By Blake Chadwick
Football has a unique power to bring people together, and for Haven senior Van Loop, it has been the cornerstone of his bond with his dad. Their shared passion for the game and strengthened their relationship, making football much more than just a sport for Van.
Now, after his father passed, Van will play his senior season for him.
“My dad loved watching me play football and I just wanted to do my best so he would be proud,” Loop said. “He has been the most important person throughout my football journey as a kid. I always wanted to be like him, I grew up wearing his high school number. Thanks to my coaches I will get to wear his number one last time.”
Loop will be looking to bring Haven some more wins after a 5-4 season in 2023.
“More than anything I want us to win districts and get some playoff wins,” Loop said.
The senior rushed for 863 yards and 15 touchdowns while being named as an honorable mention all-league.
“My personal goals are to be first team all-state, first team all-district, and first team all-league,” Loop said. “Last season I felt disrespected after getting all-league honorable mention when the year before I had much worse stats and I got 2nd team.”
