The Gobles pose for pictures with a shadow box memorializing son Michael, who passed in an auto accident last December. (Photos by James Costello)

WARSAW — In life, Michael Goble only had the opportunity to play one game at Fribley Field. But the young man who was so active with Young Tigers Football will now have a permanent place at the field’s concession stand.

Goble passed after an auto accident on Dec. 7 of last year, and Young Tigers Football memorialized him during a ceremony Saturday, presenting parents Kay and Leonard with a shadow box containing a jersey and a picture of him during his time as a football player with the league. That shadow box will hang permanently in the Fribley Field concession stand.

“Michael only got to play in one game on this field,” recalled mother Kay after Saturday’s ceremony at Fribley. “It was his sixth grade game. When he joined it was all the travel league. This one wasn’t even here.”

“When we were standing out there, and I was looking around, I thought ‘Michael, this is where you would like to be.’ So leave it here,” said father Leonard of the shadow box and the Gobles’ decision to leave Michael’s memorial on display at Fribley Field.

A former Fribley Award-winner, Michael was a dedicated player during his time with Young Tigers Football, and he remained dedicated to the league long after, when his parents ran the concession stand.

“I just wanted to tell you a little bit about the young man. He was the young player that attended everything we did, from Amish Acres to the hot chocolate stand. Literally, everything that we did, he participated in,” said Michael’s former upper level coach Dave McCool during Saturday’s ceremony. “We had a year where he was sick and was unable to play. He showed up at every practice, every game, led the team onto the field with our team flag, and it just speaks volumes.”

“We did it (ran the concessions) afterwards, after he had moved on up, and he was down here every weekend with us,” said Leonard. “He ran the scoreboard, would do the chains, do whatever it took. He would help set the field up every week and help put it away, every week. So he was worthy of that picture. He really was.”

Young Tigers Football announced that they will retire Michael’s number 31. His memorial will remain on display inside the Fribley Field concession stand for those who are interested in seeing it themselves.

“When you get an opportunity, check it out. It’s really cool,” said McCool.

Mother Kay holds Michael’s memorial shadow box while father Leonard waves to the crowd during Saturday’s ceremony at midfield at Fribley Field.