A love story that began on the football field enters next chapter with a proposal

Valley News staff with expert assistance from Lori Arnold

     A love story that began at marching band practice entered its next chapter over Thanksgiving weekend at the spot where it all began.
     Cheyanne Arnold (GVHS 2017) and Andrew Craig (GVHS 2018) met for the first time as members of the Grain Valley Marching Eagles in 2014 on the 38 yard line during practice. Craig’s marching route on the field caused him to step on Arnold’s flag on the count of 1 as she was supposed to stand up from behind a box and begin her routine.                  
     The band directors told Cheyanne she had to hit count 1.  She finally told them, “I can’t!  The freshman’s on my flag!”  The freshman was Andrew Craig at the 38 yard line. 
     Craig surprised Arnold by proposing on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, on the spot on the 38 yard line where it all began. 
     Craig said he created an excuse to get Arnold out of the house by claiming he needed something from the grocery store. Once the couple headed out, their families headed over to the high school football field. As the couple left the store, Craig volunteered to drive and headed the opposite way toward the high school. Arnold was confused, but wasn’t really expecting a proposal, as she said both of their families had strongly suggested they wait until both graduated from college to become engaged.
     “When we got to the field and I found the spot where it all began, I told her this spot started the best 8 years of my life, and it was the best mistake I ever made,” Craig said.
     They began dating in December 2014 and have been together ever since.  Arnold was a member of the Grain Valley Color Guard and Winter Guard. Craig played the trumpet in the Marching Eagles, pep, and concert bands.   
     The couple were members of the 2016 GV Marching Eagles who traveled to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and were asked to perform on Good Morning America.   
     Arnold graduated in 2017 and went on to K-State where she has obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture with an emphasis on Landscape Design and Greenhouse Management.  She is currently employed by Ryan Lawn & Tree as a landscape designer.  Andrew is a Senior at K-State and will be obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in May 2022.   The couple is planning a Fall 2022 wedding.