From the Other Side of the Football Field: 

 I am a broadcaster for NTA, the radio station that did the Rockford Lutheran game against your team on Friday. We walked away nothing short of completely impressed and feeling proud of your school. Being a Rockford station and covering the 12 or so high schools here, we were obviously there to do the Lutheran broadcast (who is also a class act school with a great class act coach).

Your team went down big in the first quarter . They had lots against them but also lots to be proud of. They were making their first ever playoff appearance.  They had just traveled an hour and a half to a school they had probably never been to (or even heard of).  But even as they went down by four and five touchdowns, they never ever showed a sign of quit.  We found ourselves cheering on both teams! Your players were tired and leaning on each other on the sideline right under us, some were battered and bruised. But when Coach Hampton would call their name they would run right back on the field like nothing was wrong ; cheering and encouraging each other non-stop.  Every member of that team was clapping and encouraging every other member.  We were so impressed, and its a testimony to your school and especially your coach.

When the game ended we felt a sense of pride for both teams.  We usually interview the winning coach but last night we made the call to interview both.  I went down on the field, not knowing what to expect.  Some coaches on the short end sometimes may bully or ignore us.  But as I walked nearer and heard Coach Hampton once again encouraging his guys in the huddle, and telling them how much they had to be proud of and who proud he was of them, I knew we had something special on our hands.  I asked an assistant coach, who graciously said Coach Hampton would be happy to talk to us, and within seconds Coach Hampton came out of the huddle and did the interview.  He was nothing but complimentary, and you could see how proud he was and how much he cared.  I told him we were rooting for them as much as we were Lutheran. After the game we talked to both coaches and Coach Bacszali from Lutheran gave heavy praise as well. As we were leaving, my colleagues and several Lutheran fans were saying "would it be appropriate for us to stand and applaud them at their bus as it goes?" and even the thought of that on a rainy day, just should give you an idea of the great respect you left us with.

As a team of underclassmen, I have no doubt  that your team is headed in the right direction - and will be back. You should be proud of your team and your coach.  It was an absolute pleasure talking to them.  It may have been a playoff loss, but it was a win for the program and left us in the Rockford area and at our station impressed.  We hope to see your school and talk to Coach Hampton again in the future.

Congratulations on an outstanding season and a springboard for the future.
Sincerely,

Todd Heidemann
NTA FM radio sports   

4 year private liberal arts college located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo is unique in that there is a strong emphasis on experimental education. More than two thirds of the student population complete  internships or externships.  

 More than 85% of students participate in an immersive international and intercultural experience. Additionally, all students will take part in a senior individualized project. It is similar to college version of NLCPs' senior project.