Friday night football is a longtime tradition in Northwest Indiana, but for the La Porte Slicer family Friday’s game was about something more than a game. It was a night to remember someone that the Slicer family and the La Porte Community lost too soon.
Jake West passed away September 25, 2013 on the La Porte Slicer football practice field from an undetected heart condition. Last year, the first Friday night game played after his death saw schools across the region support the La Porte community. Time has moved on but a year later one can still feel the effect Jake had on the community. Everyone has vivid memories of his smile, his practical joking and what a great person Jake was to all he met. Tonight families, friends and the opposing team gathered to support the Slicers Seniors as they also honored Jake West. Jake’s mom accepted Jake’s senior flower on the field tonight in a very emotional moment.
Jake’s mom and his family have worked tirelessly in the year since Jake’s death to help raise funds to ensure all kids in the community get lifesaving heart screenings. From their tragedy, they are now saving lives through formation of the Play for Jake Foundation. The Merrillville Pirates honored Jake’s memory with a donation to the Foundation. For more information on the Foundation or to make a donation to help get kids screened, visit their website at www.playforjakefoundation.org.
La Porte High School Principal Ben Tonagel said about the memorable evening, “Tonight was, I would say, a very special night for our community and our school. Getting a victory for our kids was very special too, but just the support from the Merrillville Pirates, their administration, their community, being out there at the beginning of the game to honor Jake and his family was really special. They did donate some money to the Play for Jake Foundation so we’re just proud to bring everyone together and celebrate a very special night.”
The Slicers were victorious over Merrillville by a score of 42 – 23. At tonight’s game, the spirit in the air was “Once a Slicer, Always a Slicer.”