November 3, 2023
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
In fifth grade Khalil Arman visited the College Football of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, with his family.
One of the biggest attractions at the venue is an artificial turf area where visitors are allowed to try their hand at placekicking through regulation-sized goalposts.
“I tried it and missed the first one,” Arman said. “I kept trying and then started to nail some. It felt good.”
Arman — who has played soccer for most of his life — started kicking for the Riverdale varsity football team his freshman year.
He attended Kohl’s Kicking Camp in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and was exposed to the childhood cancer research foundation Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
“Some of the people putting on the camp began talking about the foundation and children with cancer,” Arman said. “I knew I had to do something.”
Throughout this season, Arman has asked for donations for every point he scores.
“It is inspiring to see Khalil take time to raise money for cancer research,” Riverdale head football coach Will Kriesky said. “It also means a lot to the coaches and players since we lost one of our own this year to cancer.”
The Riverdale Warriors continue their football season tonight with the first round of the playoffs as they play host to Green Hill High School.
If you would like to financially support Arman please visit the link below.