The Grapski Family:
During the fall of 2016, the Harvard Football program held a press conference to officially welcome one of its most prized recruits in program history. Daniel Grapski, a young boy who had been battling a rare form of cancer, was 'signed' by Harvard Football in front of the entire team, coaching staff, and his family.
Made possible by an organization called Team IMPACT, this truly special event was the genesis of an incredible relationship between Harvard Athletics and the Grapski family. Since its inception in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 2,000 children with more than 700 colleges and universities in 48 states, positively impacting more than 55,000 participating student athletes.
Although Daniel formed brotherly bonds with former student-athletes Cameron Tripp '19, Brian Dunlap '19, Adam Scott '19, and Tyler Gray '19, Peter Graves and Justice Shelton Mosley, two of his biggest supporters have been and will always be his younger siblings, Nico and Lucia.
While growing up alongside Daniel, Nico and Lucia also developed an unwavering love for Harvard Football. In this installment of the Harvard Crimson Kids Spotlight, you will get to hear from Nico and Lucia about their most memorable experiences cheering on the Crimson while being part of the Team IMPACT family.
What are you favorite subjects in school and what sports do you play for fun?
Nico: "My favorite subject in school is math and I would typically be playing basketball this time of year. I also love to rock climb. There's a placed called Central Rock Gym that I really enjoy going to. Unfortunately, it's been a while since I've gone, but I cannot wait to go back."
Lucia: "My favorite subject in school is… SNACK TIME! I love food. Outside of school I love gymnastics. I started practicing when I was 4 years old. I'm now Level 7 and have been competing for about three years."
If you could pick one food to eat everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?
Nico: "I really like ribs; my dad makes them on the grill."
Lucia: "The one type of food I would pick is pizza and my favorite topping is bacon."
There were a few guys on the team that you and your family spent a lot of quality time with. Can you talk about what that was like?
Nico: "We hung out with Cam, Brian, Adam, Tyler, Peter and Justice a lot, even when we weren't at Harvard Stadium. They came over to our house to carve pumpkins around Halloween. We would play dodgeball and shoot hoops and they even gave me a nickname, so they were like part of our family."
Can you talk about some of the cool game-day experiences your family had as part of Team IMPACT?
Nico: "For our first two seasons, we were able to cheer on the team from the sidelines. It was cool to be on the field with the coaches and players. There were a few times that I was able to go into the locker room with my brother Daniel before the game to pump up the team and after games we would hang out with the guys on the field."
Lucia: "I loved being on the field because we stood very close to the cheerleaders. I enjoy their performances and the energy they bring to the crowd. Also, Nico and I found a secret passage from the field that led under the stadium stands and into the concourse. We would sneak into the hidden passage and get lots of food at the concession stand; churros, hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream."
Where else have you been to see a Harvard Football game?
Nico: "A few years ago, we went to the Harvard/Yale game at Fenway Park. When I found out the game was being played at Fenway, I was interested to see how they were going to fit a football field on a baseball diamond. When we got to the ballpark for The Game, I was surprised as to how cool it looked."
Lucia: "We've been to games at Brown, Dartmouth and URI. I specifically remember the game at Dartmouth because it was freezing cold, raining and snowing."
How is your brother Daniel doing?
Lucia: "Daniel is doing well! He's been in remission for almost four years."
