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| Ballard is a great human being |
Former Buckeye Tight End and current New York Giant, Jake Ballard, remembered by most for this acrobatic catch to help set up a crucial fourth quarter Rose Bowl touchdown, collected autographs from Eli Manning and Justin Tuck before getting the items in the mail. He is hoping to reach his friend before he withdrawals from the fighting as part of Operation New Dawn.
Andy Banks, serving with the Kentucky National Guard, grew up with Jake and was a high school football teammate at Springboro. Because of the withdrawal, systems of communication will be breaking down including mail, email and phone. Andy's father said that he was told September 15 was the deadline for getting them mail. Jake hopes the care package of the signed football, jersey and other items, reaches his friend before he is in the dark for a few months.
Jake has been able to keep in touch with Andy, sporadically through Facebook and Andy's family has been able to keep him up to date on Jake's progress with the New York Giants through Skype chats.
As Jake has worked his way from the Giant's practice squad to the game day line-up, he has filled the void left by Kevin Boss. A void, which if consistently filled by Ballard could, lead to a Giant's playoff run. Something those new Giant's fans in Springboro would certainly enjoy...expect for the one who wouldn't be able to watch. Stuart Banks, Andy's father said that was the one thing which frustrated Andy the most before he left "...his biggest frustration would be if the Giants make the playoffs or go on to the Super Bowl this year."
Stay safe Andy!
