Player Profile- Week 8 "Biggest Fan"

 

May 31, 2007-

 

Many football attendees make the claim of being “the biggest fan.” This is a term that has a tendency to be used—and accepted by others—without much consideration. But, what exactly does it mean to be the single, most dedicated fan? What sort of commitment is involved to boast such a highly ranked position of fandom? To answer this question, one needs to search no further than the Ralston family.

 

Originating from the frigid land of Wisconsin, the Ralstons exchanged their winter coats and snow boots for flip flops and sun glasses when they became bonafide California residents, approximately six years ago. Their family consists of five: mother Ruri, father Richard, their daughters Megan and Kaitlyn, and their son, an essential Shockwave fan, Kendall.

 

Besides the fact that Kendall Ralston is in a wheelchair, there is something else that makes him extraordinary. He is probably the single-most, bright and gregarious sixteen-year old whom it has ever been my pleasure to be acquainted with. My first time to have ever met him, I quickly found myself drawn to his lust for life and quick-witted humor. To say that Kendall is outgoing would be an understatement. Needless to say, I was anxious to meet with him once more.

 

On a Friday evening, I traveled to Escondido to interview Kendall and his family in their hometown. In the course of attempting to organize a convenient time for them to sit down and speak with me, I was made aware of a stage production on the same night in which all three of the Ralston children would be involved. Expressing my immediate intrigue, Richard was more than helpful to give me the appropriate details of the play’s whereabouts and time.

When I arrived, I was happy to find that the production was a musical I recognized, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. After taking my seat, I was even more ecstatic to find that all three children were key players: Kaitlyn as “The Wicked Witch of the West”, Megan as “Dorothy”, and Kendall as “The Wizard”. Delivering Tony-worthy performances, all three absolutely lit up the stage. During curtain call, and after his solo and the denouement of the play, Kendall was beaming. Most assuredly, it is this same magnetic personality that got him noticed by the former San Diego Riptide General Manager, Mark Collins.

 

After being avid Green Bay Packers fans while living in Wisconsin, the Ralstons searched for their sports niche in their new home of California. Soon, they discovered the game of indoor football and turned their interests to the former Riptides. The consistent presence of the Ralstons during the season caught the attention of staff and players alike. And, once meeting Kendall, it was stated by a former player, “We need you here at every game.” Shortly thereafter, this bubbly sixteen-year old was given an honor that many his age would die for: creating and delivering pre-game speeches to motivate the team. This tradition has carried over to the Shockwave and Kendall has, without a doubt, become an integral part of the team and can be seen at every home game. Among the franchise, his name is well-known and well spoken of.

 

In the words of Rich Ralston, “football is his life.” Yet, when he is not cheering in the stands, or pumping the players up before a game, Kendall is a veteran actor and a videogame connoisseur. He has been a football spectator since he was a baby and says that, “I like the hitting and the excitement.” In reference to the previous win against the powerhouse, Wyoming Cavalry, Kendall accurately predicted, “It’s time to get our revenge. It’s time to show these guys what San Diego football is all about.” Truer words were never spoken.

 

When I was brought into the Ralston home for the interview, I had never felt so at ease. Everyone was smiling, Kendall was already preparing his speech for the game the next day, and one could feel the warmth. I only wish I had enough eloquence to write justly enough to convey to everyone else what a fantastic family the Ralstons are, and how much hope and inspiration they provide for the Shockwave. If anyone has earned the respect to call themselves the “biggest fans”, it would be Kendall and his family. Our organization and our team owe them our most sincere gratitude.