Backed by a line of Gardner-Webb football players, the quarterback crossed into the end zone. The crowd erupted into cheers. The GWU Band blasted the fight song, and many parents and spectators smiled while holding back tears.
On this special Victory Day celebration, everyone is on the winning team.
“It’s about being a great teammate and being a great friend, being able to look out for others before we look out for ourselves,” said GWU Head Football Coach Cris Reisert. “I love to see our program embrace our guests for the evening and the impact that is made on both sides. It's incredible to see the joy and energy of all those involved in the event.”
Reisert began holding Victory Day events in 2019 at his previous college. According to an article in The Keel , the first Victory Day was held in 2010, created by a New Jersey cancer survivor. The concept expanded to also celebrate children with special needs who are victorious each day.
Because of his past Victory Day experiences, Reisert thought it was the perfect program to bring to Gardner-Webb. He partnered with Cleveland County Special Olympics, North Shelby and other schools in Cleveland County to invite children and families to participate. Each child had an opportunity to play football with the GW Runnin’ Bulldogs and cheer with the Bulldog Cheerleaders. They wore a Gardner-Webb game jersey and participated in a number of simulated game-day activities. Each one had a moment to shine as they scored a touchdown and celebrated while the Marching Bulldog Band played the school fight song. After the game, the children received a medal to commemorate their victory.
“The community response has been amazing,” Reisert said. “The university response has been incredible. I've had multiple emails asking, ‘Coach, can we come out and help?’ President (William) Downs was the PA announcer. I just think it screams Gardner-Webb. It screams service. It screams who we are.”
Pat McDonald, coordinator for Cleveland County Special Olympics, helped to contact athletes and sign them up for the event. She said the children liked the cheers and attention.
“I hope you do it every year, and it gets bigger and bigger,” she said.
Even though lightning forced the crowd indoors, touchdowns were made and celebrated in the GWU Football Center with the same enthusiasm.
Some of the children preferred to take a spot with the cheerleaders, like 4-year-old Waelynn Johnson from Mount Holly. Her mother was a cheerleader and found out about Victory Day from a friend who used to cheer at Gardner-Webb.
“(Waelynn) loves music, and she loves dancing,” her mom said. “She’s really excited.”
Amanda Seidel, 14, of Shelby, brought a guitar from home, and her mom asked if she could play with the band.
“They said sure; we’ll make it happen,” mom said. “She’s happy to participate with the group. She loves to perform.”
On the field, Xavier Simmons, 16, carried the ball toward the goal line. His father and grandparents were cheering and recording the moment on their phone.
“I feel so much joy, especially with people cheering them on,” his grandmother said.
After Reisert and the football team finished celebrating with the participants of Victory Day, they got back to work preparing for the home opener vs. Wofford on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in Spangler Stadium. Ticket information is available at gwusports.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gardner-Webb hosts Victory Day to celebrate students with special needs
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