A few weeks ago, School of the Osage senior Chase Langelier suffered a severe femur fracture, bringing his soccer season to an abrupt end. But the team rallied to give him one more special night.
Langelier's fracture, which his family later learned was exacerbated by a tumor in the femur, meant he couldn't finish his senior season after playing since freshman year.
Head Coach Jason Long described Langelier as "a super positive kid. He's always been well-liked by his teammates and a good role model for the younger boys."
The rest of the Osage team wanted to make sure he had one more moment on the field. After seeing another school incorporate injured players, the boys decided to have Langelier take the opening kick.
"The boys wanted to recognize him for senior night," Coach Long said. "He wanted to be part of the team one last time on the field because he's got a passion for soccer."
Seniors Jesús Luis-Acevedo and Chase Nieberding and sophomore Colten Christensen spearheaded the request. Coach Long then coordinated with Crocker's coach and the referees.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, Langelier was wheeled onto the field, stood up, and kicked off the game. The opposing team then played the ball out of bounds, and Osage returned possession so the game could begin normally.
"You don't want to see a student disappointed after putting all that work in for so many years," Coach Long noted. "It was good that he was able to get out there and do it."
The moment went beyond the field, showing the character of the young men on the team. While Coach Long sets high expectations and wants to help them become better people, he believes that consideration for a teammate comes from the players themselves.
Osage still has four regular-season games remaining before district play begins in early November. The Indians host Helias Catholic on Oct. 19, travel to Fatima on Oct. 22, then return home to face Fulton on Oct. 27 and Eugene on Oct. 29.
Long said the team’s record has hurt its confidence at times, but he still believes the Indians are capable of making a run if they trust what they can do.
