CENTER GROVE FOOTBALL PARENTS CLUB

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 8: Center Grove Trojans v. the Terre Haute North Patriots, (Home) 7:00 p.m.

Tailgate Party: Rock the House With The Red and White: Homecoming 5:30 - 6:45 p.m..

Homecoming Dance: Immediately after the game.

October 11: Center Grove Trojan Junior Varsity v. the North Central Panthers (Home) 6:00 p.m..

October 11: Center Grove Trojan Freshmen v. the North Central Panthers (Away) 6:00 p.m.

October 13: Football Parents Club Meeting

Senior Meeting: Foster

ATTENTION, ATTENTION, ATTENTION

Coach Moore has requested that parents and fans join the team on the field after each game. He wants the entire football family to share in his comments to the team. He believes that the solidarity--whether in victory or defeat--is an important part of the football experience for your sons. Join the team on the field on Friday nights.

SPIRIT COMMITTEE EXCITEMENT

Don’t forget the following upcoming tailgate party.

October 15: TROJAN POWER NIGHT: THE TEAM WHO SNAGGED ME!

Yeah, baby. It’s Senior Night and North Central visits our psychedelic pad to play a little football.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Jenni Messick, football mom to Tyler Smith who is a JV player this year, donates paper and certificate stock to the Football Parents Club. The newsletter and player of the week certificates are important to the communication and morale of both players and parents. Thanks, Jenni.

FOOTBALL MOM TIP OF THE WEEK

For all you football parents who have flirted with the Internet, plans are in the works to get the Center Grove Football Parents Club newsletter posted to the Football web site. Jim Bowman handles a sports web which can be accessed at www.centergrove.net. Log on sometime. If you have any ideas for the Center Grove Trojan Football web site, Jim can be reached by email at jimbowman@sprintmail.com. In fact, that is the best way to reach him as he travels on the job, but he always takes his laptop along. You can also log on to the Center Grove Bantam web site with a click of your mouse at www.centergrove.net. Just click on sports and then click on football.

Another site of interest to football players is www.starnews.com/digest/hsfootball.html. You can access statistics, past articles and complete information that may or may not have made it into the day’s newspaper.

We are also trying to compile a list of Football parents who have email addresses either through their work or have home access. If you have an email address please send a message to Cathryn Troiano at ctroiano@iupui.edu, so that we can add your name to the growing list of members who get their information via the Internet. Internet access allows us to speed you information without having to use expensive postal services. More money gets spent on kids and their activities rather than paperwork.

YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

Many times, parents feel compelled, for a variety of reasons-- sometimes to complain and sometimes to praise-- to voice their opinions to their school board representatives. The Center Grove Football Parents Club encourage the active participation of all its members in the activities of the school district. The following is a list of those members:

Mrs. Joyce Hall 888-8827 Mrs. Tammy Malone 422-5084

Mr. Jeff Sickmeier 422-5551 Mr. John Steed 888-0876 Mr. Joe Pitcher 887-6914

Our Superintendent of Schools is Dr. Denney French and can be reached at School Corporation offices at 881-9326.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Player of the week for each of the following teams are chosen by the football coaching staff of Center Grove schools. The goal is to recognize effort and accomplishment. Understanding that the final score of the game does not always reflect the quality of dedication and participation, the Center Grove football coaching staff takes time each week to spotlight those players who exemplify the winning spirit of Center Grove Football.

CENTER GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL: SEVENTH GRADE

A TEAM OFFENSE: BRYAN DIETEL

Bryan’s parents, Mark & Mary, report that their son first started playing football in the 2nd grade at the bantam level. He has played ever since, and this season is his first at the middle school. Bryan is one of his team’s wingbacks who was chosen as player of the week because he runs hard every time he carries the ball. Not one, but two 40-yard touchdown runs were called back due to penalties. That did not slow Bryan down. He kept on working. That is the kind of attitude that exemplifies the best of Trojan football. His parents insist that their son loves the game and gives 100% every time. They credit older brother, Kevin, with setting a good example for Bryan. Bryan, we salute your efforts. We hope to see your name here many times in the future.

A TEAM DEFENSE: RYAN SMITH

This defensive end was chosen as player of the week for his excellent containment against a tough Perry Meridian team. His coaches cite Ryan as a “team player who plays hard every time.” His parents, Cyndi & Kim, report that ever since his 2nd grade bantam coach told him he had to ‘eat, drink and sleep football’ to be any good, Ryan has slept with a ball and hardly ever is found without it, no matter where he goes. Though this player saw most of his bantam experience on the offensive side of the ball, Ryan is said to be aggressive and loves the defense as well. Let’s join with the rest of the football family in congratulating this player of the week.

B TEAM OFFENSE: JUSTIN HUTSON

Justin’s older brother, Evan, has helped him adjust to the new offensive scheme, according to his parents, Chris & Stephanie. And it shows. This quarterback for his 7th grade team “stayed strong in the second half of the game, insuring that we could come back and win,” which was the reason his coaches chose him as player of the week. Justin has played football since 2nd grade at the bantam level and this season is his first at the middle school. Even with the faster pace of middle school ball, he is adjusting and serving his team well. Congratulations, Justin. Keep up the good work.

