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Our first "Athlete of the Week", Katie Shoemaker, was selected for her outstanding performance in track and field this past spring. Our second selection was chosen for his outstanding performance in life.
Dan Rindler, an upcoming sophomore at Covington High School, tragically lost his life in an accident. Rather than provide details on the unfortunate accident, we will honor this outstanding individual by providing a glimps of the kid they called "Dan, The Man".
Dan Rindler had a heart twice the size of his body. Barely 5'6" and 145 lbs., Rinder played football with a passion and started many games as a defensive back for the Buccs last season as a freshman.
Those who coached him and played with him know how fearless he was and how much effort he gave. He didn't back down from anyone, even those twice his size.
If one play symbolizes Dan Rindler the football player and Dan Rindler the person, it was a 10-yard run in the third quarter against Tri-County North.
Rindler took a handoff and squirted through a small hole on the left side. Once he got four yards down field he took a solid hit from a Panther defender, but Rindler managed to turn his body sideways to keep his balance. With his feet churning forward, Rindler absorbed four more hits and virtually disappeared beneath the pile. Still, with five guys on top of him he kept moving forward two more yards. Finally, a Panther defender grabbed Rindler's legs and lifted them off the ground as the little guy stretched forward to gain that last inch.
At the time the run didn't seem so spectacular, but after watching it over and over on film, it was one of the most inspiring runs in recent memory. It said everything there is to know about the way Dan Rindler approached life.
He lived life to the fullest, giving everything he had every single second. There was a look in his eye that was unforgettable...a look of purpose.
He was an outstanding student as evident by his 4.0 GPA. He was a member of the student council, a letterman in track and football, and participated in basketball. Dan was an active member of the St. Teresa Catholic Church, where he served as an alter boy and worked in youth ministry.
With all of his activities, accomplishments, and athleticism, Dan's biggest impact was on the lives he touched. One glance at the amount of people who came to the viewing and then the funeral to pay their respects is proof of the number of lives he had touched...from little kids to adults.
And to think, he did all of this in just 15 years.
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