On August 28th, I participated in the first annual Matt Wheten Legacy Football Touch football tournament at Rocky Dipietro Field.

The Wheten family suffered an unimaginable tragedy when Matt was taken from us far too young.

The Wheten’s, who embody the term “a football family”, found the perfect way to honour Matt. An annual tournament in his name.

Mark Dewar put a team together and asked me to join. One of his selling points to me was “Travy will be our quarterback.” “Travy” refers to long time Sault Ste Marie quarterback Travis McLean. Trav and I played on the first Sabercats team together and had success playing for the Steelers in the early to mid 2000’s. I thought it’d be fun to get out with my old quarterback and pretend we were 23 again. Also, to honour and support a family I respect so much.

Before our second game, I sat in the stands and began thinking about this field. The game. The memories. I thought about Matt, and how tragedy can strike anytime. I thought about being in the moment and enjoying the day.

When our second game started, I ran out on the field. I looked to my right and I saw Trav running out to the huddle with me and that’s when it started.

I lined up on the outside, and when I looked to my left, I saw Ryan Malloy playing quarterback. He dropped back against the Dunn, threw a ten out to me for my first touchdown in senior football.

I saw Jason Rooly, a top five quarterback to ever play in this city, drop back for a pass and Sean Pratt make a strip sack that lead us to victory.

I saw a young Matt Premo and Noah Rushon dominating in the passing game and laying some of the biggest crack back blocks I have ever seen.

I saw the touchdown catch I made in the semi finals against Mississauga that turned out to be the winner. The same game where I broke my leg and changed my life.

I saw the legend, Don McBain, sitting in the booth with Chunch.

I saw Mac Hendrick behind the microphone with his usual humour and wit. Despite being a Packers fan, I always loved Mac.

I saw David McLean scoring the only touchdown of the game in the city finals on a pass from Mitch Mazzuca. Then David running off the field and giving me a huge hug in celebration. You’re forever missed David.

I saw Ryan Mcfarling laying on the field with the one of the most gruesome injuries I’d ever seen. However, that injury helped turned Ryan into one of the best magicians and entertainers in the country.

I saw the crowd packed with high school students and the St. Mary’s fans doing the Babaloo.

I saw the equipment shed full of young football players waiting to get their equipment and parents nervously wondering what they got themselves into.

I saw Scott Gray coaching in his shorts, in the middle of a snow storm.

I saw Clair standing at the front gate diligently checking tickets.

I saw Mike Prentice running his pattern, seven yard hook route and catching anything that touched his hands. Mike has moved onto a successful and meaningful life in Sweden. Mike was a mentor to me when I was younger, and I appreciate the influence he’s had in my life.

I saw Jim Monico, Phil Bumbuco, Scott Gray, Phil Lucetti, Greg Mathison and Kevin Hemsworth up in the booth with a stack of Little Caesar’s pizza announcing Sault Minor Football Games.

I saw Paul Calbick on the sidelines. Paul, with his ever steady, calm demeanour, calling plays with a confidence and charisma that made us feel every play was going to the house.

I saw Barry Rushon coaching in Sault Minor Football, at White Pines and for the Steelers. The man has dedicated his life to the growth and development to football in this city and deserves all the credit in the world.

I saw myself catching a pass from Malloy, then fumbling the ball and we lost possession against St Basil’s. Ross Viotto was the coach that year and he never called another play to me for the rest of the season. I was young then and needed to be taught a lesson. Ross taught me that lesson. I’m proud to say I never had another fumble the rest of my football career. Sometimes the best lessons we learn, are the hardest to accept at the time. Ross taught me that.

I saw Greg Caruso and Andrew Dale. Two young men I coached at different times who would run through a wall for me if I asked them to. More then once, they gave me the “coach, I don’t have anything left in me, but I’ll try if you need me” look. Thank you to both of you for your heart and effort.

And finally, easily, the best thing I saw Saturday.

I saw Mike Wheten standing on the sidelines coaching Aaron in Sault Minor Football with Matt, Cody and Jeremy.

Sometimes life passes us by such a pace we don’t realize where the time has gone. We don’t take the time to stop, think and reflect.

Mike said on Saturday, “I wish this tournament was in someone else’s name.” Although we all do, Matt will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on.

I coached Matt for a number of years and I think it’s fair to say I taught him a thing or two about life and sports.

Matt, taught me a lesson about life and sports on Saturday. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

Thank you Matt.

Source: Tony Boniferro