People say siblings are built-in best friends. Some will agree, and some won’t.
Although siblings fight, as soon as the pressure is building, the lights come on, and you’re in a game together, every argument is put behind you and you have each others’ backs.
GRC has a plethora of fall sports. Our football, soccer, and cheerleading programs are all great examples of sibling power in sports.
Gracie and Emma Cecil
Gracie Cecil, a senior, and Emma Cecil, a sophomore, are a part of the GRC Girls soccer team and have been playing for as long as they can remember.
“Our parents just put us into it when we were really young,” said Gracie. “I played and liked it, so then they put her in it and all the other siblings followed after.”
The two are always together and love the fact that they are. “There is a lot of quality time,” said Emma. Gracie added, ”The fact that you always have someone to talk to and that you’re never alone is definitely the best part about playing with each other.”
The sisters have been playing for a while, but they haven’t really gotten to play with each other.
“Since this is my last season playing with my sister, I am really trying to make the most out of it. Whether that is getting food after practice or blasting music in the car before games,” said Gracie.
Emma added, “My sister has really become my best friend and not being able to play together is just one less thing we get to do together.”
Kodah, Ayden and Ryan Palmer
Twin seniors Ayden and Ryan Palmer, and freshman Kodah Palmer are all on the GRC varsity soccer team.
The three brothers have been playing soccer for more than half of their lives, because of one reason.
“Our parents made all of us do soccer as a sport to keep us from being lazy,” said Ayden.
Ryan and Kodah both mentioned that they all had a lot of energy when they were younger and their parents signed them up for soccer.
Ayden and Ryan both share the same favorite part of the sport that they play.
“The best part is the chemistry between us,” said Ayden. “We know how each other plays and that enables us to play very well together.”
Ryan added, “While you are playing or practicing there will always be someone who is there to support you and bring you up if you are down.”
Tiara and Octavia Duncan
The Duncans – Tiara, junior, and Octavia, sophomore-are both an important part of the GRC cheerleading squad.
The sisters have many different reasons for why they love cheering together, but their favorite seems to be the same.
“The best thing about it most definitely is us being able to be together while we are cheering and talking to each other at the games,” said Tiara.
Octavia added, “The best thing is always having someone to talk to while we are cheering, and I can be myself around my sister.”
Tiara and Octavia have been cheering with each other for a while now, starting in elementary school, cheering for Upward, and at middle school, and then finally at GRC.
“Realizing I only have two more years with my sister sounds absolutely unreal, and it feels impossible,” said Octavia. “I am forever grateful to her for being my rock through the toughest times and I am beyond lucky to have been gifted an amazing sister and a built-in best friend.”
Jordan and Grant Ray
Jordan Ray, offensive coordinator, and Grant Ray, O-line, have both taken significant coaching roles on the Cardinal football team.
The brothers have had a long-time love for the game of football for many reasons. “We were raised in a house where our father coached for 30 years,” said Jordan. “It was really our lifestyle; we didn’t know any better than football.”
Grant added, “It was every day and night we all were at practice or games. Growing up around football with my dad and brother, it inspired me to play myself.”
Jordan and Grant have been around the game for a while and they have many parts of the game that they love, but one topic sticks out the most between them.
“Our preexisting bond has grown even stronger and also has strengthened our relationship and enhanced our ability to work together.”
Jordan agreed: “We both get to do what we love with each other. There’s a lot of ups and downs to that. There’s been lots. There should be. It’s a true joy to me to do what I love with my brother.”
