By Joe Siegler ’26
The day finally came, the 7a State Championship at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. This would be the last time I ever lace up the cleats and put the pads on. I have been playing this game for 11 years, and I had just 48 minutes left of it in my life.
I woke up with butterflies in my stomach and a lot on my mind. I have been working with these guys for 4 years, and our last game together would be in a couple of hours.
I arrived at school and was unable to focus on my classes because of all the scenarios being played out in my head. We got called out of 3rd period, and we walked through the school with all our fellow classmates and teachers clapping.
We then went to chapel, where I prayed longer than I normally do. Then, we hopped on the bus and headed to DeKalb. The bus arrived, and we made our way to the locker room.
Finally, it was time to put the pads on and get ready for warmups. As I ran onto the field, I took it all in, my final football game of my life. The snow came down, and I realized there could not be better weather for the state championship.
The national anthem was played, and I have never been more nervous in my entire life. I stepped out on the field for the first drive, and all the nerves went away. We scored on the first drive, and at that moment, I knew we were going to win.
The game was tough, but we stuck together, and we ended victorious. I embraced my brothers and tears ran down my face. The game I have been playing for 11 years was finally over for me.
I hugged my parents, who supported me the whole way. I could not be more proud of the way I went out. I am very blessed that I was able to be a part of something so special. My brothers and I were officially champions for the first time in 44 years. The Last Dance was a success!
