Denfeld Students Empower Peers with Disabilities at Halftime Game

CLOQUET — In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Duluth Denfeld seniors Lee Brooks and Joseph Saice hosted a unified football game during halftime of their match against Cloquet on March 15, 2024. This initiative provided students with disabilities from both schools the opportunity to participate in a game that celebrated inclusivity and teamwork.

As the Denfeld team prepared for their crucial game, which carried significant implications for the Section 7AAAA tournament, the excitement in the gym class was palpable. Saice explained, “We’re in a unified class with kids who have disabilities. They’ve been looking forward to playing a game at halftime since the beginning of the year. We want them to feel welcome and like they are a part of something, too.”

When the final whistle blew, signaling Denfeld’s 25-7 victory over Cloquet, Brooks and Saice quickly shifted gears. They ran to the opposing end zone to set up for the unified game, donning flags around their waists. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered for both teams, demonstrating support for their peers.

Brooks expressed the significance of the event, stating, “To be part of their big night, that big milestone, it feels great. To see them in front of a big crowd having fun under the lights, that was special.”

His personal connection to the cause deepened following a family tragedy, which brought two relatives with disabilities into his home. “My auntie passed away, and she had two special needs kids. Ever since they started living with us, it has opened my eyes to people with disabilities,” Brooks shared.

The event was made possible through the efforts of Mike Doyle, an adaptive physical education teacher at Cloquet. Doyle reached out to Denfeld to organize the halftime celebration, emphasizing the importance of providing sports opportunities for students with disabilities. “It means a lot because a lot of these kids don’t get sports opportunities,” he stated. “We’re trying to get these kids as many opportunities as we can in as many sports as possible.”

Brooks and Saice, both leaders in their unified gym class, have developed close relationships with their classmates. Saice noted, “There were people lined up to watch them play, so it feels great to be able to help those kids have fun and experience what we get to do every week.”

Denfeld’s victory not only advanced them towards the playoffs but also highlighted the importance of community support and inclusion. Head coach Erik Lofald expressed pride in his players’ actions, stating, “For leaders in the school to do that, it says a lot about the character of our guys.” He added that the positive representation of Denfeld’s students is often overlooked.

Cloquet’s head coach Mike Klyve echoed Lofald’s sentiments, appreciating the success of the unified game. “The unified program here in Cloquet is really strong, and it’s something the whole district is really proud of,” he remarked.

The collaborative effort between the schools not only provided a platform for students with disabilities but also fostered an environment of teamwork and camaraderie. As Brooks and Saice continue to lead their peers, they exemplify the values of sportsmanship and inclusivity, leaving a lasting impact on their community.