This story was written by Jay Fallin and originally appeared in the inaugural edition of the Owensboro Times quarterly newspaper.
On a cool Friday evening in November 2024, the Red Devils of Senior High prepared to host the Ohio County Eagles in a first-round playoff football game. In most ways, the scene was similar to thousands of prior Friday evenings at the historic Rash Stadium. For one young man, though, it was a night he had dreamed of for as long as he could recall.
Tristan Kirkman, a senior defensive lineman, made his first varsity start that night. Kirkman, known affectionately by his teammates and coaches as “Goose,” had worked hard for this opportunity and was ready to make the most of his shot at Rash Stadium glory.
“The lead up to that game, it was awesome,” Kirkman recalls fondly. “My teammates and coaches were all so happy for me. My family was there and supporting me. To be able to run out with the starting defense for the first time and see and hear the crowd, the whole thing just meant the world to me.”
Kirkman finished the night with five total tackles, including two for loss — a banner night for any nose guard. “It was one of the greatest nights of my life,” he said. “I will never forget the way it felt, and it was made so much better by having the love and support of my teammates all around me.”
For most spectators, it was easy to see how much Kirkman meant to his teammates. What very few of them knew, however, was how much adversity he had overcome in the years leading up to that night.
Kirkman, 18, was born and raised in Owensboro and is a product of Owensboro Public Schools. He spent time at both Foust and Estes elementary schools, then attended Owensboro Middle and High. The youngest of five siblings, Kirkman said that OPS has always been a part of his family.
“All my older siblings went to OHS, and I grew up looking forward to being a Red Devil,” he said.
Overcoming family hardships
When Kirkman was a freshman, his father died tragically and suddenly. “We were still doing virtual school due to COVID that fall,” Kirkman said. “And one day the phone rang and I got the heartbreaking news that my dad had passed. Even though I didn’t live with my dad, we were still very close and it was a really hard time for me.”
As he navigated this difficult season of life, Kirkman drew strength from his mother.
“My mom is the most positive, upbeat, hard-working person I know,” he said. “She has been there for me my whole life and always modeled for me what it means to be dependable. That time in my life would have been much more difficult if it hadn’t been for the love and support from Mom.”
Later that year, Kirkman and his mother faced another challenge. Their circumstances changed, and they had to move to Tell City, Indiana.
“We had to make a choice: transfer schools or travel almost an hour each way, each day for school,” Kirkman said. “Mom still had to travel to Owensboro every day for work, so she told me that she would support me either way. I decided that it was worth the sacrifice to get to stay at OHS and be with my classmates and teammates who mean so much to me.”
Kirkman’s love for his school and his friends meant waking up and leaving home very early, and often not getting home until late at night, a sacrifice he shared with his mother.
“A lot of times when we wouldn’t get out of football or wrestling practice until late, it might be 7:30 or 8 p.m. before we were home for the evening,” he said. “Mom had to spend a lot of time after work waiting for me in the parking lot during practices, but she never made me feel bad or tried to get me to change my mind, she just supported me.”
Brain tumor presents new challenge
Last spring, as his junior school year wound down and summer was on the horizon, Kirkman was excited at the prospect of his senior year. After dealing with the heartache of losing his father and years of traveling nearly 100 miles each day to get to OHS, he was ready for the challenges and fun of school, football, wrestling, and more.
What he didn’t realize, though, was that his toughest challenge was still ahead of him.
“At the start of last summer, I started having headaches,” Kirkman said. “At first, I could ignore them and just chalk them up to allergies or something. But, after a couple of weeks, the frequency and intensity became too much to ignore. My mom made an appointment with my (primary care physician), and he decided that I needed a CT scan. We went to the hospital, and the CT scan revealed that I had a large growth in my brain. It was immediately recommended that I see a specialist.”
Waiting to see the specialist while worrying about the news was an agonizing time for Kirkman and his family.
“When the doctor comes in and tells you you have a brain tumor, and you’re only 17 years old, it’s heartbreaking. It’s terrifying. I didn’t know what to do,” he said.
At the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, after a few additional tests, it was revealed that Kirkman had a tumor on his pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. The tumor was benign, but Kirkman wasn’t out of the woods yet.
“The main concern was the size of the tumor and the fact that it was resting on my optic nerves,” he said. “The doctors were concerned that if it grew anymore it could start to impact my vision. Again, I was terrified, wondering if I would have to spend the rest of my life without being able to see.”
Due to the location of the tumor, it was determined that surgery was not an option, but doctors were optimistic about treating it with medication, which Kirkman started at once. Though he was worried, Kirkman was glad to hear that he could continue with summer football practice while he was undergoing treatment.
“The few hours a day that I was at football practice was the only time I was really able to forget about it and really enjoy being a high schooler and being with my teammates,” he said.
After three months of taking medication and trying his best to live a normal life, Kirkman and his family received positive news during a follow-up visit.
“The tumor had shrunk significantly, and the medicine was working,” he said. “It was one of the greatest senses of happiness and relief I have ever experienced.”
Maintaining positivity after adversity
Despite all the challenges he has faced, Kirkman never failed to remain positive in the face of adversity. Universally beloved by his teammates, classmates, teachers, and coaches, they all can say Kirkman brings an infectious spirit of enthusiasm and joy to all that he does.
While he’s new to the sport, Kirkman recently medaled at the City-County wrestling meet. According to his coach, though, it isn’t just his talent that sets him apart.
“It’s an honor to coach Tristan,” said OHS Wrestling Coach Griffin Kelly. “If I had to describe him in one word it would be determined. This is his first season with the wrestling program, and he is a phenomenal addition to the team. He’s made an immediate impact in the best of ways. He leads by example and supports everyone.”
Kelly’s sentiments are echoed by Kirkman’s football coaches.
“Tristan, despite facing numerous challenges, consistently demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and maintains a positive attitude that uplifts everyone around him,” said OHS Assistant Football Coach Blake Roberts. “His resilience in the face of adversity not only makes him an invaluable teammate but also a true inspiration to his peers. It’s been an honor to get to coach him. He embodies what it means to be a Red Devil.”
Praise for Kirkman comes not only from his coaches but also his teammates. OHS junior Eli Hampton, Kirkman’s teammate on the Red Devil football team, recognizes the intangible qualities he possesses.
“Goose is what people would consider a ‘glue’ guy,” Hampton said. “He’s one of the most supportive and determined teammates I’ve had. Goose is a hard worker and is always smiling.”
When reflecting on how he has managed to maintain his positive disposition and joyful attitude despite so many challenges, Kirkman demonstrates a characteristic maturity beyond his years.
“I would say what keeps me positive is the fact that I get to get up each morning,” he said. “The things I have gone through have given me an appreciation for life, and I don’t take it for granted.”
When asked who inspires him the most each day, Kirkman answers quickly, confidently, and with a smile:
“My mom. She is the best. She has been there for me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I will always be grateful for her.”
