During the last few years, it’s been an annual tradition of mine and of many others at my high school to watch the homecoming football game. The difference between us and your average high school, though, is a homecoming losing streak that lasted almost 10 years. Imagine that – entire classes of high school students never getting to see their team win a homecoming game. That is, until that fateful night of Sept. 22, 2017.
I say lasted of course, because the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm football team broke that streak on an abnormally warm Minnesota summer night. The stage was set for another nail-biting experience for the fans as the stands were packed with hundreds of students, parents and alumni. As the first kickoff launched into the air, we held our breath as the action began to unfold. After stopping Brainerd’s drives, in the first half the Storm got the first score – a brilliant 20-yard touchdown pass giving the home team a 6-0 lead. Then began a patient, nervous wait.
Back and forth went the football, through multiple possessions, almost touchdowns and turnovers galore. Each time the crowd surged in anticipation of another home score or nervousness at the game potentially becoming tied. But nothing came of any of it. 6-0 remained the score, a lead nonetheless, but not far enough ahead to keep anyone comfortable. Penalties often decided the outcome of a drive, and many an interception was made.
In the end, though, it came down to the last few minutes. Brainerd had possession and was within scoring range with a minute left to go. Some passes, a run, and they were on first and goal. The crowd watched anxiously as the time ticked down. Finally, a timeout left the last play. The visiting team had the ball within a few yards with three seconds to go. The ball snapped, and a pass was sent out to the far left. The receiver caught, ran and was pushed out of bounds just outside the end zone. It was over. Sauk Rapids-Rice had won the homecoming game. The drought was over.
We could hardly believe it. After we had lined up to congratulate the leaving visitors, we went out onto the field to shake hands and enjoy the victory. It had been how long, and we were lucky enough that night to bear witness to such a historic win. Our team had worked hard and so long for this moment. It must have been their night. They sure deserved it. As a senior, it was special as well. Of all the homecoming games to watch and be a part of, a win was the perfect way to start the last year of high school.
No matter what happened throughout the years, though, I’ve always admired the passion of our fans. No matter the game or the score, Sauk Rapids-Rice students and parents show up and show their passion for our teams in all sports. Our players, as well. It doesn’t matter that we might not always win, they keep fighting on, and I admire and respect their dedication. This win was for everyone.
That’s what our high-school experience is really about – learning, trying our best and having highs and lows. Perhaps it’s why people keep coming back to homecomings and games to see their old teams play. They can remember their own experiences and see how the next group of students is carrying on the tradition. That will be me in the next year, a former student looking back and seeing how things go on. I’m so glad to be a part of it now and to see what my senior year continues to bring.
Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
