The soccer matches did not go down as scheduled, but the large tribute to first responders and all area emergency personnel certainly did. In a different yet just as meaningful manner.

Honoring the somber memory of Sept. 11, 2001 on Patriot Day 2025 last Thursday with a special ceremony planned and organized by Thompson Falls-Plains-St. Regis head girls coach Nick Lawyer, the girls and boys had their games with visiting Libby at Previs Field in Thompson Falls called off due to a severe late-summer thunderstorm.

Actually, the girls managed to get a few minutes of their game in before the lightning delay, and Claire Wrobleski, off an assist from Solvieg Nygaard, had scored a goal to give TF-P-SR 1-0 at that point, before the decision was made to suspend play. Since the conditions never did allow the resumption of play that stormy night in T-Falls, the schools are working on rescheduling the matches to a later date.

In honor of our local heroes on Patriot Day, nearly 50 first responders from across Sanders County – fire and police department personnel, medical and healthcare professionals, the Sheriff’s Department and local Search and Rescue volunteers and paraprofessionals – were all there and publicly recognized for their vital services to the communities they serve.

Since the weather was not cooperating with the games or planned ceremony outside, the tribute to emergency personnel was moved inside of the TFHS gym, and Lawyer said it was a moving experience for all involved. He described the special event.

“First responders took their place in the bleachers while the high school players gathered around them,” Lawyer said. “What followed was an impromptu community conversation — about what it means to be a first responder, the sacrifices of Sept. 11, and the heroes Sanders County has lost over the years. The players (including those from Libby) stood and applauded their guests, recognizing the commitment and courage that keep their towns safe.”

Lawyer felt the moment was bigger than any mere sporting event or other social gathering. “Our kids are learning that being a good teammate isn’t just about soccer,” he

said. “It’s about showing up, working hard, staying positive and supporting one another – the same qualities our first responders live out every day. They are the ultimate teammates for our community.”

Lawyer said the Patriot Day tribute actually began earlier with the playing of the national anthem on Previs Field, which was a rousing electric guitar rendition of America’s pride song performed by Noxon High School senior Finn Duffy.

Back to the business of high school soccer, Lawyer said the Hawk girls lost an 8-0 decision to powerhouse Columbia Falls in Columbia Falls Tuesday. Both Hawk soccer squads return to action hosting Bigfork at Amundson Complex in Plains Tuesday and traveling to Whitefish Thursday.