You Can Heal From A Devastating Loss –
An Update to Zac Shomler’s Journey
I bought today’s coffee mug in early December 2018 when my son Zac Shomler asked me to go with him up to Tacoma to Pacific Lutheran University to meet with the Brant McAdams their Head Football Coach.
I bought that mug in the hopes that I would soon have a reason to enjoy coffee out of it.
Today, Friday Feb 1st, 2019 the details were finally – at the last minute – worked out and this Monday Feb 4th Zac will be moving into his room at PLU and he will classes start on Wednesday.
In addition — Zac is on the PLU football team and he will competing for the starting QB position!
What a Journey It Has Been
I just can’t stop crying— this have been such a journey.
Back in 2010 at the end of his 7th grade year Zac declared that he was going to start playing football, become a High School QB, and play QB in College.
Zac even posted those written goals to the inside of the living room window.
Zac went on to win the starting QB job in 8th grade – having never played football before.
Zac fell in love with football and he played QB with irrepressible joy.
In High School he won the Freshman QB competition, and in 10th grade he was the JV QB.
At the end of Zac’s 10th grade year – on the advice of those who know way more about these things than I do – we moved so Zac could attend Skyview High School. We made this move to help Zac with his football dreams.
Zac was the starting QB at Skyview his 11th and 12th grade years. I can’t say enough about Coach Kizer. What a great man.
Following High School
Following High School Zac went to Lewis and Clark College for one semester and was on the football team. Great people there, however it was not the best fit for Zac.
Then tragically – three years ago on Feb 8th 2016 Zac’s brother Zayne died and so did Zac’s love of football.
Zac would not even watch the 2017 Super Bowl with me – something he used to love to do.
Prior to Zayne’s passing, Zac and I would watch the Super Bowl – he would analyze the schemes of both teams & take copious notes, and I would watch the commercials.
I never believed that Zac’s QB journey was over.
This Can’t Be How This Movie Ends
Zac loved playing football so much. I would say to myself – “this can’t be how this movie ends.”
In 2017 Zac started his sports podcast / YouTube show – Strong Opinion Sports.
Doing that show began to reawaken his love of football.
At the same time Zac was doing the hard work of grieving the loss of his brother Zayne, and healing from that brutal heartache.
This past summer Zac begins to talk with me about once again playing football.
He did lots of research and emailed and spoke with many coaches before choosing PLU.
Zac chose PLU because he was very impressed with their Head Coach – Brant McAdams.
Since December we have been doing lots of paperwork and jumping through many hoops so Zac could transfer in the middle of the school year from WSU to PLU.
Today we got the great news!!!
I will not be at all surprised if this fall I see Zac once again on a football field playing QB leading his team down the field.
One more thing – Zac is going to watch the Super Bowl with me in on Sunday.
Zac will be analyzing the schemes of both teams & taking copious notes, and I will be watching the commercials. ❤️
Steven
PS – Wait until you see the awesome coffee mug I will be getting in May to honor Zeke’s college journey.
#ProudDadHat
#GoLutes
#RIPZayne
