Brotherhood in sports means unconditional support and a very strong built-in friendship. It means being there for each other and sharing both and good times with one another. It’s a built in trust, support, and respect that won’t let down and will never fail. It also means to look out for each other. This brotherhood is the main foundation for boys to grow.
Growing up in the same sport as your brother can bring out a competitiveness like no other. Having a set of brothers on a team is something special, but what about two sets? Brothers Austin and Colby Herron and Felix and Luke Horrall play together on the boys Hempfield Area Hockey Team. Austin and Felix, seniors, are varsity captains, and Colby and Luke, sophomores, also play for the varsity team.
Siblings Austin and Colby Herron have always had this competitiveness, especially at a young age. Whether it be playing mini hockey in the basement or having a friendly wrestling match, the two siblings are driven forward by each other’s performance. Like any older brother, Austin knows his sibling inside and out, especially his performance on the ice. As a captain on the team, it’s his responsibility to lead and push his teammates in order to be successful. He helps his teammates in any way possible, and he is especially tough on his younger brother.
Austin says, “I hold him more accountable because I personally know his true potential.” Colby grew up always “following my brother’s footsteps.” Hockey was always part of his future.
Colby describes being on the same team with his brother as amazing. It gives them a chance to “work together on the ice.” They push each other like no one else can. Colby explains that, “playing varsity hockey together has built a stronger bond between my brother and me.”
The other set of siblings on the team are alternate captain Felix Horrall and his younger brother Luke, who weren’t as competitive towards one another at a young age. Growing up, they generally got along. They practiced together occasionally and enjoyed playing with each other whether it be outside or in the rink. Felix says, “being on the same team didn’t really affect our relationship too much. Also I play defense, and he plays offense, so maybe if I played offense with him or vice versa it would have an effect.”
Luke also enjoyed following in his brother’s footsteps. Watching his brother play was one of his favorite past times. “I would go and watch his games all the time,” Luke describes. Hockey is not just a sport for them, but a chance to create a greater bond. As Luke said, “It was nice to finally be able to play on the same team as him.”
As both brothers are competing through their season, they may get asked a common question: “How does competing together affect your bond as brothers off and on the ice rink?” Austin, describes how he believes it is a true gift to be able to compete at a varsity level with his brother, Colby, who is a sophomore. “The chemistry and support is unmatched with having your brother as a teammate,” Austin said.
While playing a sport with your brother can be fun, there are always pros and cons. “The support and encouragement from a brother is like no other,” Austin says as one of the many pros.
As for Felix, he says, “I haven’t really thought of any pros, but there definitely aren’t any cons.”
As the four of them go through their seasons and come to their last year playing as brothers, they both agree that they “wouldn’t change a thing” about their athletic experiences.
