By Mia Birkes
On Oct. 27, 2021, the men’s Bulldog soccer team played the Ottawa University Braves, triumphing 3-1. It was senior night: the team honored players Sean Thomson, Kody Scholl, Jesus Reyes and Justin Clemons. Before the game began, the crowd at Paul Family Field heard an emotional and heartfelt speech from late coach Reed Hardgrave’s wife, as the McPherson College family copes with the sudden passing of Hardgrave on Oct. 25.
At the end of 90 minutes, the Bulldogs had scored three goals thanks to sophomore Samuel Box, senior Marcus Fernandes, and senior Carlos Reyna. Coach Quint said: “I am so proud of our McPherson Soccer Family. Despite all of the emotions we found it within ourselves to compete.”
The win was dedicated to Reed Hardgrave. Hardgrave was an active member in the McPherson community, supporting both McPherson High School and McPherson College as a parent and coach. Hardgrave was also vice president of local manufacturing company, Ferguson Production, and created a lasting friendship with several employees. He was an exceptional husband, father and friend, and he will be dearly missed by McPherson College and the local community who knew him best.
