Though it wasn't homecoming week, a very special reunion took place before the Helena Huskies' big game on Monday, October 18 in Helena, Alabama. The heart-warming moment took place when unsuspecting freshman defensive back Fred Grooms III saw his dad, Army Major Fred Grooms Sr., for the first time in over a year while participating in the pre-game coin toss. If you're like us and are absolute suckers for a good military homecoming surprise (or two!), keep reading.
In the viral video shared by Helena High School football, Grooms Jr. walks to midfield to shake hands with the other team, while his father Grooms Sr. stands behind the other team's captains wearing a full referee's uniform and face mask. As Grooms Jr. reaches over to shake his opponents' hands, the head referee instructs the players to look directly into the eyes of each member of the officiating crew.
"We need to tell these guys how we need to get them to act right," he says. "Make sure you get all of these officials' faces down. Know them good."
Grooms Jr. turns to his left and makes eye contact with two referees before landing on his father. Giddy with anticipation, Grooms Sr. waits a beat then takes his mask off and bursts into laughter, finally revealing his identity to his bewildered son. The father and son briefly grasp hands and then bring it in for a huge hug, where they remain for the next 20 seconds.
The other players and refs lead the crowd, many of whom are in on the secret, into a round of applause for the reunited duo.
Grooms Sr. shared how he pulled off the priceless moment with local newspaper the
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