2020 Hometown Heroes

2020 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 14, 2020 Page 79 “Yesterday was one of the hardest days ever with a roller coaster of news and emotions. First the game would be played with very strict restrictions. This was hard to imagine but the bottom line was, we were going to play and have one more game at home. We practiced as usual after school and we were ready to compete for the Sectional Championship. “Then the final blow. Everything cancelled. The boys were called back to school and given the news. There are no words to explain how hard this was for our coaching staff to see these kids go through the shock that their season was over. “We used this time to sit together as a team. We shared stories, memories and a lot of tears. I am going to be perfectly honest here. I was not ready for the end. I was not ready to let go of this team especially those three seniors. “We do respect and understand the decision by the IHSA to cancel the tournament, but it is hard and disappointing especially for those boys. It was a great ride and a great season and we are so very proud of you all. “We would like to take this time to thank the entire Railer Nation for their tremendous support and dedication to Railer Basketball. “We love you all.” - Coach Al & Denise. “Today I have learned to value every little moment in life. The early mornings and late nights were worth every second. I have not just made friends but I have made family. “Railer Nation, thank you for bringing me in and making me apart of the special tradition in Lincoln. “This is and always will be the best high school to play at. The impact you have on a kid’s life is life changing. I can’t thank you enough for these past four years. You guys hold a special place in my heart.” - Kaden Froebe “At a loss of words at the way our season ended tonight. For everything we’ve worked so hard for our entire lives to be taken away in a second is something I’ll never be able to wrap my head around. “The bond that I share with this team is unimaginable. “As for Railer Nation, you guys know how to pack a gym. It’s been an honor to play in front of you guys the past four years. Thank you for everything.” - Kameron Whiteman “I am very proud to be a part of Railer Nation. Lincoln basketball has really pushed me to be the best person I could be to reach a common goal. And that is to go to state. The run we had got pulled away from us and it’s devastating. “I want to say thank you to all the people that made me become a better player throughout the four years at Lincoln. “I also want to say thank you to the team for the great memories as well as my fellow seniors in Kaden and Kam. Those two have impacted my life tremendously and have made me a better person. “Railer Nation will never leave my heart.” - Will Ewald CONTINUED u