I wanted to say THANK YOU to all those who’ve thought about, prayed for, and participated in signing both the soccer ball and the blanket for Gavin Grubbe. He came to our game on Sunday with his family. He’s been confined to his couch because of the pain in both hips yet his dad said he wanted to walkout and sit with his team. They’ve held off on removing his foot since they found more cancer throughout his body. They continue to pump the chemo through a port in his chest. Anyway, he came and sat on the bench with the team. He had his red head band on. After the game, U14 East Peoria came over and shook his hand. Thanks to Bill Peterson for exuding excellence and good sportsmanship.
Obviously, Gavin’s family were taken back by all the support from, not only the coaches , but the kids as well. We had multiple teams autographing soccer balls and jerseys and making him an honorary team mate. There have also been teams making donations to St. Jude in Gavin’s name. His parents were quite overwhelmed. They had no idea about any of it. He made sure to pack the blanket to take with him to the hospital.
Personally, I really appreciate all the coaches, the officials, the players, and the directors for making this season a memorable one. It’s always nice to hear other teams asking about Gavin. I think sometimes we forget it’s about the kids. Thanks to all of you for your time and your effort with all the kids. It’s so important in this day and age for our kids to have heroes to look up to like yourselves.
God Bless and Take Care.
Dave Ihlenfeldt U14 El Paso Soccer Coach ----------------------------------------------------------
(MAY 8) Thank you to all that signed the ball or blanket, donated to St. Jude, or keep Gavin in your prayers this past weekend! ----------------------------------------------------------
(Apr 28) ICSL has determined that we would like to continue to recognize Gavin next weekend at our Fri / Sat games at Eastside (May 4/5).
A blanket will be on display for kids to sign just outside of the snack shed and a soccer ball will be with Rick for Coaches to sign (in the Snack Shed).
A small container for donations will also be available or you can opt to go directly to the St. Jude website using the link below.
We will update the website as the family passes along Gavin's status.
(APR 22) This weekend we had an opportunity to recognize a player - Gavin Grube. While we're not singling him out for scoring a big goal or saving a big game with his teammates this time; but for a battle he is fighting off the pitch.
Gavin is a 6th Grade from El Paso and has participated in the ICSL league for the last 3 years and has enjoyed the experience playing against the other teams and with his friends on the El Paso U12 team. Gavin has also always been very active in sports and school activities and is a big fan of the Chicago Black Hawks Hockey Team and the Galaxy MLS Soccer team.
Gavin was not able to join his teammates for their game this past weekend as he has new challenges that he is facing...
You see, Gavin has been diagnosed with cancer and he will be heading down to Memphis this week with his parents Mr. Matt and Mrs. Inga Grube to be in the hands of the St. Jude team that treated him when he was first diagnosed with cancer.
He is travelling to Memphis again because he has had a re-occurrence of cancer in his foot and it may have spread into his hip and the St. Jude team will be providing him with some of the best advice and support available.
Sadly, he is in a lot of pain right now and is being prepared to have his foot amputated by the capable team at the St. Jude Children's Hospital just this week.
While he will not be able to be with his team this weekend, his coach has asked about how his team can best honor him (and be within the guidelines). His coach has reached out to Rick and we are trying to figure out how to best recognize him this weekend.
Initial thoughts are to have a moment before the 1:15pm games to consider Gavin and his challenges. I'm also guessing that any Black Hawks or Galaxy jerseys could be worn showing him he is in our thoughts.
I will post more as Rick and David Ihlenfeldt (his coach) finalize their thoughts.
If interested in supporting Gavin, his family has asked for any contributions to be directed towards St. Jude:
The family has asked that we also keep Gavin and their family in your prayers.
Note from Rick (Updated APR 22)
SPORTSGLASSES - Players need sportglasses or safety goggles over their glasses. Goggles can be purchased at Wal-mart for around $2.00.
BACKGROUND CHECKS - I have noticed that a few coaches have not done background checks within the last 3 years. If you do not have this done by the week-end you cannot coach (IYSA requirement). More information posted in "Safety Tab".
ROSTERS - Referees will be checking rosters and medical release forms starting the Apr 28th weekend. Please have all documents up-to-date. SIDELINES - Coaches and players need to stay back from the touchline so the AR's can see the lines and avoid trip hazards. Remember coaches and players cannot enter the playing area without the referee permission.
(APR 22) This weekend we had an opportunity to recognize a player - Gavin Grube. While we're not singling him out for scoring a big goal or saving a big game with his teammates this time; but for a battle he is fighting off the pitch.
SPORTSGLASSES - Players need sportglasses or safety goggles over their glasses. Goggles can be purchased at Wal-mart for around $2.00. 
