TRIBUTE TO GARHETT
Garhett Dawson’s friends on the Exeter/ Gov. Mifflin hockey team are motivated by the memories of their late classmate
The first time David Cirba crossed paths with Garhett Dawson they were dressed up for trick-or-treating.
Dawson went as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Cirba was Darth Vader. They were 6.
Cirba was convinced they were destined to become mortal enemies because of their conflicting costumes. They became close friends by the time they reached middle school.
One thing they had in common was hockey. They played together until eighth grade before knee injuries kept Dawson off the ice.
This season was supposed to bring a much-anticipated last hurrah. Dawson felt fully recovered. The rising senior was ready to finally play for the Exeter/Gov. Mifflin co-op in the EPSHL.
“I think he was excited to be on the team with a lot of his friends,” said Cirba, an Exeter classmate. “I don’t think he cared about his role. He was excited to be out there.”
The reunion never happened. Dawson was killed in a car accident that also took the lives of his dad, Bryan, and sister, Kylie, in North Carolina in August. His mom, Melissa, survived.
Exeter/Mifflin’s players have paid tribute with stickers on their helmets bearing Dawson’s initials. A banner recognizing him has decorated the bench.
Dawson’s No. 10 will be retired in a ceremony before tonight’s game against Daniel Boone/Muhlenberg at Body Zone at 8:15.
Even though Dawson never actually dressed for Exeter/Mifflin, he’s missed by those who grew up with him.
“It’s been hard playing without Garhett,” said Exeter senior Gavin Pugh. “To be honest, I think about him every day. I know a lot of people do. He was close with a bunch of us on the team. He wanted to come back and play this year.”
That was the plan. It was an ongoing plan for years. Dawson always wanted to come back and his knees always prevented it from happening. This season was the last chance before graduation.
One day over the summer, the boys were hanging out and talking about the hockey season. Exeter/Mifflin has won the last two EPSHL titles and the players wear that achievement with pride.
“Whatever happens in the league next year, I don’t really care,” Cirba kidded his friend. “I’ve got my two championships.”
“We’re getting that third one,” Dawson answered. “It’s going to be my first.”
Dawson was a defenseman, like Cirba, who was strong and physical. He also played lacrosse and enjoyed skiing. Although no one was sure what kind of contribution he’d make after missing so much time, everyone was anxious to find out.
When news spread the day after the accident, Pugh and Cirba were part of a large group of friends who gathered to cope.
They shared stories. They mourned. They laughed through tears.
“Even with how upset we were, all we could remember was good things,” Pugh said. “It was just nice to be around everyone. I think it pulled together our senior class a bit. We’re more united because of it.”
Dawson gave Cirba a lift home a few days before the family left for North Carolina. Cirba said, “Thanks for the ride, man,” and closed the car door.
Cirba paused for a second after he told the story. He took comfort that his final words to his friend were grateful.
“Life is too fragile,” Cirba said. “We’re vulnerable. Don’t waste time being angry or bitter. One thing Garhett did was spread joy. He often valued other people’s happiness more than his own.”
There’s extra motivation for
Exeter’s members of the team this winter.
There’s also a greater appreciation for life and the chance to play a sport they love.
That helps cover the feeling of emptiness.
“We were so amped for him to come back,” Pugh said. “I think this season is really dedicated to him more than anything. It sticks with me. I think it sticks with a lot of kids on the team.
“We all hold him in our hearts with the rest of the Dawson family.”
Cirba said he believes he and his teammates are going to win the EPSHL again. Nothing can convince him otherwise.
“We have no intention of that not being the case,” he said. “We want it for our own individual reasons but there’s definitely that extra part where we’re doing it for his senior year. He didn’t have the privilege to do it.”
They want that third championship. They want Garhett’s first.