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senior, so to have Jake allow Matt to witness Kelvin play as a starter, like a senior, it’s like allowing us to fast forward and celebrate a moment that otherwise isn’t possible. Kelvin is going to have many moments that he won’t be able to celebrate with his dad, but Jake allowed Kelvin to have this moment to celebrate his hard work and dedication to the game and share that celebration with his dad. Matt has always been so proud of Kelvin, and always believed great things will come for him, so he felt that accomplishment seeing Kelvin start today.”

Andrea also relayed a brief message from Matt.

“Jake’s actions show the quality of the basketball program – the athlete’s character and the coaches too – that the coaches were willing to support Jake in his choice.”

Sanquist is a multi-sport athlete and involved in many other activities in school. One big thing he has learned from all those opportunities is knowing his role. He is just as comfortable as the starting quarterback as he is as the backup. He has no issues being a bench guy for basketball that helps the starters get better in practice. In the spring, he will likely be the starting catcher for baseball.

Last week, Head Coach Chad Feikema commented on Sandquists role. “Had he not taken a year off from basketball, he could have been a starter for us. He’s a great kid and a great teammate.”

Feikema went on to explain that Sandquist is the kind of kid that understands his role in whatever situation he is put in and he works to execute that role to the best of his ability, never complaining, always working hard to help lift everyone around him. So, it’s no surprise to hear the small sacrifice he made for his teammate, and it’s even less surprising to know he did it with wanting to keep it on the down low.

Sandquist told the coaches of his decision on Thursday morning, starting with Assistant Coach Paul Olson. “I went to Olson on Thursday morning and Feik on Thursday morning, and it actually brought Olson to tears in the middle of class. It was the first time I’ve seen him cry, actually, which was kind of shocking to see. I didn’t realize how big of an impact this would have on that many people.”

That sentiment was echoed by Andrea in a series of messages to Jakes mother, Jeana Sandquist. “Your son is amazing… I just got a call from an incredibly emotional basketball coach… to tell me that Jake asked to give up his opportunity to start on varsity on Saturday so that Kelvin can start, so that Matt can see that. I’m truly in tears as I type this – the greatest thing is, that I do plan to bring Matt on Saturday, so he should be there for this moment. Jake is so incredibly thoughtful, and I really just wanted to make sure you heard about how much his kindness means to us. Please pass this along to Jake, with a huge thank you!!”

Even at a time where her family has earned the ability to focus inward, Andrea still shared a motherly concern for Jake. “I do feel terrible that Jake won’t be starting! I can’t help but feel he will forever remember his gesture more than missing out on starting in the game… Kelvin has always said Jake really cares about people – he’s truly showing that with this example. I’m grateful!”

Cragg, the longtime Raider Announcer, asked Coach Feikema if he should make a big deal out of it at the start of the game and he was told not to. Thankfully, that memo never reached the sports desk here at the Journal, and it is a story that must be told.

Something as pure and as wonderful as this kind of a gesture cannot fly under the radar, sorry Jake. The introductory statement given to the coaches, teachers, and leaders at the school before the start of every season is, The Journal wants to showcase our awesome young adults in all that they do, not just in sports, but in life. The fact that you just did this, expecting zero in return, really amplifies the need to tell everyone.

This story is here to remind us, even in the darkest of times, there is light somewhere to be found if you know where to look. For Hastings, that light is a young man who wore 33 this year for the boy’s basketball team. He did not play a second in the game he was supposed to start, and he’s good with that, his role today was to elevate his teammate Kelvin and help the Maher family make memories, and he did that in exemplary fashion.