Crapo Presents Spirit of Idaho Award to Boise Black Knights

Boise – In recognition of their heroism and selflessness by rescuing an Idaho couple from a vehicle rollover crash, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today presented players and staff of the Boise Black Knights youth football team with his Spirit of Idaho (SOI) Award. 

“The recipients of today’s Spirit of Idaho award deserve our utmost gratitude and recognition for their quick-thinking, selfless and courageous actions in the face of a perilous accident,” said Crapo.  “It is an honor to present these 21 individuals with this award.  Your actions have demonstrated the nobleness and greatness found all across the state of Idaho.”  

In May 2018, the Boise Black Knights made national headlines after pulling a couple from a violent rollover crash on the side of an Oregon desert road.  The middle school club football team had just won the Bay Area Spring Football League Tournament of Champions in San Jose, California, and were driving back to Idaho when they came across the crash, with the Hardmans still trapped inside.  The boys rushed into action, lifting the car to free Alan and Margaret from the vehicle. 

Alan and Margaret Hardman, the couple rescued by the Boise Black Knights team, also attended the event to reaffirm their gratitude for the team’s actions.  A total of 21 Idahoans received the SOI for their actions to assist the Hardmans: Robert Carlson, Ethan Castillo, Orlando Clay Jr., Orlando Clay Sr., Colin Drew, Ryan Elliot, John Elliot, Antonio Fafita, Lucas Guzman, Coach Victor Guzman, Tyson Hammock, Nicole Heaton-Muller, Grant Hilderbrand, Brad Jackson, Adam Madrill, Regan Magill, Esai Martinez, Garret Peterson, Ethan Sandoval, Coach Devin Thorp and Hank Wemhoff. 

The Spirit of Idaho Award honors the acts of service by Idahoans for their commitment to improving their community and serving their fellow citizens.  Senator Crapo has presented more than 600 SOI awards since the first presentation in Twin Falls in November of 2000. 

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