The "Ike Special"

“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

-- 1 John 3:18

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Fall is in the air; cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and, oh yes, football season! Football season ushers in bonfires, tailgates, and cookouts throughout the weekend. Each weekend, thousands of football games are played from the high school level through the pro ranks. Typically, professional football games are scheduled on Sundays, college football is reserved for Saturdays, and high school stadiums are alive on Friday nights. No other sport attracts more spectators week in and week out like football.

To me, the very best football takes place under the lights on Friday night. Sure college and pro football is exciting, but if you want to watch two teams playing for the spirit of the game, you need to go no further than your local high school. On Friday night, you will not find players with exorbitant contracts; you will not sit through television timeouts; and you are not likely to find much of the narcissistic behavior that is so prevalent on Saturdays and Sundays.

On Friday nights you will find kids playing for the love of the game, not for money and fame. You will find players with a wide range of abilities – some very good players and some not so good. It is Friday night, not Saturday or Sunday, that you are likely to witness the best display of character and sportsmanship. On September 24, 2010 at a high school football game in the State of Washington, the unlikely occurred. A player with Down Syndrome became the center of attention when he scored his team’s only touchdown. The touchdown was a culmination of character and sportsmanship displayed by both teams.

The story of Ike Ditzenberger depicts everything that is right about high school athletics. With 10 seconds left to play in a 35-0 football contest, Ike Ditzenberger scampered 51 yards for his team’s only touchdown. Ike a junior at Snohomish High School (WA) was called into the game to run the last play of the game. Coach Mark Perry called the “Ike Special”; a running play designed for Ike to carry the football. Ike was well familiar with the play since his team ends each practice with the running of the “Ike Special.”

The players from the opposing team, Lake Stevens, demonstrated the true meaning of sportsmanship. They gave up a shut-out to allow Ike Ditzenberger an opportunity to score a touchdown. Ike fell in love with football watching his older brothers play the game. For Ike, scoring a touchdown would be a dream come true. Lake Stevens players chased Ike all over the field, making his long touchdown run possible. When Ike crossed the goal line he was surrounded by his teammates. It was not long before Ike burst into a touchdown dance with his teammates. On that September night, Ike Ditzenberger’s dream came true. The coaches and players from both schools stepped outside of themselves and the game to give one player a special moment in time.

Ike Ditzenberger’s story is not just a story about a touchdown. It is a story about inclusion; it is story about compassion; and it is story about character and sportsmanship. You are not likely to hear many stories like the “Ike Special” at a collegiate or professional game. No, the “Ike Specials” take place on Friday nights. If you are looking for some good, hometown, entertainment, take in a high school football game, who knows, you just might witness something “special.”

To see Ike’s touchdown run visit:

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It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD