Long-Distance Support: U.S. Soldiers Cheer for Iowa High School Football Team

Strategic Insights -

As the City High Little Hawks face off against the Marshall Town Bobcats in the state football championship game, they're not alone in their enthusiasm. Dozens of U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, 7,000 miles away, are cheering them on, thanks to an unusual long-distance relationship sparked by an email from Command Sergeant Major Brett Zeiser to the team's coach, Dan Sabers.

The email, sent about a month ago, revealed Zeiser's admiration for the team's success and its impact on his morale. Since then, the Little Hawks have become a source of inspiration for the troops at Bagram Airbase, with discussions about high school football often leading to conversations about hometowns and family – important bonds in a high-stress environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Command Sergeant Major Brett Zeiser, stationed in Afghanistan, sent an email to City High Little Hawks coach Dan Sabers, expressing his admiration for the team's success and its impact on his morale.
  • The email sparked an unusual long-distance relationship between the Little Hawks and the troops at Bagram Airbase, with dozens of soldiers cheering on the team from 7,000 miles away.
  • Zeiser attributes the interest from the troops to his enthusiasm for high school football, which often leads to discussions about hometowns and family in a high-stress environment like Afghanistan.
  • The Little Hawks have become a source of inspiration for the troops, with Coach Sabers agreeing that the team's success is an honor and a testament to the importance of community support.
  • Offensive lineman Brandon Kidwell says he's motivated by the attention from the soldiers, stating, "I think it's just crazy and amazing the fact that someone who is saving our freedom who I really look up to – actually look up to us for inspiration when we're just doing what we love to do."
  • Although the Bobcats are a good team, Zeiser predicts a double-digit Little Hawk victory, stating, "Twenty-eight, fourteen, City High."
  • Coach Sabers hopes to send a new photo to Zeiser and his troops, showing the team holding a sign that reads, "Mission Accomplished," cementing their special relationship.

Statistics:

  • The City High Little Hawks are 13-0 going into the championship game.
  • The Little Hawks will square off against the undefeated Marshall Town Bobcats in the championship game.
  • There are approximately dozens of U.S. soldiers stationed at Bagram Airbase who are cheering on the Little Hawks from 7,000 miles away.

Sources:

  • National Public Radio (NPR) "Morning Edition" Special Report, subject: "U.S. Soldiers Cheer Iowa High School Football Team," anchor: Renee Montagne, reporter: Alex Heuer, time: 7:10 A.M. EST, date: Friday, November 20, 2009
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