2003 was a rebuilding year for Mamabird.  We were coming off a season
where we struggled early (having lost 18 players in two years) and
often, escaping out of Regionals and ultimately having a successful
Nationals.  It was all we could have hoped for, with a team that
lacked depth and big game experience.  We made semis that year but it
was widely considered to be a product of "lucky matchups".  We knew we
were primed for a breakout but needed a spark to get it going.

Enter Jolian Dahl.  Jolian first showed up for Mamabird practices in
2004.  Fresh off a successful high school career at Paideia, he was
used to winning.  He showed up to his first Mamabird practice and
immediately proved to be the most talented and versatile player on the
field.  He stepped on the field and matched up with our coach Juice, a
great guy to have on your side but an intimidating figure
nonetheless.  Jolian was a confident player but off the field he was
soft spoken and respectful.  All the talent in the world yet he knew
he would have to work to gain the respect of every player on the team.

Throughout the year, he continued to show up at practice and outwork
everybody else on the field.  He was an extremely gritty player, never
trying to do too much, just putting forth the effort to help us attain
the goal of a national title.  Despite his talent level, he was still
playing second fiddle to another Mamabird freshman.  He never
complained though.  Jolian was content with his role and understood
the path to success was made with blood, sweat, and tears.

Before we knew it, Nationals was upon us and expectations were high.
We all tasted bitter defeat the prior year and knew that anything less
than a finals appearance would lead to disappointment.  Jolian played
as well that Nationals as anybody on our team.  Roga picked him as one
of the 7 most outstanding D players at Nationals that year.  This
coming from a guy whose job was to watch every game as an unbiased
reporter.  Jolian was the MVP in the finals that year, racking up a
staggering 4 Ds.  He helped Mamabird earn their first championship.

Since then, Jolian has been a 2 time (possibly 3 time) Southwest All-
Region team member and has played in 3 more national title games (club
and college).

Over the years, Jolian has grown as a player and as a person.  He has
never been satisfied with his own success.  He has made himself a
complete player as well as an outstanding leader to a young Mamabird
team.  His impact has been huge and cannot be measured in the span of
one season.  It will be felt by the next generation of Mamabird
players with the work ethic he has instilled and through the many
lives he's touched whether it be his teammates or his opponents.

He's a great teammate and a better friend.  I am extremely lucky to
have played with and learned from such a talented player and
phenomenal person.  I can't speak for any other Callahan nominees (no
doubt they are all deserving candidates) but I can attest to the grit,
determination, class, and leadership that Jolian brings with him
everytime he wears that patch.

Joshua Ackley