Comments on: The Latest Miracle on Ice

By: Ninna

Ninna — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:44:03 +0000

I would have to agree with my schoolmate Cassandra being that I was the first girl to play football on the team and to a part of such a miracle, so you may say. You cannot imagine how much it has changed my life personally and the life of some of my teammates as well as community members. Many of my teammates were heading the wrong direction and happened to find football as an incentive to do better. To do better in the classroom and out of school. Without this program it would not have helped keep my teammates and future whaler players out of trouble. But all I can say is, this field has made a difference. If you were in our shoes you would understand. Anyone can say whatever they want negative or not, this has truly changed some lives and has opened the eyes of our young adults in our community. For this program I am grateful, thankful and blessed to be a part of something so great! =]

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:47:22 +0000

Hi Cassandra,
No one could ever give a testimonial for the true meaning of Ms. Parker’s gift of astro turf to Barrow like a member of the community. You, and your fellow citizens in Barrow are the beneficiaries of her thoughtfulness and perseverance to accomplish this worthwhile goal. Thanks for sharing the deep meaning and gratitude of the people who live in Barrow.

By: Cassandra Zabala

Cassandra Zabala — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:08:32 +0000

Dear “Gone To Alaska”,
I was a cheerleader for the Barrow High School Football Team. That field that Cathy Parker fundraised for is probably the best thing that could have ever happened to my hometown. It may not seem like a miracle to you, but it was for us. It was definitely had a greater impact than all of us could have expected. Many of our town’s people believed it was also a waste of money, but in the end it was our own little “miracle”. Everyone back home loves that field now. It gives our parents and elders hope for the generation that I belong to. If I had known about this article I would have definitely wrote a comment much sooner, along with many other classmates of mine. You have no clue how all of Barrow felt when we won our first game on that wonderful astro turf. Many were crying, screaming, and hugging each other. I was definitely guilty of all three of those actions. I love how we get continued support from people who have never met our team, but I cannot say the same for when I hear negativity go towards the topic of the Bartram Trail High School and Cathy Parker’s hard work to help us out. If you don’t believe it was worth anything, why don’t you visit Barrow, Alaska and see a game for yourself. It’s definitely not like any other football game ever played.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:09:14 +0000

Dear Gone to Alaska,
There are many worthwhile causes people can rally behind, aren’t there? I agree with you that communities should support and assist their diabled citizens. However, a vast majority of Barrow’s citizens, when polled, wanted a football field to benefit their youth on several levels. First, kids needed something to get excited about and had little outside of school. Boredom leads to a lot of problems, and school drop-out rates were high. The kids loved football, so this seemed like a good fit. Second, the underlying reason for a football program was to encourage kids to stay in school and get an education. And there’s nothing wrong with any of that.
Now, someone else might take your suggestion and create a baseball field in Barrow–possibilities are endless. . .and we’ve seen what can happen if just one person gets behind a great cause. Go for it! And thanks for writing.

By: Gone to Alaska

Gone to Alaska — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:11:42 +0000

The last thing Barrow needed was a turf football field! Too bad Ms. Parker didn’t raise the money for a “Miracle Baseball Field” for disabled children instead.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:03:28 +0000

Paul & Mack,
Thanks for your comments. I have to say the reason I was moved to write this post was that I was struck by Cathy Parker’s decision to take action in this case. It just goes to show you that the average citizen who is moved by a story and wants to make a difference, can become an adept marketer. All it takes is the motivation, passion and drive to see an idea through. A lesson for all of us. Thanks for writing.

By: Mack Collier

Mack Collier — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:01:29 +0000

I remember seeing the ESPN documentary earlier this year. Hadn’t heard about Ms. Parker’s grassroots movement to get the Whalers a ‘real’ field. Thanks for the update Ted!

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:45:04 +0000

Ted, interesting story and thanks for sharing. With global warming the artic north is becoming a lot more hospitable. Green grass for football, isn’t very far away…