Sahuaro’s first home game on Friday, September 13th, 2024, against Douglas was more than just a football match – it was a time for the Sahuaro community to unite and honor a beloved member of the Cougar family.
In 1977, Rick Botkin, a fellow Sahuaro Cougar, tragically passed away in a vehicular accident. At the time, Rick was a senior and only seventeen years old. His memory continues to resonate within the community.
As the game kicked off, the spirit of camaraderie filled the air, with fans honoring Rick’s legacy. The Cougars quickly scored a touchdown in the opening minutes, stirring excitement throughout the crowd. The student section, packed and dressed in the blackout theme, roared with enthusiasm. Cheers erupted as the energy built early, with students showing their school pride and creating a lively atmosphere.
This game is important to all attendees, including Sahuaro’s Principal Estrella who said, “This game represents our community as a school…not only for the students we have now but also for the ones we’ve had in the past.”
Also in attendance were Rick’s family and friends who attend the memorial football game every year. J. Dobyns, one of Rick’s friends from high school said, “This game is an important game because Rick Botkin is so important to this school. There’s been amazing athletes that have come through this school, but no one is more meaningful to Sahuaro as Rick Botkin.”
After the second quarter, Sahuaro’s cheer team took to the field for halftime, putting on a great performance. Following cheer’s performance, the marching band, accompanied by the color guard on their left, delivered a show that captivated the audience. They performed a showstopping Queen medley, including songs like Another One Bites The Dust, We Will Rock You, and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Principal Estrella said, “Our band looked about as good as it’s ever been.” Senior Mia Payette, this year’s drum major, said, “We’ve been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes and at practices and it really showed.” She reflected on the pressure of the game, stating, “I definitely felt the pressure… this is our home crowd and with the Rick Botkin game it’s a very important game to Sahuaro and I wanted to make sure we were doing the best we could.”
The Cougars secured a triumphant victory against the Bulldogs, winning 39-33. At the end of the night, students left with more than just team spirit; they carried a sense of connection to Rick as well. Principal Estrella captured the moment, saying, “Look at our crowd, look at our students; it’s a great time for them. The energy, unity, love, and remembrance for Rick Botkin at the game truly reflected the spirit of Sahuaro.
