Flora man receives package from the Colts
By Jennifer Archibald Staff writer

Colts fan John Rieken of Flora is a loyal Colts fan. He recently received a package of Colts memorabilia from owner Jim Irsay and the team. Rieken said during the past football season, he wore his special blue and white striped pants every Sunday that the Colts played. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald

The Indianapolis Colts didn't play in this year's Super Bowl game, but they're still Number One in the eyes of John Wayne Rieken of Flora.

He recently received a package from the Colts. It contained a No. 29 jersey autographed by running back Joseph Addai, two Colts caps from last year's Super Bowl win, and an autographed photo of team owner Jim Irsay.

"They came at a good time," said his aunt, Charlene Coronado.

She explained that John's spirits were low at the time, and the Colts items really made him feel better.

"I was on Cloud 9 when I got them," John said.

When it comes to the Colts players, John said, "I like 'em all."

He said he might be a little partial to Addai, Peyton Manning, and Dallas Clark.

"I think they may have sent me Addai's jersey because I was a running back in high school," John said.

He played football for three years at Carroll High School and then his football career was cut short.

In the summer between his junior and senior years, he had a dirt bike accident that left him paralyzed from the breast line down. Through hard work, he was still able to graduate with his class in 2000.

The Colts knew about John through his grandmother, Lillian Copeland, who lives near Columbus. She has a friend whose daughter works for Irsay.

John's grandmother asked for Irsay's address and wrote to him. She sent him a couple of newspaper clippings from John's football days, told him about the accident, and about how much John likes the Colts.

Irsay responded with the team gifts.

John has other Colts memorabilia in his apartment including a banner wall print of the Colts cheerleaders, taken last year. This was compliments of Greg Michael of Flora and his daughter in-law, Stephanie Michael, one of the cheerleaders pictured. She autographed the print.

Charlene said winter is the worst time for John because he can't get out as much. When the weather's decent, John gets out in his power chair, accompanied by an assistant. One of his favorite outings is going to dirt car races.

John likes visitors, and says people have been good to him.

"My neighbors bring me cake and cookies," he said.

John has his own apartment in Westwood Village, and gets by with a lot of help.

Family members, including his great-uncle Gerald Clingenpeel, check in on him frequently.

"He has a great attitude," Gerald said.