Denfeld’s Brooks and Saice Champion Unified Football at Halftime

During a significant evening of high school sports, seniors Lee Brooks and Joseph Saice from Duluth Denfeld made a meaningful impact by participating in a unified football game at halftime of their team’s matchup against Cloquet on March 15, 2024. The event was designed to provide students with disabilities an opportunity to engage in sports, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity and community.

In the lead-up to the game, excitement filled the air at Duluth Denfeld as students eagerly discussed the anticipated clash. While the main event had implications for the upcoming Section 7AAAA tournament, the focus shifted as Saice explained the significance of the halftime game. “We’re in a unified class with kids who have disabilities,” he noted. “They’ve been looking forward to playing a game at halftime since the beginning of the year. We want them to feel welcome and like they are a part of something, too.”

Creating Memorable Moments on the Field

As the main game progressed, culminating in a 25-7 victory for Denfeld, Brooks and Saice prepared for their own moment on the field. They donned flags around their waists and joined students from both schools for a spirited unified football game. The atmosphere pulsed with energy as the crowd cheered for every play, celebrating both teams’ achievements.

Brooks expressed the joy he felt witnessing his peers enjoy the game. “To be part of their big night, that big milestone, it feels great,” he said. “To see them in front of a big crowd having fun under the lights, that was special.” His personal connection to the cause was evident. Following the passing of his aunt, two relatives with disabilities moved into his home, giving him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

“Ever since they started living with us, it has opened my eyes to people with disabilities,” Brooks shared, highlighting the importance of empathy and community support.

Community Support and Inclusivity

The halftime game was organized by Mike Doyle, an adaptive physical education teacher at Cloquet. He reached out to Denfeld to collaborate on the event, aiming to provide more sports opportunities for students with disabilities. “It means a lot because a lot of these kids don’t get sports opportunities,” Doyle remarked. “We’re trying to get these kids as many opportunities as we can in as many sports as possible, so we’re really happy we made this happen.”

In the context of a crucial matchup, Brooks and Saice took the time to enrich their community, demonstrating that some moments surpass the importance of winning. The duo, who regularly interact with students in their unified gym class, were chosen as leaders, a role they embraced wholeheartedly. “There were people lined up to watch them play, so it feels great to be able to help those kids have fun and experience what we get to do every week,” Saice said.

The victory for Denfeld not only secured a spot in the playoffs but also underscored a broader message of inclusion. Head coach Erik Lofald acknowledged the importance of the unified game, stating that it reflects the true spirit of Denfeld football. “For leaders in the school to do that, it says a lot about the character of our guys,” he said. “I think sometimes Denfeld gets a little bit of a bad rap, but that right there, that’s what Denfeld kids are all about.”

Meanwhile, Cloquet’s head coach Mike Klyve echoed similar sentiments, praising the strength of the unified program in his district. “The unified program here in Cloquet is really strong, and it’s something the whole district is really proud of,” he said. “We love having them out here. Denfeld brought their team, too, and that was great. That was a really big deal tonight, and it was great.”

The collaboration between the two schools throughout this event showcased the positive impact of sports in fostering community ties and supporting inclusivity. As Denfeld gears up for the playoffs, the evening served as a reminder that in sports, as in life, the spirit of teamwork and compassion transcends competition.