Shadow Ridge’s very own Flag Football team has managed to come back and tackle another successful season, ending off this year’s winter season with yet another victory! After returning to the football field this year with two state championship titles, these student athletes put in the work, and 3-peated this Mustang victory!
Flag football coach, Matthew Nighswonger conveys, “Getting the pleasure to see this victory was an incredible feeling. This year was really special. All year, we kept hearing everyone say not to let Shadow win again. We had to work extra hard throughout the season, and eventually proved everyone wrong.”
These student athletes have continued to work hard with every coming season, and never fail to impress. Throughout each new game and practice, these Mustangs learn to grow and work with one another, developing strong relationships within the team.
Coach Nighswonger states, “Each athlete filled an important role throughout the season, as they all contributed equally to the success of the team. We had different girls step up at different positions throughout the year. When girls stepped into a new position, the team rallied around them, and helped to make them successful through their support,” Nighswonger adds. “They all truly believed in each other, and believed that they could win. Even in difficult situations, they believed that if they worked hard enough, they could pull out the victory.”
With each new season, and each new game, these athletes grow love and support for both their sport, and their teammates. This sense of community is shown through their commitment to each and every game, as well as the success that follows.
Flag football coach, Erik Pack expresses, “I have always really enjoyed seeing the growth that these athletes endure. Skills and abilities always develop, but our athletes continue to grow as people. Their “team first” mentality overrides the negative “me” mentality. There is a level of maturity gained over the course of each season.”
These Mustangs have learned to grow with one another, focusing more on cooperation among the team, rather than just focusing on themselves as individual players. This team has grown into a family full of support and love for flag football.
Coach Pack explains, “There is a strong bond that forms over the season. The athletes support each other, and there is a mutual trust in effect that everyone will execute the game plan, all according to their role. A key component that coach Nighswonger has always stressed is the importance of “celebrating success.” Our athletes are amazing; not just in their skills, but also in their faith in each other and the game plan,” Pack adds. “Multiple times this season, the team battled back from a double digit deficit to win the game. They are all mentally tough and calm under pressure.”
