MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Temple Christian girls basketball team surprised an injured foe with $100 worth of gift cards at a recent game against Crestline.
The gift was presented during Crusaders’ Senior Night on Friday, Feb. 5.
Temple has a Senior Night tradition of doing something special to honor senior players, including those from the opposing team, said Paul Baird, principal and girls basketball coach. Baird learned that Crestline senior athlete Ellen Dailey suffered an ACL injury, preventing her from participating most of the season.
“When I heard that, I went back to team and we talked about doing something special for her,” Baird said.
He said the squad was excited about the opportunity to bless another athlete.
“One thing we stress on our team is that even though we want to be competitive, at the end of the day, there are more important things than winning a game,” Baird said.
According to Baird, Dailey burst into tears when she was handed her restaurant/retail store gift cards, flowers and balloons. Temple players also signed a card, letting Dailey know that she was in their thoughts and prayers, Baird said.
“She was really surprised,” he added.
Immediately after she was given her gifts, the TCS team gathered around Dailey to give her a hug, Baird said.
“It was really cool to see,” the coach noted.
Baird said he’s proud of his team.
“You’re not an athlete that happens to be a Christian,” he said, referencing an inspirational quote the team strives to uphold. “You’re a Christian that happens to be an athlete.”
