Introducing the 2025 Dowling Catholic Kid Captain Program
Presented by the Greater Des Moines Catholic Football League
Presented by the Greater Des Moines Catholic Football League
New for the 2025 football season, the Kid Captain Program is teaming up with the Catholic Football League, Dowling Club and DCHS Football to celebrate young individuals who embody strength, courage,
faith and inspiration.
We are proud and excited to announce our Inaugural Kid Captains for the 2025 Football Season!
faith and inspiration.
We are proud and excited to announce our Inaugural Kid Captains for the 2025 Football Season!
🏈 Luca Patti - vs. Johnston (Sept. 5)
Our Kid Captain for tonight’s game is Luca Patti, a 4th grade student at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
Luca was nominated by multiple families for his strong character and academic excellence. He’s always willing to step up and help, both at school and at home. Luca has had to face tough life lessons and hardship within his family at a young age. He has never complained and continues to show strength and grace along with his siblings. He’s had the unique opportunity to train with Dowling Catholic student-athlete Joel Sankoh and is a proud supporter of the Maroons.
🏈 James Seidl - vs. SE Polk (Sept. 19)
Our Kid Captain for tonight’s game is James Seidl, a 7th grade student at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
James is known for his hard work, positivity, and resilience — both in the classroom and on the baseball field. After being diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, James has endured countless hospital visits and lifestyle changes. Through it all, he continues to inspire those around him with his constant smile and unwavering spirit.
🏈 Elliot Sherzan - vs. Waterloo West (Sept. 26)
Our Kid Captain for tonight’s game is Elliot Sherzan, a 7th grade student at Holy Trinity Catholic School.
Elliot is an outstanding student and dedicated athlete who brings his best effort to everything he does. He leads with kindness, encourages others, and lifts his team’s spirits in challenging moments. A loyal Maroon fan, Elliot loves attending Dowling Catholic football games.
🏈 Benny Oxenford - vs. Waukee (Oct. 10)
Our Kid Captain for tonight’s game is Benny Oxenford, a 4th grade student at Sacred Heart Catholic School.
Benny and his family are devoted members of the Sacred Heart community. Despite facing tremendous loss at a young age, Benny has shown remarkable strength, courage, and faith. He excels both in the classroom and in athletics — and is a huge fan of Maroon football.
🏈 Atlas Coleman - vs. Ankeny Centennial (Oct. 17)
Our Kid Captain for tonight’s game is Atlas Coleman, a 4th grade student at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
Diagnosed as a toddler with a rare cancer in his lung tissue, Atlas has overcome incredible odds. Today, he is thriving — full of energy, humor, and joy. His positive attitude is contagious, and he continues to inspire those around him. Most importantly, his scans currently show no signs of cancer.
About the Program
The Kid Captain Program offers children ages 5-14 a VIP game-day experience at a DCHS home football game, honoring their inspiring journey.
Kid Captain receives
• Participates in the coin toss at the start of a Dowling Catholic football game
• Receives a Kid captain t-shirt
• Family receives one reserved parking spot at Valley Stadium (Exception: DCHS/Valley game)
• Family receives a family photo by professional photographer Earl Hulst
• Kid captain receives free entry into the game and gets to be on the sidelines of the football game,
watch warm-ups, and be introduced to football captains and coaches.
• Kid captain will be featured on DCHS social media channels (if desired)
• Kid captain may be featured on other DCHS platforms such as newsletter or magazine
• Kid captain story will be featured by Iowa Catholic Radio broadcast (pending)
• Kid captain name and photo will be on the scoreboard (as permitted)
• Kid captain will receive a team football poster and a kid captain certificate
2025 DCHS Home Football Schedule (all games at Valley Stadium, WDM)
Sept. 5 - Johnston
Sept. 19 - Southeast Polk
Sept. 26 - Waterloo, West (Homecoming)
Oct. 10 - Waukee
Oct. 17 - Ankeny Centennial
Presented by the Catholic Football League
T-Shirts for Kid Captain and family generous provided by Hobbs Print and Design
T-Shirts for Kid Captain and family generous provided by Hobbs Print and Design
