Years from now, the coaches and players on the Boulder City High School varsity football team won’t remember the score of last Friday’s home game. They won’t remember how many yards they ran for or the number of tackles they tallied.
But likely what they will remember is sharing a special moment with a 4-year-old boy facing insurmountable odds and, in the process, making him an Eagle for the day.
Grayson Armstrong, who turns 5 in November, was diagnosed with Batten disease at the beginning of the year. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Batten disease is a very rare genetic condition found in children that causes the cells to collect waste instead of getting rid of it. This leads to seizures, vision loss and problems with thinking and movement. Symptoms get worse over time. There is currently no cure.
But for a short time, Grayson was not only an Eagle — he was an honorary player who gave high-fives to his teammates before the game and was part of the coin toss. And following Boulder City’s 21-0 win over Eldorado, he was lifted up out of his wheelchair by players and cheered on by the student section in the audience as they all sang the school’s fight song.
“We were blown away with all the love and support that was shown to our family,” Grayson’s mom, Jessica, said the next day. “We are so appreciative to the BCHS student council and the football team for putting this together for us. It was the perfect night to honor Grayson and bring awareness to his rare disease.”
Jessica said what occurred was so much more than the family could have expected.
“It 100 percent blew our expectations out of the water,” she said. “Words cannot describe how appreciative we are to have had this opportunity. Everyone was super receptive and showed out for Grayson.”
Jessica is a teacher and soccer coach at Foothill High School in Henderson. In the crowd that night were several of her players she coaches. They brought along eight handmade signs of love and support for their coach and her son.
“Grayson had the best time,” Jessica said. “He usually becomes overwhelmed, which results in a meltdown. He didn’t cry a single time and lasted the entire game. He was full of claps and smiles.”
She said the family wanted to thank Boulder City head coach Chris Render and his team for dedicating the season to Grayson and to Boulder City High student council advisor Laura Hobbs for helping to put the night together.
Grayson’s grandfather, Eagles assistant coach Mike Armstrong, praised the team afterward not only for the win but for making it even more special for Grayson and the family.
“The theme all week was ‘not gonna happen’ and we were not going to lose our home opener on a night honoring my grandson,” Mike Armstrong said. “The players and coaching staff all bought into the mantra. The overwhelming support from our administration, staff, and players shows how much the Boulder City community cares. Our new head coach and Laura Hobbs made this all possible.”
Boulder City senior Otis Rush made a promise that meant a lot to entire Armstrong family and was acknowledged by coach Armstrong after the win.
“Sometimes football is bigger than just me, and because Grayson will never be able to play, I dedicate my whole season to him,” Rush said.
Boulder City Principal Amy Wagner said it was special watching Grayson and his family come through the Eagle right behind the football players. Then, fist-bumping the players on the sideline, joining the captains for the coin toss and being acknowledged by players from both teams.
“There are some nights that just remind you why Boulder City is such a special place, and Friday night was definitely one of those nights for me,” Wagner said. “Grayson is only 4 years old, and his family is part of our Eagle family. His grandfather is one of our assistant football coaches, so this one was personal.
“We wanted Grayson and his family to know that they have a whole lot of people standing beside them. And, I loved that Grayson didn’t just come to the game — he got to be part of it. For that moment, he wasn’t a guest at our football game. He was one of the Eagles.”
The Armstrong family has a Facebook page and Instagram account for those wishing to follow Grayson’s journey. There’s also a GoFundMe account to assist with the costs associated with medical appointments and trips. On the GoFundMe page, type in Grayson Armstrong to donate.
