Time to move on for a Special Wolf…

It should not come as a surprise that my first post on this new venture would have something to do with Reeds Spring Football. But, it is not the kind of post that many would expect.

I want to use this initial post to pay tribute to a very “special” Wolf. This is a guy that has left an impression on me, and the school, that will last for years to come. In talking with a Reeds Spring supporter, I made the comment that: “There has never been a player that played so little, that I will remember so much.” The pure excitement and joy that this guy shows is magnetic. He draws you to him.

I am talking about the guy with the unforgettable smile: Adam Gasper.

In full disclosure, I am the father of two children with autism. And, I admit that probably makes me pay just a little more attention to Adam than I might would otherwise. However, how can you not like a guy that gives so much joy to those around him? Adam looks at the world, like many of us wish we could. That is straight forward, no agenda, holding nothing back; what you see is exactly what you get.

When you try to put yourself in his shoes, it is hard to be anything but impressed. One of the big things with autism is repetition. You want to know exactly what is going on and have it happen the same over and over. Well, that hardly happens when trying to stop another teams’ offense. You line up and have to react, depending on what they do. That’s another thing. REACTION. You and I have a natural reaction to what happens in front of us. If this happens you do “A” and if this happens you do “B”. We do it without thinking about it. Well, children with Autism act the same way, but they have to “compute” it so they can make the right move. This can be extremely frustrating and can be overwhelming. But, Adam fought right through it and adapted.

No doubt there were some rough times. Meltdowns are part of the world that folks like Adam live in. But, with the help of his dad, he always rose above them. After a few minutes to himself, he was always able to “reboot” and get right back to work.

No one was happier after a victory than Adam. The grin, the jumping, the flapping of the arms, always brought a smile to my face. While I never did a post-game interview with him; I could always find him celebrating on the field as I viewed from the press box.

Huge kudos to the Reeds Spring Coaching staff and players for making sure Adam was a part of the team. He was not just a token Wolf he was a true member of the team.

His family….. Absolutely incredible people. The patience of his sisters is remarkable. His mom and dad, always at his side, always there for him. You hear the term “Them’s Good People Right There” well, no doubt the Gaspers are “good people”. They are great examples for the entire community.

Finally to Adam. I just want to tell you “thank you”. I am as competitive of a person as you can find. I hate to lose. But, the reason I love to do what I do has nothing to do with wins and losses. Adam and folks like him is why I love to do what I do.

Thanks Adam, and remember we will always have your back.