The 2026 DCHS Kid Captain Program
Presented by the Greater Des Moines Catholic Football League & Hawks Companies
Presented by the Greater Des Moines Catholic Football League & Hawks Companies
Beginning last year for the 2025 football season, the Kid Captain Program is back for 2026 and teaming up with the Catholic Football League, Hawks Companies, Dowling Club and DCHS Football to celebrate young individuals who embody strength, courage, faith and inspiration.
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
- Family and kid captain receives 10 total commemorative Kid Captive T-Shirts
- 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 will be recognized by football announcers during football game
- 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
2026 Kid Captains
Nathan Egeland - vs. Valley (August 28)
Nathan Egeland, an eighth-grade student at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
Nathan is an active and compassionate young man who volunteers at his church, works hard in the classroom, and participates in a variety of school activities, clubs, and sports. Whether he's serving others or encouraging his teammates and classmates, Nathan consistently demonstrates kindness, humility, and a strong faith.
Last year brought unimaginable hardship for Nathan and his family. During the 2025 school year, his father, Bob, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Through it all, Nathan has continued to face each day with remarkable strength, grace, and positivity. His resilience and unwavering faith continue to make this future Maroon an inspiration to those around him.
Aiden, Emmet and Eli Tyrell - vs. DC-G (Sept. 11)
Aidan, Emmet, and Eli Tyrrell, students at St. Pius X Catholic School.
These three brothers have faced extraordinary challenges from a very young age. Each was born with a congenital kidney condition that has required ongoing medical care, multiple surgeries, and countless trips to University of Iowa Hospitals. Through every appointment and procedure, they have shown incredible courage, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Despite these obstacles, Aidan, Emmet, and Eli continue to be active, joyful kids who love sports and cheering on the Maroons. Aidan plays football, Emmet enjoys track and field, and Eli is excited to begin wrestling this year. Together, they continue to encourage one another and inspire everyone around them with their positive attitudes and determination. They are the prime example of what being a Kid Captain is all about!
Quintin, Teagan and Blake Butler - vs. CR-Kennedy (October 2)
Quintin, Teagan, and Blake Butler, students at Sacred Heart Catholic School.
These three siblings have shown remarkable strength and courage following unimaginable tragedy. Last year, the Butler family and the Dowling Catholic and Sacred Heart communities lost a great man, their father, Dave Butler. Dave was a proud Dowling Catholic alumnus and former Dowling football player—who passed away last April after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Through their faith, the love of their family, and the support of their community, Quintin, Teagan, and Blake have continued to move forward with resilience and hope. Sports, especially football, have provided a meaningful outlet, and they continue to honor their father's legacy through their positive attitudes, determination, and love for the game he cherished.
Riley Lehr - vs. Marshalltown (Oct. 23)
Riley Lehr, an eighth-grade student at Holy Trinity who has shown incredible courage, resilience, and faith.
Shortly after his seventh-grade football season ended last year, Riley and his family received the unexpected news of his cancer diagnosis. News that no middle school student or parent should ever hear. Through the uncertainty that followed, Riley faced every challenge with remarkable strength, honesty, and a positive attitude. Supported by his family, teachers, classmates, and an entire community that surrounded him with prayers and encouragement, Riley never lost sight of who he is.
Today, Riley is healthy, and competed in basketball and track field to finish off last school year. His perseverance and determination have inspired everyone who knows him.
Presented by the Catholic Football League and Hawks Companies
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
2026 DCHS Home Football Schedule
(all games at Valley Stadium, WDM)
Week 1 - August 28 vs. Valley
Week 3 - September 11 vs. Dallas Center-Grimes
Week 6 - October 2 vs. Cedar Rapids, Kennedy
Week 9 - October 23 vs. Marshalltown
Dowling Catholic High School
Preparing Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ. Every Dowling Catholic graduate discovers and cultivates their God-given talents to make positive change in the world.