful story and to my way of thinking it epitomizes the best of sportsmanship, humanity and compassion. Here is a Youtube link to the play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ylwXOxKb7I
God bless everyone on the field that day.
I am deeply touched, what a wonderful story. Thank you.
Hi Philip! Thank you for supplying the link of that famous play of Matt! I just could not figure that one out.. You are absolutely correct, both of these teams displayed what sports is truly about. I may be a little prejudice but this is just one example of what you will find in Northwest Missouri. Thank You for commenting and supplying the link, I greatly appreciate it!
Dona- Thank you for sharing this story. It is very moving. And the wonderful touching comment left my Matt's dad had me in tears.
Thanks Dona, this story brought a smile to my face this morning. What a great way to start the day on a positive note!
I saw it on the news a while back. It is a great story of compassion and acceptance.
I knew of the strry but thanks for posting it here. We can complain all we want about bad behavior, but I chose to believe in the goodness of the human spirit. When given the opportunity to shine, great things will happen.
Thank you for the nice read today.
Patricia /Seacoast NH
Great post and touching story Dona, was there a link to the video?
Katerina: I agree:)
Jennifer: At times we all need to look around and be thankful for what the positives are and forget the negatives!
Integrity Funding: Agreed, isn't this what sports and schools should be about also?
Joe: Your comment is right on!
Patricia, Thanks for visiting, seems to uplift us, doesn't it?
Hi James, Here is the link to the game and Thanks to Phillip for leaving it in his comment!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ylwXOxKb7I