High school football should be about more than winning games on Fridays. It should also be an opportunity for the players to grow into men of integrity with hearts for those in need. A few weeks ago, the Point Loma varsity football squad had one of those opportunities and took full advantage of the chance. A local team supporter, 3-year-old Tobin Orzel, got his fingers caught between a heavy metal door and the frame, severing two of them. He was rushed to the emergency room at Rady Children’s Hospital, where doctors performed surgery to reattach them. Doctors, however, were not optimistic about a full recovery for Tobin. When Point Loma High School head football coach Mike Hastings heard about the case, he called the family to offer support. When Hastings told his team, the players decided to invite Tobin to one of their practices. Offering up what they had to give, the players signed a ball and presented it to Tobin, who sleeps with it every night — a reminder of the kindness he was shown by the PLHS football team. “He was beaming with joy as the team captains talked with him and the whole team gathered around him for pictures,” said Hastings. “It was great for our players to help bring a little relief and joy to Tobin. It was all a part of our credo of giving back to our community and helping to serve others.” According to Treyla Orzel, Tobin’s mother, the team was incredibly welcoming and very kind to the youngster who had been excited for days, telling all who would listen about his upcoming rendezvous with the Pointers. “They wished him well and told him how proud they were of his bravery,” said Treyla. “At the end of practice, they again called Tobin to the field and had him break practice, high-fived him and paraded him around on their shoulders. I have never seen such pure joy from my son.” The team learned from the experience as well, playing a part of the youngster’s recovery and mental wellbeing. Part of the PLHS football program’s philosophy has been to develop well-rounded young men. “It was something that we wanted to do for one of our little supporters,” said Hastings. “Tobin is a football player in the making. He loves to play catch, run with the ball and tackle his older brother.” Tobin has shattered the doctors’ initial expectations. According to Treyla, there wasn’t much hope of Tobin regaining feeling or dexterity in the injured fingers. Miraculously, Treyla said Tobin’s recovery is almost complete, with sensation in both digits. “We feel so blessed. He can hopefully still play football,” said Treyla. “His dream has been to play professional ball. With the recovery going so well, he can stay in the game.” Hastings may have to keep a spot open on his roster for Tobin in a few years.
