Olivet Players Honored for making Dream Come True

Some pretty special young football players from Olivet were recognized at the Capitol in Lansing today, for pulling together to make one player's dreams come true.

State Sen. Rick Jones welcomed the Olivet Eagles eighth-grade football team Lansing on Thursday after a very memorable game last fall.

“I think it is safe to say that this not your typical group of 8th grade boys,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “If you look up selfless in the dictionary, you will find a team picture of the Olivet Eagles.”

Last season, the team designed, the Keith Special, a special play for Keith Orr, a teammate with behavioral and learning disabilities. While on a breakaway run, an Olivet running back slid on the goal line; giving up a sure touchdown to set up the play, which the coaching staff knew nothing about. Two plays later, the special play was a success, and Keith scored his first touchdown.

Jones sponsored a trip for the students to the Capitol, where they were recognized by the Senate and enjoyed a pizza party for the players following Senate session.

“It truly was an honor to have the team join me today,” Jones said. “Actions speak louder than words, and every single member of the team proved that. This will be day I look back on fondly for years to come.”