A number of people took part in or witnessed Ike Ditzenberger’s inspiring touchdown run on Sept. 24. Here are some of their thoughts:
“To me, Ike’s still just another player, but I do know that (Ike’s run) has touched literally thousands of people in a positive sense for the good.”
Mark Perry, Snohomish High School head football coach
“It’s a lesson about how to live your life in terms of being competitive but still caring for your neighbor or your opponent or whoever it might be on a daily basis.”
Tom Tri, Lake Stevens High School head football coach
“Ike’s happier and the (Snohomish) kids are happier because he’s with them. He’s appreciated.”
Kay Ditzenberger, Ike’s mom
“I’m just still awed by the (Lake Stevens) boys making an independent decision that night to make it happen. That’s what really impresses me.”
Steve Ditzenberger, Ike’s dad
“It definitely changed how everybody looked at Ike. Everybody says ‘hi’ to Ike. He’s friends with everybody.”
Jordon Holland, Ike’s teammate and friend who lifted Ike in the end zone after Ike scored
“We just learned that it’s high school football and we’re super competitive, but you’ve got to think about the little things in life. That was one of the biggest things (Ike has) ever done and he’ll remember it the rest of his life.”
Colter Swords, a Lake Stevens player who was on the field during Ike’s run
“When it happened, I didn’t think it would blow up like this. I can’t believe it’s this big, and it still keeps going.”
Tony Soper, a Lake Stevens videographer whose video of Ike’s run became a YouTube hit.
“It’s a situation where humanity is allowing an inspirational moment to occur, not only benefiting Ike but benefiting those kids and putting life in perspective in sports. It’s a real motivational story in a world that doesn’t always have a lot of inspiration.”
Peter Vanderweyst, a football official who was the line judge at the Snohomish-Lake Stevens game
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