Flag football game honors Miles Kirkland

Memorial day for former football player provides cardiac testing in his memory.

Daniel Bataforyen has his blood pressure checked.
Rosemery Duran
Daniel Bataforyen has his blood pressure checked.

In loving memory of a fallen star, tons of people turned out in anticipation of the first ever Miles Kirkland day at Curtis High School. It was a special day to honor the football star who lost his life last September to a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease that thickens the heart.

The day was a huge success,with many people coming to honor Miles. “We were able to celebrate Miles birthday as a team and family,” said Head Coach Peter Gambardella. In attendance were some of Miles closest friends,teachers,coaches,teammates,family members and students who wanted to show their appreciation. To celebrate this day,Curtis held a flag football game between teachers/faculty and students.

“This event was important because we got a chance to remember Miles and to get health screenings to prevent any tragedies” said Gambardella.

Before playing in the game, nursing students checked the height and weight of those students and staff members who wanted to participate. The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists and H.E.A.L.T.H. For Youths were two of the sponsors that participated in the Miles KT Kirkland-Thomas Celebration and Health Screening for Curtis’ football program. Blood pressure was checked and echo cardiograms and glucose strip testing was given.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through what we did so, to me, something good has come out of (Miles’ death),’’ said Kirkland-Thomas’ father, Jamar Thomas. “The tests will help these young men know right away if they have any type of problem.”

“I felt like it was a good idea to be checked if anything was wrong with my cardiac system after what happened to Miles. It was a good call by Mr.Gambardella to make sure we were physically okay to participate. It was smart because we are doing our best to anticipate another accident that occurred to our brother Miles,” said by senior Isaiah Robinson.

In the flag football game,head coach Gambardella led the way for the faculty,connecting with JV coach Joseph Baratta for two touchdown catches. However, this was not enough as the students destroyed them by multiple scores, thanks in part to junior Sharif Jones’ multiple touchdown efforts. One person who participated in the game was junior Jamel McGinnis, one of Miles closest friends. When asked on his thoughts about the day,he stated “It was a great turnout. Everybody came out to support this event.”

Though the game was the highlight of the day,it was also a day to have fun and bond. There were lots of food,dancing, and even a surprise appearance from New York Giants running back Rashaad Jennings who gave a speech on what it takes to make it pro.

“I was excited when I saw Rashaad Jennings appear. It was pretty cool talking to an NFL player and he talked to us about what it takes to make it as a pro which was very helpful,” said freshmen Matt Tworzydlo.

The idea of having this day was a collaboration between Miles’ family and Curtis staff, along with the Chad and Health For Youth foundations to honor what he stood for and raise awareness for heart conditions. Curtis High school plans on holding this event every year for Miles with the plans on having every athletes hearts checked.