Football Chain Gang Hold Strong on the Sidelines
By Jessa Kraft
Every football game the chain crew hits the ground running. Everyone notices what they carry, but do they realize who is there to bear the weight? Carl Martinson, Jim Peters, Jim Herian, and Matt Herian are the four main guys to help the crowd.
They hold the line of scrimmage, the down number, and the line to gain. Everyone except Matt are retired and have a fair amount of time on their hands, so being a part of the chain gang is time well spent.
Peters is a big fan of when the other coaches complain about either our team or the referees. “I have been knocked over one time, but I have never been fully tackled,” Peters stated.
Working for this squad is another way to stay in football even if they no longer play the game. All the guys are volunteers, but they are happy to help and have been for many years.
Lindsey Herian, chain gang participant Matt Herian’s wife, represented her husband by saying, “He used to only fill in when he was needed.” But for the past two years Matt has been a repeat participant in the chain gang.
One of their most memorable games was the state championship game in 2020 that was held on Pierce’s home field.
The four on the chain gang have been to almost every home game and will continue to lend a helping hand to the crowd and team for many years to come.
