Cedar Rapids Fire Captain's Memory Lives on Through Football

CEDAR RAPIDS--For nearly 30 years a handful of Kennedy High School graduates have gotten together to play football the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  They play rain, shine or worse.

"We played one time in the snow and slush and the ice top was so muddy we had to change our clothes before we could go home," said Tracy Stoner, who has yet to miss the annual game.

The game has remained nearly the same for three decades, but recent changes are evident.  Two years ago the group was forced to say goodbye to Brett Henderson after the Kennedy High School graduate passed away.  The 41-year-old died after a year long battle with a brain tumor in January of 2008.

"We decided to change the name from the Turkey Bowl to the 'Hendi' Bowl.  It's just one more reason for us to stay in touch and stay together even more," said Stoner.

Henderson touched the lives of many during his 41 years.  He was a well recognized face in Cedar Rapids, and the youngest person ever to become a Captain at the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

"I'm very very proud," said Ron Henderson, Brett's father, "My son was liked by everybody, so many friends, it's unbelievable."

Saturday about ten of Henderson's friends suited up for another year of football.  They wore shirts with his name on printed across the front, and paused for a moment of silence before the game.  In the parking lot next to the field sat a firetruck, which one of Henderson's friends proudly drove to the game.

"Since Brett Henderson was a fireman, that was one of the reasons we did it," said Brett Rickard, as he referred to his parking job.

Rickard, a 1985 graduate of Kennedy High School, said he plans to keep coming to the game for as long as his body will allow.  He wont be the only one.

"Just a way not to forget him, make sure he's always remembered," said Stoner, who vowed to be back next year.