The Boger Family:
We truly believe that ever die-hard fan can recall a special moment of bonding with their parents around a sporting event. For Tommy and Brady, escaping to the Harvard Athletics complex to cheer on the Crimson with their dad, John, will surely comprise some of their fondest memories when they're older.
Anyone who's been to a Harvard men's basketball or football game over the past few years have undoubtably crossed paths with the Boger Family. At football games, Tommy and Brady sit with their dad and grandfather in Section 31 at mid-field and at basketball games can be found courtside, jumping up and down with pure joy and enthusiasm. John, Tommy and Brady epitomize the meaningful bond experienced between parents and children through sports.
In this installment of the Kids Spotlight, you will get to hear from Tommy and Brady about their experience as some of our most passionate fans. Unbeknownst to the kids, we had their favorite student-athletes, Noah Kirkwood '22 and Chris Ledlum '23, surprise them during the interview. Capturing this interview was a ton of fun and a great experience for not only the Bogers but for Noah and Chris as well.
Now let's hear from Tommy and Brady!
What sports do you play for fun?
Brady: "I play basketball, basketball, basketball, basketball and tennis. As you can tell, I love basketball, but tennis is definitely my second favorite sport to play."
What is your favorite subject in school and what do you want to be when you grow up?
Tommy: "My favorite subject is technology and when I grow up, I want to be a scientist."
Brady: "I think my favorite subject in school is math. I've been learning two-digit by two-digit multiplication and long division. When I get older, I want to play basketball professionally."
Do you know where your favorite players, Noah and Chris, are from?
Brady: "I'm pretty sure Noah is from Canada and when he goes home, he goes to Ontario and I think Chris is from New York."
[Brady was correct. Noah and Chris were extremely impressed with this answer. Not bad for a nine-year-old!]
How long have you been going to games and why is it so much fun?
Brady: "I think I've been going to Harvard games for about seven years, but I'm nine, so pretty much my entire life. My favorite part about going to games is the crowd. I love when everyone stands up in their seats to cheer. The crowd noise is the best. I also love how competitive the games are. Even when Harvard is down with under one-minute left in the game, I know we're not out of it. It's just so much fun every time Harvard scores a basket."
So now that you've met Noah Kirkwood and Chris Ledlum what other Harvard players do you hope to meet?
Brady: "I'd love to meet Jeremy Lin '10. I think that that would be really cool."
Tommy: "I want to meet Siyani Chambers '16."
Why are Noah and Chris your favorite players? What about their style of play impresses you the most?
Brady: "I think Kirkwood does it all. He can shoot the three and go in for an easy layup when the team needs it the most."
Tommy: "I love when Chris dunks on peoples' heads."
If you were one of the coaches, what advice would you give the team?
Tommy: "Never give up and stay calm and strong."
Tommy and Brady had an opportunity to ask Noah and Chris a couple of questions as well. Here's what the guys had to say:
What is it like to dunk on someone's head? – Tommy
Chris Ledlum [laughing]: "It feels really good, it's fun. It's almost like I'm flying."
What does it feel like to hit a buzzer beater? – Brady
Noah Kirkwood: "You get a little nervous because your coach puts a certain level of trust in you, which is important. It's an honor. When you hit the game-winning shot it feels cool, it's a relief."
How do you balance school and basketball? – Tommy
Noah Kirkwood: "Growing up my parents always told me that school comes first, and basketball is always second to my schoolwork. I couldn't go outside and play basketball until I finished my homework.
