Nimer! Nimer! Nimer!

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 26, 2004 6:29PM

Sure, it sounds like a cross between "Rudy" and "Radio." But Chicagoist likes how sometimes there are real stories with movie-like happy endings.

Nimer Busool, a "special-education student with curly hair and a fiery spirit" had been a team manager with the Niles North Vikings football team, which recently concluded 0-9.

But Nimer had dreams of being a football hero. "Back in August 2001, when Busool reported for freshman practice in a Peyton Manning jersey and told coaches their quarterback worries were over, he expected four years of heroics." While that didn't pan out, Busool quickly found his role helping out the coaching staff, attending virtually every practice, game and team function. He gave weekly Thursday pep talks to the team and "became the heart and soul of the team."

As his senior year progressed, the Niles North coaches discussed how they'd like to get Busool on the field during a game, even if just for one play. Being close with the coaching staff at conference rival and Chicagoist's alma mater Highland Park, they discussed their plan to put him into the game should the outcome not be in doubt.

[Niles North]Offensive coordinator Henry Compere alerted Highland Park coach Kurt Weinberg that Busool would get in if the outcome was no longer in doubt. That was fine with Weinberg, who added that it sure would be nice if Busool could somehow score a touchdown.

Easier said than done, even with the opposing team's coach in on the plan, because Nimer had made a habit of running out of bounds in practice.

Wit the score 35-7 in Highland Park's favor, Busool entered the game. "[Q]uarterback Mikey Cortez handed off to Busool, who ran it 43 yards untouched for Niles North's final touchdown of the game to the applause of both teams' fans."

After his touchdown, Nimer exclaimed, "It was almost like we had won the state championship. I was very excited. It was unbelievable to score your first touchdown in your first varsity game in your first play from scrimmage."

He also got into the game briefly on defense in the season finale against Deerfield, shouting, "Don't bring it in my house," as he took the field. His football career ended after two plays, but his life has probably been forever enriched by the experience and the coaches and players who helped make it happen.