All of the talk in Berne, Indiana at Starfire Field on Friday night surrounded the tragic loss of Gabe Steiner.
It also centered on how focused the South Adams Starfires were going to be with such a heavy cloud hanging above the community. All week, the coaching staff had been preaching to the boys that Gabe would want them to play and that he would want them to win.
A big question is how do you prepare a group of teenage boys for a football game with this on their mind?
“Football was secondary this week. Trying to just help 15-18 year old kids navigate a tragedy of this magnitude. We spent time during pregame having kids write some of their favorite memories about Gabe,” South Adams head coach Grant Moser explained.
Sometimes games are just bigger than football and Friday’s Class 1A Sectional Championship game between the Starfires and the Fremont Eagles was a prime example. The community in Adams County has shown their support for this football program and Coach Steiner during these tough times.
“My heart just hurts so much for the Steiner family. My one peace with it all of it is I know for an absolute fact that he loved Jesus and where he will spend eternity. Our community has been unbelievable. People show up when you are your lowest. We have felt the prayers and support,” Moser added.
All over social media, you’ve seen multiple programs and schools pay tribute to both Gabe and the South Adams program, including the Carroll Chargers – who posted a pic at the 30-yard line for Gabe – which was his number. Additional support from other programs has added to the gratitude from South Adams as well.
“So many other programs and coaches in the area reaching out with support has been neat. Adams Central and Jay County football offered to serve our team a meal,” Moser said.
Talking to players like quarterback Zaden Baumer and wide receiver/linebacker Wes Summersett prior to the game, they made it known that this week had been weighing heavy on them. But once they reached the field, it was business as usual. The entire team stepped up and rose to the occasion and played with determination and motivation.
The way the Starfires played on Friday proved they were playing for something way bigger than themselves.
They played for Gabe and for a community that continues to be behind them during these tough times.
Even when you’re a heavy favorite to win, sometimes it’s bigger than just a football game, or just for some hardware to put in the hallways at school or athletic office. What the South Adams football program and their community displayed on Friday was unity, love, and appreciation. This Sectional title will mean more to their rich history than any other because it was bigger than football. #SteinerStrong
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