Having good friends means having people always there to lift you up, cheer you on, and support you and your interests. When Emmitt met George after joining the Clarkson hockey team in May of 2023, he quickly learned to love hockey—and so much more.
The time that Emmitt and George spent together, both on and off the ice, has inspired them both to get out of their comfort zones and push each other to try things that may have seemed scary before. “I love that George has given Emmitt a new outlook on things,” said Emmitt’s mom, Meagan. “He is always encouraging him, as well as teaching him! I have seen Emmitt branch out and try new things. Since being around the team, he has been much more open to trying things he has never been willing to do before.”
In Emmitt’s first year with the team, he grew to love golf and ice skating, two things he tried and loved because his friend George loves them too. One of Emmitt’s favorite moments was when George and some of their teammates celebrated his birthday with him. As much as Emmitt loves parties and golfing with his teammates, he equally loves games and practices and cheering for his guys.
“I love that they are always cheering each other on,” Meagan said. “George, and the entire team, is always there for Emmitt in more ways than one. Just as Emmitt is always there for them as well. The support they show one another is so amazing! Emmitt looks up to George almost like a big brother and he always gets so excited to cheer him and the whole team on at every game.”
When it came to nominating his Teammate of the Year, he knew George was exactly the teammate he had in mind. “George has been nothing short of amazing to Emmitt. He has taught him that trying new things can be fun and give you new interests. He involved him in every way he can and really helps Emmitt forget he has an illness. He is a kind and thoughtful person who cares so much for Emmitt. We appreciate all the love and kindness that he shows to Emmitt.”