Proud of my Lions

[CPA4Ever]

CPA lost, but the below shows what winners they really are:

 

CPA proves to be class act in honoring Fort Campbell's Williams

In its quest to become the first to win three straight Kentucky 2A football titles, Fort Campbell has made it a priority to respect, honor and never forget one of its fallen. In one of the most genuine and heart-felt gestures expressed by any athletic team, CPA did the same.

Time stood still less than a month ago when Fort Campbell found itself dealing with the difficult and excruciating loss of teammate and friend, Timothy Williams, a 16-year-old junior lineman who died at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University a day after becoming ill at practice.

As difficult as it was to refocus, Fort Campbell returned to the practice field a few days later, shifting its attention on the upcoming season, but always remembering its cherished teammate, who wore No. 73.

Up the interstate in Nashville, Christian Presbyterian Academy learned of Fort Campbell's loss, and holding true to its Christian creed, was immersed in paying homage to Williams.

"At that point we started praying about something we could do, and again not to draw attention to ourselves, (but) we really wanted it to be something special for the family," CPA coach Jay Mathews said.

Moments before Friday's season opener at Fryar Stadium, CPA delivered on its promise.

With both teams standing on opposite 45-yard lines stretched across the field, CPA presented Williams' parents with its No. 73 jersey, which was accented by signatures from every player and coach.

Lions safety Trent Fisher, son of Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, was among the captains that presented Williams' parents with the jersey.

"Class act, I can't say enough," said Fort Campbell coach Shawn Berner, struggling to hold back tears following the Falcons' 55-26 win.

A quality measure by a football team who recognized that on this muggy August evening, there was more at stake than a season-opening win.

"We would even like to do more, but I felt like that was the way we could minister to that family," Mathews said.

In a rare scene afterwards, both teams huddled at midfield with Berner expressing his respect and admiration for CPA, underlying the message of its gift to the Falcons' football family.

Williams' father found Mathews standing on the field talking to a couple of reporters afterwards, and expressed his love and appreciation with a hug and soft-spoken words.

Fort Campbell looked every bit a state title contender, scoring 55 points on one of Tennessee's top football programs, and the Falcons started their quest for three straight with an exclamation point.

However, what most at Fryar Stadium took away occurred before the game when family, faith and honor displaced football as the singular image.

 

Jimmy Trodglen is sports editor of The Leaf-Chronicle and can be reached by e-mail at jimmytrodglen@theleafchronicle.com or by phone at 245-0261

[Lions4ever]

Class move by a class program...sometimes it about alot more than football. You should be proud CPA4ever.

[reaction]

Great story. CPA has always been like this. Ever since the first time I went back in 2000 for a state semi final game that we got slaughtered in, they are always classy.

[pujo]

Always been impressed with CPA. They have always been a class act. They teach more than football. Hats off