There has been some negative press swirling connected to Cougar football this year. It’s important to have those honest conversations. There is another conversation about Bothell Cougar football that is also important. On Friday nights in Bothell, Pop Keeney comes alive. The lights, the crowds, the band, the sounding of the train horn echoes in our city and tells us it’s time for Bothell Cougar football. For one Bothell High School senior it has been a lot more than a football game, it’s been life changing. If you ever meet Daniel Honda it’s likely that one of the first things he’ll tell you about himself is that he is the Bothell High School football team manager. He has run the practice clock for the varsity players for the last three years.

Daniel Honda has a rare genetic abnormality called Potocki-Lupski syndrome. As a result of this rare disorder Dan has difficulties learning, speaking and socializing. As Daniel’s mother, I’m aware he has struggled with many things, but the feelings of isolation and loneliness have been the most painful part of Dan’s journey.

Dan loves football and when he was given a chance to help out with the football team, he overcame his fears and gave it his all. From the beginning Daniel was embraced by the coaches, the players and everyone involved with Bothell Cougar football as a vital part of the team. Daniel is included as a Bothell Cougar watching the games from the sidelines, riding the team bus, participating in team meetings and was even invited by the Bothell Cougar linemen to join them in their team dinners. You can see Dan on Friday nights in his letterman jacket, watching every play, cheering with the amazing fans, dancing with the cheerleaders, and giving the countdown for the infamous end of game Cougar chant, “One, two, three, four, I want to be a Bothell Cougar, I want to wear the blue and white…!” I cannot tell you how many times our family has been prompted to join Dan randomly in that chant at home.

When Dan was named team manager that first year and given a varsity letter he changed. For the first time in his life he stood tall and proud. There isn’t a way to place a value on that type of gift. There are some things we cannot measure. The feeling of being valued is one of them. From the boosters, to the coaches, to the players, the cheer squad, the band, the fans, every participant in this Cougar family has embraced this boy with special needs as an individual who has worth. Every “atta boy,” high five and “hi Dan” in the high school hallways has bolstered Dan’s spirit. He is seen.

Daniel is not the only special needs student invited to participate with Cougar football. I’ve witnessed this attitude extended to every student involved with Bothell High football, irrespective of intellectual or athletic ability. Each student is treated with respect and regard.
I wanted our community to know there is something phenomenal happening here. It’s a lot more than a football game. It’s a place where young people learn about community, sportsmanship, integrity, and responsibility. The coaches lead by example and create a truly inclusive program that grows and challenges young men to be their best.

I know there are many people who give so much time and energy to Cougar football and many I wish I could name, but especially to coach Tom Bainter, coach Paul Moody and coach Rod Schaaf, thank you for your leadership.

“One town, one dream, one team,” that’s the heart of Bothell Cougar football.

Marian Finicle, Bothell