Hayfield Athlete's T-Shirt Collection Fosters 'Friendly Rivalries'

Seth Pack's growing collection of team shirts from opposing schools highlights the inclusive spirit of high school sports in southeastern Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Seth Pack, a senior on the Hayfield boys basketball team, has amassed a collection of over 30 team shirts from opposing schools in the area. This tradition started when Pack, who has Down Syndrome, would cheer for the Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms while they played against Hayfield. Over time, coaches and athletic directors from schools like Southland, Kenyon-Wanamingo, and Lourdes have gifted Pack shirts, fostering a sense of community and 'friendly rivalries' among the local high school sports programs.

Why it matters

Seth's growing t-shirt collection and the way local coaches and players have embraced him highlights the inclusive spirit of high school sports in southeastern Minnesota. Despite competitive rivalries on the court, the community has come together to make Seth feel welcomed and valued, providing him opportunities to participate and be celebrated as an athlete.

The details

As the son of longtime Hayfield boys basketball coach Chris Pack, Seth has been a fixture at local games, cheering on the Vikings and opposing teams. Coaches like Cam Rutledge of Blooming Prairie and Scott Koenigs of Southland have gone out of their way to get Seth team apparel and include him with their players before games. Seth's teammates also make an effort to get him the ball and celebrate his made shots, even from the opposing team.

  • Seth Pack has been on the Hayfield varsity basketball team for the past two seasons.
  • In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Hayfield won back-to-back Class 1A state championships.

The players

Seth Pack

A senior on the Hayfield boys basketball team who has Down Syndrome and an impressive collection of over 30 team shirts from opposing schools in the area.

Chris Pack

The longtime Hayfield boys basketball coach and activities director, as well as Seth's father.

Cam Rutledge

The head coach of the Blooming Prairie boys basketball team, who is a Hayfield native and played for Chris Pack in high school.

Scott Koenigs

The head coach of the Southland boys basketball team, who has provided Seth with a Rebels t-shirt.

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What they’re saying

“We got to the point where, like, 'man, we got to get this guy some Blooming Prairie apparel.' He's cheering for us every single time that we score a point. He's taking all of our stats. He's letting us know who's got so many points at halftime and this and that.”

— Cam Rutledge, Blooming Prairie Boys Basketball Coach (Yahoo Sports)

“I got to talking to Seth quite a bit the last couple of years, and he just asked me if he could get a Rebels t-shirt. I said, 'I'd love to get you one, but I'd better ask your dad first.' ... Everybody loves Seth, and our boys love him. He (was) hanging out with our players before we played Hayfield. He's just very passionate about sports, and he's just a really friendly guy.”

— Scott Koenigs, Southland Boys Basketball Coach (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Seth Pack will graduate from Hayfield High School after the 2022-23 school year, and the community will miss his presence on the basketball team and at local sporting events.

The takeaway

Seth Pack's heartwarming story highlights the power of high school sports to bring communities together, foster inclusivity, and celebrate athletes of all abilities. His growing t-shirt collection is a testament to the 'friendly rivalries' and supportive spirit that permeate the local sports landscape in southeastern Minnesota.