By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The rain came down in steady sheets during Tulalip Heritage’s second to last home game of the regular season. Local news outlets reported it was the Pacific Northwest’s wettest day in nearly two years, but that historic downpour didn’t stop the celebration.
With umbrellas out and hearts full, the Hawks community gathered to honor their senior football players and cheerleaders under the bright lights. Families and friends filled the stands despite the inclement weather.
Proud momma bear Winona Shopbell-Fryberg shared, “It’s senior night for our son, Tokala Black Tomahawk. I can’t believe this is his last year of school and sports. He started playing when he was just 6-years-old. On that first team were two of his fellow Heritage teammates. They even all went to Arizona and won a youth championship together. It’s just been amazing watching them all grow into young men.”
In the home bleachers, parents and guardians, aunties and uncles huddled beneath ponchos and blankets, smiling as their seniors played their butt’s off on the Tulalip Bay gridiron. Laughter echoed between bursts of rain as the smallest fans, younger siblings and baby cousins, waved handmade signs celebrating their heroes.
By the game’s final whistle, the scoreboard didn’t matter nearly as much as the spirit shown that October 24 night. Try as it might, the rain couldn’t wash away the pride of Tulalip Heritage. If anything, it made it shine even brighter.
“To my son, Ryland Dumont, you make us so proud!” exclaimed Melody Dumont. She also serves as Heritage’s lead football trainer. “These last few years have been a blast watching [our boys] showcase leadership and strength on and off the football field.”
After the game, each senior was escorted onto the field by loved ones to be recognized for their dedication and contribution to Tulalip Heritage’s football program. The sound of cheers mixed with the rhythm of rainfall as names were called from the P.A. system. Each player and cheerleader received flowers and hugs from proud family members and coaches.
“Rain or shine, these boys have shown real grit and grind all season long,” said Heritage head coach Shawn Custis as he coordinated a giant team photo with each senior’s support system at the 50-yard line. “This really is a great group of kids. I’m honored to be their coach.”
With the regular season winding down and playoffs about to start, the Heritage Hawks look forward to getting all their players back on the field. The coaching staff is hopeful, with a fully engaged depth chart, the Hawks can soar into the win column again in 2025.