As the fall semester kicks off, old traditions are revived and new ones are born, including a fresh take on school football festivities.
Holly Ary, a senior mom whose son Matthew Ary plays football at Benbrook Middle High School, took an active role on Wednesday. Instead of watching from the sidelines, Ary participated in the school’s first-ever Senior Mom Tackle event.
“I’m taking him down today,” Holly Ary declared.
She joined 14 other senior moms in this unique event, which offers mothers a chance to experience the game from their children’s perspective.
“I’ve been asking his coaches since his sophomore year if we could do a senior mom tackle, and here we are. It’s been three years of excitement building up to this,” Ary said.
The tackles included a range of participants, from a mom of twins to a grandmother, and even a mom who is also a coach’s wife.
“I think some of us might have some pent-up energy and are eager to tackle our sweet ‘baby men,’” joked Becky Altmiller.
This new tradition fosters a special bond between mothers and their sons.
“It means a lot because, as a single parent, she makes the time and is always there for me,” said Matthew Ary.
“It’s really special to me that she’s out here,” added Hayden Altmiller, Becky’s son.
