"We are so grateful for them because this ‘adventure’ had a good ending.” – Pam Pray
Pam and Hal Pray, of Chagrin Falls, will be cheering on Cardinal High School’s football team this fall for a very personal reason – several team members went out of their way a few weeks ago to help the couple out of a dangerous situation.
The Prays were on their way down the Cuyahoga River in a canoe when Hal wound up in the water, unable to stand in the strong current.
Cardinal’s football team was on its annual 10-mile canoe trip and, when they saw the situation, stopped to give Hal a hand, according to a letter from Pam that Kristie Steyer, secretary for Cardinal Schools Superintendent Scott Hunt, forwarded to the Geauga County Maple Leaf Aug. 8.
“They all stopped their canoes and helped. We are so grateful for them because this ‘adventure’ had a good ending,” Pam wrote. “Without them, it could have ended very differently.”
The couple doesn’t know the young men’s names, but they had some very kind words. A call to football coach Eric Cardinal to find out the students’ names was not returned prior to press time.
“How do you thank a group of young men that rescued two 70-year-olds stranded on a Cuyahoga canoe trip?” Pam asked. “I guess by telling everyone how kind and quick-acting they all were, how their parents should be so proud of how they all tried to help, how compassionate they all were and how kind their coach was.”
She contacted numerous media outlets to ensure everyone hears about how she and her husband feel about their heroes.
“I would appreciate it if they are recognized for what they did,” Pam said. “We wanted you to know what fine boys you have on this team at your school and, if you have special awards for random acts of kindness, they and their coach certainly deserve it.”
Steyer said the Prays’ wishes will be answered.
“We plan to recognize the players at our Sept 13 board of education meeting. The couple who sent the email will also be in attendance at the meeting,” Steyer said.
And it probably won’t be the last time the team connects with the Prays.
“We will be rooting for the Cardinal football team this season, that is for sure!” Pam said.
