PHOTOS courtesy of Ryan Walters / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace / Walters family photo, L-R) Shana, Micah, Ryan, Mason and Bella.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton second grader Micah Walters was elevated from U-8 soccer player to the big leagues on Saturday, April 26. That’s when he was given the thrill of making the honorary first kick of the game for the Columbus Crew vs. San Jose Quakes, a Major League Soccer event.

Micah’s experience was part of AEP’s Military Appreciation Night at Lower.com Field. His dad Ryan works for AEP and is a veteran. 

Micah was escorted to the field by Columbus Crew staff to watch pregame warmups and meet some of the players. He was then brought onto the field to make the honorary kick in front of over 20,000 fans–finding the net on his first kick. 

Ryan says Micah had a smile on his face the entire night.