|
On the opening play of Friday’s Bonneville, Skyline football game, Isaac Mickelsen lined up in the backfield.
Donning No. 83 in his Grizzly Blue uniform, Mickelsen never thought he’d get the chance to carry the rock. Mickelsen, a student at Skyline, lives with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.
Skyline Activities Director Gregg Baczuk said Mickelsen is an invaluable presence both in the hallways and on the sideline. He regularly attends Grizzly games, both home and away.
And when Baczuk asked Mickelsen what the first thing he could do if he wasn’t in a wheelchair, his response was simple.
“Play football!”
And play he did, as Mickelson took an honorary handoff Friday night. On the Grizzlies’ first offensive snap of the game, quarterback Cade Marlow handed off to Mickelsen, who blazed 49 yards to the house.
“He’s an awesome kid, he always has a smile on his face. It’s really cool that we have the opportunity to share the field with him tonight, because you can tell he really loves the game of football and really loves Skyline,” Marlow said. “It’s amazing to be there with him as he lives his dream.”
A sophomore, Mickelsen comes from an athletic family. His father Soctt played quarterback for the Grizzlies, while his mother Kristy was a cheerleader at Idaho Falls High School.
“Isaac is well-liked at Skyline for his infectious smile and good-natured personality,” Baczuk said. “He is well-liked by all who know him. He has a great sense of humor and loves to be involved- especially attending games.”
Baczuk said the idea sparked after a conversation between him and Mickelsen earlier in the year. After some discussion with the family, Baczuk said the Grizzly Athletic Department would do everything they could to make Mickelsen’s dream a reality.
"He has always been a part of the Grizz family since he was little,” said Skyline Head Football Coach Scott Berger. “The players think of him as a teammate.”
|