Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Sports»Football»Game day at The Waters: Young Eagles players and EP seniors forge timeless bonds
    Football

    Game day at The Waters: Young Eagles players and EP seniors forge timeless bonds

    Rick OlsonBy Rick OlsonAugust 20, 20233 Mins Read
    The Waters’ quarterback launched a Hail Mary pass that was tipped over the outstretched hand of Eagles senior Vinny Dykstra …
    … resulting in an amazing one-handed catch and game-winning touchdown for the senior community’s staff. Photos by Rick Olson

    In a Friday, Aug. 18, showdown that was about more than just points, the Eden Prairie High School football team and staff at The Waters of Eden Prairie senior living community faced off in their 14th annual friendly touch-football game.

    While the high school players had a size advantage, the game’s highlight came in its closing moments.

    The Waters’ quarterback launched a Hail Mary pass that sailed over the outstretched hand of Eagles senior Vinny Dykstra, allowing a player from The Waters to make an amazing one-handed catch for a game-winning touchdown. After the play, Coach Grant was overheard saying it was the greatest play he’d ever seen in the rivalry between the teams.

    To the delight of The Waters’ residents, the staff managed to eke out wins in both the hot dog eating contest — by a single dog — and a push-up challenge by just one push-up. Commenting on the day’s results, Eagles players playfully acknowledged the challenges of winning on the road.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    The afternoon’s highlight was the chance for players and residents to get acquainted. Players mingled with seniors in an intergenerational meet-and-greet, emphasizing a cherished team tradition of connecting with the community’s elderly.

    Eagles Coach Mike Grant chats with his former fifth grade teacher, Betty Van Someren, on a Friday visit to The Waters of Eden Prairie. Photo by Rick Olson

    For Coach Mike Grant, it was another chance to reconnect with his fifth grade teacher, Betty Van Someren. Betty said Mike was a good student. His time in her class marked his first academic experience in the United States. That move came after his father, Bud Grant, relocated the family from Winnipeg to Minnesota to coach the Vikings in 1967.

    The Eagles return to the gridiron to prepare for the season opener at home against Buffalo on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m.

    • Eagles junior Matthew Ivey (right) competes against Blake Dehnke, executive director of The Waters of Eden Prairie, in a hot dog eating contest. Photo by Rick Olson.
    • Eagles seniors Ethan Sims (left) and Hayden Broich chat with a resident during their Friday visit to The Waters of Eden Prairie. Photo by Rick Olson
    • Eagles junior Eric Anderson and a staff member from The Waters of Eden Prairie compete in a push-up contest, both cheered on by Coach Mike Grant, fellow team members, and community residents. Photo by Rick Olson
    • Despite the size advantage of the football players, as illustrated by Eagles senior Ethan Sims towering over The Waters’ staff member Hannah Schwenke, the touch football game was determined by its final play. Photo by Rick Olson

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleCatch of the day: Let’s Go Fishing celebrates new boat during 4th annual ‘Cops and Bobbers’ event
    Next Article Arts in the Park draws crowds on a steamy Saturday

    More to READ

    7 Mins Read

    New food, old Vikings memories at 2024 wild game dinner

    December 19, 2024
    6 Mins Read

    Eagles’ football season ends on cold night in Maple Grove

    November 4, 2024
    7 Mins Read

    Déjà vu? Eagles trounce Woodbury for second time in as many weeks to advance in section playoffs

    October 28, 2024
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.