College sports are better with a rival. When it comes to sports in South Dakota it’s not rocket surgery where the rivalries lie. There’s an entire trophy dedicated to it in fact.
Further, a face or two emerge as the villains on the rival team. Someone who embodies everything you dislike about the opposing team.
For many, Noah Friedel became that villain. Brash and good enough to rub us just the wrong way.
Earlier this week news broke that Noah was going to miss the rest of the season to deal with depression and anxiety issues.
Suddenly Noah and I have something in common. Suddenly blue vs red don’t much matter. I too have waged that battle. Two years ago I found myself in the darkest seemingly never-ending tunnel of my life.
Knowing what that felt and sometimes still feels like, this news hit me differently. I wish nothing but the absolute best for Noah. I pray he finds peace and understanding. I know that depression and anxiety don’t really care if you’re a star athlete, what gender, what color, what your bank account looks like, who you’re sleeping with or anything else. It can get anyone. It’s real and it’s serious.
It is a brave and noble thing that Noah did. He has my respect. And my hope that soon I will again be cheering for my team against his. With the understanding that we have our humanity in common.
Be well Noah.
-A Yote fan