The most important touchdown in a recent high school game between Rhinelander (Wisc.) High and rival Mosinee was scored by an 8-year-old. Gabe White, a young boy with Down Syndrome who is Rhinelander’s honorary captain, was treated to a moment he will never forget.
With Mosinee already having won the game and no time remaining on the clock, all of the players agreed to stay on the field for one final kickoff. The ball was picked up by White, who ran about 80 yards for a touchdown before being hoisted onto the shoulders of several players.
“I wanted to make a special moment for him,” Rhinelander coach Mark Apfel said after the game, via WJVW in Wisconsin. [He’s a] special kid. All you have to do is hang out with him for 30 seconds and you see that.”
Players from Mosinee chased White all the way down the field and dove at his feet. It was an incredible moment that was made possible by both teams, and Gabe’s older brother Owen, who plays for Rhinelander, said it was more important than any success the team has had or will have.
“It will outlast any touchdown or game winning play we ever have,” Owen said. “It’s special.”
We’ve featured a lot of heartwarming stories over the years, and Gabe’s is definitely one of the best.
H/T Sporting News via Eye on Football
