Matt Ziesel’s physician and mother didn’t want him to play football. They were concerned that his down syndrome made him especially vulnerable to injury. The freshman at St. Joseph’s High School longed to play, though, and the coach let him join the team. He had not yet seen any field time by their third game and so, on the last play of the game, trailing by 46 points, the Benton coach ran across the field to make a special request of the other team: let Matt run the ball in for a touchdown. The opposing team, Maryville, enthusiastically agreed, and so, on his first play of the season, Matt scored a 60-yard touchdown.
It’s an inspiring story, no doubt about that. It is a testament to the true spirit of sport, the generosity of the players, the love of a coach, and the determination of a young boy. It is also evidence that everyone, no matter his or her station in life, has a gift to offer the world. Matt Ziesel has courageously demonstrated at least one of his gifts.
His gift may not be athletic prowess, though he surely works very hard at practice. His determination and enthusiasm, though, have challenged others to reach beyond themselves and work toward something of far greater value than winning a game. How much of a sacrifice was it for Maryville to give up a shutout? Most likely the players will tell you that they did not measure the cost, because the joy of the prize was so great.
There is something thrilling about finding a cause, a passion, a love that is so great that you do not measure the cost of your giving, because the giving alone satisfies you, brings you life. The Maryville and Benton freshman football teams tasted this for a moment last Monday and will most likely remember the moment and the feeling for a long time.
It could be risky, but consider what life would be like if you searched for that which would inspire such great devotion in your heart and soul.
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