A Date for Nate
As the Castleton football team put forth a record-breaking performance on the field on October 11, they also made the game an unforgettable day for one young man who had the opportunity to be an honorary member of the Spartans team for a day.
Sixth grader Nathan Cosgrove was invited to be involved with Castleton’s entire game day experience as part of the Coach to Cure MD program, an initiative supported by the American Football Coaches Association which seeks to raise money for research focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
“I just thought it was a great opportunity to bring some happiness to a family that needed it with all they have been through recently,” said head coach Tony Volpone. “Fortunately it went as good as it could go. The players were very receptive and welcoming to Nathan, his family and his friends.”
Cosgrove is afflicted with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leaving him confined to a wheelchair. The disease strikes boys across all races and cultures, causing progressive muscle weakness, which eventually leads to wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory function.
Being limited to a wheelchair didn’t hinder Cosgrove from being a part of the team on Saturday, as he was able to join the Spartans in the locker room before game and then lead them out to the turf prior to the start of the contest. At halftime he was also presented with a Castleton football jersey and a football signed by the entire team.
“It was great having Nate at the game last week. It puts everything in perspective for us,” said junior linebacker Jay Morgan. “He has such a great attitude for all that he is going through and was all smiles on the day and I think it motivated us and once again reinforced how blessed we are to play football.”
The youngest Spartan also got to celebrate Castleton’s 65-9 victory over Anna Maria after the game, taking part in the singing of the alma mater while helping to hold the Helmet Trophy – the traveling trophy the two teams have played for over the past six years. He finished off the day by addressing the team during their post-game talk on the field.
“After the game I asked Nate if we put up enough points for him and he said it was plenty,” said Morgan.
