In the Summer of 2011 The Spartans gathered at Fort Charlotte to discuss something that Dominic hated, losing. We were fresh off of losing in the playoffs for the second year and Nick was pissed. As we talked about what went wrong, we established that as a team, everyone was allowed to say exactly what he felt. That was the time and that was the place.

Dominic laid into the offense and took square aim at the O-line. As the starting center his chastisement was directed at me. We were not good enough and Jayson did not have time to throw. If you knew Dominic you know about his animated facial expressions and that evening he showed his disgust. I looked up to him and I made it my personal mission to never disappoint him again. Two Tons of Fun man-handled the BFFL in 2012 and championship was ours again. For him, that one was his sweetest.

For me that is Dominic’s legacy. He was the one you did not want to disappoint; and why, because he led by example. He showed up. He is the reason we are The Spartans today. He gave this organization its identity because he believed in the core values of the Ancient Spartans to put others before self, to put your brother on your back, that you are only as strong as the man next to you.

We formed an incredible bond on Goodman’s Bay in the mid 2000’s. From drinking Miller Chill and eating Singapore noodles to going for Burger King and chilling out in the car talking about life and God.

If Dominic didn’t allow you beneath the surface you might not have known about his humble love and appreciation for God. He knew his role and did his duty for the Kingdom, especially when it came to supporting the youth. Now, if you only saw him on the football field well…that’s another story.

He was so iconic, whether it was his energy, his uniform, them $200 cleats or his swagger. He set the tone for how we carried ourselves, professionally and with a strong sense of character. He lived the brand and we all paid the price. We have never played a home game, there was always a target on our backs and no one loved it more than Dominic.

He believed in the growth of the team and I will never forget the conversation we had in 2015 as I was preparing the roster. He said to me: “I will step aside to let these young guys play.” He, like the rest of us, wanted to start something that would last beyond us. So when we talk about the glory of our past, our goal is to show how this brotherhood can change you positively through the crucible of battle on the field. It is through pain and sacrifice and supporting each other that you will succeed.

Spartans, we have a tough game tomorrow. I encourage you to remember #73, our Captain, Founder, and Brother. We must LOVE him more than we HATE losing him.

I’ve loved you as a brother, you took care of me always, and I’ll always cherish the fun, crazy memories we will always share. Heaven is blessed to have you my beautiful cousin. And for your life I’ll always be grateful. Thank you for it all. And from my husband John and I both, we will love you always, our dear amazing cousin Dominic Kikivarakis.