Absence shines a light on everyday MVP

I need one more garbage bag to put in there, said Assistant Coach Garrett Carr glancing around at the mess left behind.
It was early this past Saturday morning, and the Flandreau Fliers football coaching staff was back at Flier Booster Club Stadium, sweeping up popcorn, picking up trash, and tidying the field for another game that afternoon.
Normally, this isnt part of their job. Typically, school custodian Dave Feske handles the stadium cleanup as part of his duties. And Dave, they noted, does much more than whats required, often going above and beyond for the team, the school, and the community.
But Feske suffered a heart attack overnight Thursday, many learned during Fridays Homecoming Pep Rally. As of press time, he was still recovering from surgery in the hospital, his wife Deb told the Moody County Enterprise.
While hes expected to make a full recovery, it will take time.
Were really spoiled with Dave, Head Coach Josh Edlund said.
Edlund pointed out that many high school coaches across the state spend hours marking their own fields and tending to athletic facilities.
Helping clean the stadium and figuring out whos going to mow or repaint the lines before the next home game this is new for us.
Ive never seen Daves job description. But theres a lot that he does that Im guessing isnt on there, Edlund added.
The coaches estimate that Feske spends 20 to 25 hours each week prepping the field and surrounding areas, including two practice fields, to ensure theyre game-ready for teams and fans alike.
You go to other schools and see their practice fields anything goes, said Carr.
But were spoiled. Weve got a whole 80-yard field to ourselves, and the junior high has their own field.
Retired school ground custodian John Wiese, who knows the job better than most, was already at the stadium working when the coaches arrived. Wiese, who spent nearly 20 years in the role before Feske and who many credit with setting the standard for the condition of the fields, understands the dedication required to keep things running smoothly.
Ill come down and help you mark it for the Sioux Valley game, Wiese told the coaches.
I want to make sure the lines are straight, he added, with a smile.
As Wiese and the coaching staff work to keep things in order, they hope their efforts make Feske proud. In the meantime, they just want him to focus on what matters most getting well.