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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Barholm No Beach Bum
Western Arkansas, AR
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By: Brandon Norgaar
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Photo(s) By: Kim Singer
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Northside noseguard survives being homeless to anchor the Grizzlies defensively
From poverty to passion, from surf to turf. These are the best ways to describe Fort Smith Northside noseguard Ronnie Barholm’s life.
Barholm was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Va., living about 10 blocks from the beach for most of his life.
Like many other kids, he had a loving family, lots of friends, a nice, warm home to go to and a love for sports.
He had typical interests of any other kid on the beach: skateboarding, girls and “drop-knee tournaments.” With the surprise birth of a new brother in 2005, times became hard and money became scarce with another mouth to feed and doctor bills to pay. As things got worse, Barholm kept his positive attitude.
But then one of the worst things that could happen happened as his family lost their home and were homeless for six months. They stayed with family, friends, and stayed in motels a lot too. Barholm often stayed with his school friends so he could make it to school every day. Sometimes Barholm wouldn’t see his family for days at a time. In June 2006 his mom and little brother moved to Fort Smith and stayed with family long enough to get on their feet.
"When mom and my brother left for Fort Smith it was hard on me,” Barholm said. “I didn’t like the idea that they were 1,500 miles away and I couldn’t’ see them."
Six months later Ronnie moved to Fort Smith with his dad, leaving all his friends and everything he has ever known behind. He started school at Chaffin Junior High in the middle of the year and made a few friends but was still dedicated to Virginia Beach, hoping to eventually go back.
His family insisted that he try to start a life here, insisting that he makes new friends. They encouraged him to join a sport or a club or anything to get his mind off the beach. That’s when he decided to join football with the Northside Grizzlies in the middle of the 2007 season.
"I joined football because when I came home there would be nothing to do, and I was used to the city which always has something to do,” barholm said. “I also joined to try to make more friends.
Originally trying out to be a receiver he eventually moved to defense. His weight jumped from 140 pounds to 195 pounds in about six months. Working hard all through the off season and doing everything he was asked to do earned him a starting spot as starting nose guard on the Grizzly defense. Barholm also plays on special teams.
The work paid off in first game against Pine Bluff with a sack on Northside’s first defensive series. Even though the Grizzlies lost that game, Barholm keeps a positive mind, hoping the rest of the games will go better. A story like this is a reminder to youngsters who have it hard: if you work hard enough and keep a positive attitude, you can overcome any thing and do anything you put your mind to.
"Sometimes I miss the beach but football keeps me busy and I like going out there and getting to hit somebody every Friday night,” Barholm said. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can because I want to play college football some day.”
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