Pima College running back Nick Brahler has gained 201 yards on 47 carries so far this season, and along the way, he has become a bright spot on one of the most surprising teams in junior college football.
The Aztecs, playing their final year of competition due to budget cuts, are 3-1 and ranked No. 20 heading into Saturday’s home game against Glendale.
But Brahler, an Ironwood Ridge High School grad, almost didn’t make it to Pima. The Brahler family lost their home to a fire in May.
“It’s always difficult. It’s just another obstacle to go over, but in the long run, I knew it was going to work out,” said Brahler, a freshman. “I had a lot of support from everyone from my high school and here at Pima.”
Brahler returned home to Oro Valley late one night following a school-sponsored activity and, after parking his truck in the driveway behind the house, went inside and straight to the bathroom. He was in the shower 10 or 15 minutes later when his parents started banging on the door.
Brahler’s truck had burst into flames and the remaining gas in the tank spread to the house.
Later, Brahler would learn that his 2002 Ford F-150 had a recall on the cruise control, which was known to start fires.
“We didn’t know about it and, I guess, we just got unlucky,” Brahler said.
Brahler and his father scrambled outside to assess the fire, while his mother went to the front door, where concerned neighbors had been pounding on the door to alert the family. She soon evacuated, taking the family’s dog and cat with her.
The fire was thought to be put out that night, but embers sparked up the next day and caused more damage.
“The whole house didn’t burn down, but it was a lot of smoke damage, which you can’t replace,” Brahler said. “As well as water (damage) from spraying our house. So, we pretty much have to tear down everything except two walls.”
The Brahlers moved in with Nick’s older brother, Adrian, until a friend offered them a home to stay in long term.
Brahler said it was hard to lose so many possessions, but has hope that the most precious items can be saved.
“Some stuff was sent to a restoration company, but we’re still not sure what they could save from the smoke damage,” Brahler said. “They’re trying their best, which we appreciate a lot.”
The family continues living in their temporary house while theirs is renovated. They hope to move back into their home by May.
Meanwhile, the fire has served as a way to show Brahler how supportive his family, friends and teammates are. Even though they temporarily lost their home, Brahler said he knew he would still attend Pima in the fall and play with the Aztecs.
“They were really supportive of everything — I just knew it was going to be all right,” Brahler said. “This whole brotherhood is just amazing. Just being on this field takes my mind off everything, all the stress is relieved and it’s a lot of fun.”
