On Aug. 30, the Elkhorn North varsity football team played Lincoln Pius X. They were up 21-6 at half, but were tied 21-21 by the fourth quarter. Senior kicker Jackson Crom led the team to victory by successfully kicking a three-point field goal, putting the Wolves back in the lead. The game ended with a win for the Wolves at 24-21.

Crom tore his ACL on his left knee during a soccer game his freshman year and, then again his sophomore year, preventing him from participating in his sophomore and junior years of football. The road to recovery was not easy for Crom; it took an immense amount of physical and mental energy. His grind towards his recovery was evident as he started his first football season back with a bang.

“Seeing him go out there and succeed and win the game for us fills the coaching staff with a lot of pride for him,” special teams coach Anthony Dunn said. “We are proud of him for overcoming that [ACL tear].”

Crom was put in an extremely high pressure situation, as the result of the game rested on this kick.

“He’s been money for all the field goals and is a very consistent and reliable player,” senior Will Farrington said. “He was definitely the player of the game.”

Crom’s hard work has not gone unnoticed by teammates and coaches. All are excited to see what more Crom has to offer as he continues this football season.

Crom exemplifies the “wolf way” through perseverance and loyalty. He showed loyalty by supporting his teammates at practices and games even when he couldn’t participate. He showed perseverance through his consistency at physical therapy and additional practice, leading him to where he is today. Crom’s “never- give-up” mentality is clearly evident, and an inspiration to all athletes working to come back from an injury.