As we all know, all good things got to come to an end at some point in life. The things we love come and go, but there’s always new things that come along the way. Elder Football, one of the greatest traditions at this fine school has ended for me. But it has truly changed my life in every aspect.

Ever since I was a kid in grade school, I went to Elder Football games and camps with a few buddies of mine from grade school. All I thought of was being out there one day playing football for Elder in front of 10,000 people. There is nothing quite like Friday night lights at The Pit.

There was nothing more I looked forward to everyday then going to practice or football workouts. I wanted to get better each and every day. I’ve never worked harder for anything in my life and I can honestly say Elder Football helped shape my work ethic and dedication within all areas of life.

“It went by way too fast. I’d do anything to go back and have Coach Ramsey to yell at me and make me do up – downs for five minutes again. We had a special group of guys and this year taught us that we were never out of the fight. It’s sad to see it go, but I’m excited for the underclassman and how great they will be. I love all my teammates and they shaped me into the man I am today. Life wouldn’t be the same without Elder Football. Go Panthers,” said Bryce Martin.

Despite having to sit out my senior year and not having the chance to do what I love for one last time, I was surrounded by my brothers on the field. They stood by me the whole way through. It was difficult at times, especially later on in the season, to watch games go by and not be out there myself. However, the one thing I realized because of my injury is I’ve been able to accomplish something that no one would want to have go through. In doing so, I’ve grown and I’ve handled it in a very mature manner.

It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t make the playoffs and we were disappointed at the OHSAA based off its point system and other teams that made it in over us. In the end, life goes on and there’s more opportunities that have to come for each of us along the way.

“Playing for Elder has been the greatest experience ever. It has been the best four years of my life. Elder has a certain tradition that not many other schools have. I have a brotherhood with each of my teammates here. I’ll always have their backs and they’ve helped shape me into the person I am today. Playing football for Elder and each day is a new experience and it’s truly something I’ll never forget,” said Brett Marsh.

With our season over I feel a little lost now. It’s only been a couple of days but when you invest a lot of your time in something you love it becomes part of who you are. I knew this wouldn’t last forever, but it’s just hard to realize that I will never be out there again. Moving forward, there are great things in my life that have yet to come. However, nothing will feel the same as playing football.

I guarantee that come next August the Panthers will come together for a new season. A new group of brothers will get to experience some of the greatest moments of their lives that have just ended for the seniors.

Thank you so much to the Elder Football program and to those who have played in the past for giving me the opportunity to proudly wear the purple and white. There is no other group of guys I’d rather spend time with every day. It’s been one hell of a ride.