B TEAM DEFENSE: NATHAN MCOUAT

Patty & Gordon, Nathan’s parents, are proud of this player of the week. He started out playing bantam ball in 4th grade and has continued to work hard for his team ever since. Even though he is an aggressive hockey player who sometimes wants to take the hard-hitting football style to the ice, his folks report that football is his favorite. This defensive lineman was chosen as player of the week for his “excellent play and his big hit tackles.” This player likes to hit. Our best to this aggressive, hard working player of the week.

CENTER GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL: EIGHTH GRADE

A TEAM OFFENSE: JOEY BROWN

Contrary to reports you might have seen printed previously here, this player of the week is the son of Matt, not Mark, and MaryJo. Reports have it that this two-time player of the week got a big charge out of teasing his dad about the misprint. It seems that Joey was chosen this week as his team’s leading rusher and the great blocks he threw, proving the high-quality unselfish play he is known for. Joey has played football since the 4th grade and reports to his parents that he particularly loves the ‘hamburger drills’ they do during Coach Hughes’ practices. Let’s hear it for a talented and hardworking player who has a great work ethic and a pretty good sense of humor too.

A TEAM DEFENSE: TYLER SKELTON

Tyler hates losing a game, but he loves the action on the field, according to his parents, Chris & Joella. This cornerback for his 8th grade team is the leading interceptor for his team. Tyler was chosen as player of the week for his interception and for his tough tackles as a defender. This player saw team action for the first time in the 2nd grade as a bantam player. He played 5th and 6th grade as a Junior Trojan. And he has played both years at the middle school level. Keep up the good work, Tyler.

B TEAM OFFENSE: SCOTT STUM

According to his coaches, this running back who also plays defense had his first touchdown of the season. But it was his second touchdown that really broke the game open. His parents, Cynthia & Jason, report that since he first started playing in the 4th grade, Jason has played a variety of positions on the field. It is this flexibility, they say, that has contributed to his growth as a player. In his second year at the middle school level, he has achieved player of the week status twice. Our congratulations to this hard working player, a player willing to make a contribution to his team’s success, no matter the capacity.

B TEAM DEFENSE: DANIEL STEWART

Daniel, his 8th grade team’s linebacker, had a great game, according to his coaches. He had a fumble recovery and several key tackles, prompting them to choose Daniel as player of the week. Shelley, his mom, reports that Daniel started playing football in the 2nd grade in Beech Grove and came to the CG bantam in the 3rd grade. He played Junior Trojan ball in the 6th grade and went on to middle school ball last year. Before this week’s game started, Daniel’s coaches had challenged their defensive players to step forward and show their stuff. Daniel insists that this week, he would have thought that any number of players could have been chosen for their excellent play, that all the defense stepped up their play and met the challenge. That explains why this four-time player of the week (this week makes two this year, and he was chosen twice last year) is particularly thrilled about this honor. So are we, Daniel. Good job.

CENTER GROVE TROJAN FRESHMEN

VERSUS THE WARREN CENTRAL WARRIORS

OFFENSE: JACOB BROWN

“Jacob has great spirit and a great attitude. In the second half of our game, it was his tough runs that set up our final score,” his coaches said in describing their decision to choose him as player of the week. Jacob is a fullback for the freshmen squad and the son of Brian & Chris. He has played football since 2nd grade in the bantam league. Jacob played two years at the middle school and this season is his first as part of Trojan high school ball. Jacob acknowledges that high school ball makes greater demands of players but insists that he entire freshman squad is developing well, showing greater ability with the new offensive scheme and blocking more effectively with every play. Jacob’s parents are proud of him, because he gives 100% on every play. So are we.

DEFENSE: BOBBY ORR

Bobby has never complained about the hard work needed for football, his favorite sport, as reported by his parents, Jean & William. This inside linebacker for the freshman team is, according to his coaches, “the heartbeat of the defense-- a real leader. He sets an example for every player on the defense.” This two-time player of the week (once last season) loves the game, wants to grow in his game and is motivated to give his best in games and practices. We look forward to his continued development as a player, and wish him the best in the future. Keep up the good work, Bobby.

CENTER GROVE TROJAN JUNIOR VARSITY

VERSUS THE WARREN CENTRAL WARRIORS

OFFENSE: ROB WILLIAMSON

Rob is an offensive guard who was chosen by his coaches as player of the week because of his great blocking and team leadership. According to his mom, Joan, he started playing football in the 4th grade in Ft. Wayne and came to Center Grove ball his freshman year in high school. As she describes it, “football was the first sport where Rob didn’t have to keep his hands to himself,” which explains where this player got his quirky sense of humor. Rob, AKA ‘The Stork,’ leads his teammates as much with laughter as he does with his blocking. But it is not all funny stuff. Rob worked all summer to prepare for this season, building both his skills and his love of the game. Let’s hear it for this player of the week who intuitively understands the balance needed between laughter and old-fashioned hard work.

DEFENSE: ROBERT MULLEN

Robert worked out all summer getting ready for this season. And it paid off for this Junior classman on the JV team. This linebacker for the Junior Varsity team “set the tone for the second half resurgence with numerous good tackles and hard hits.” Robert brings a wealth of experience to his position, having started playing ball in the 3rd grade at the bantam level. He played two years at the middle school level, and this season is his third as a high school Trojan. His parents, Robert & Antoinette, report that their son has played both sides of the ball, but really loves playing defense. It was his love for the game that made all the hard work in simmering summer temperatures worth it. Let’s hear it for this hard working player of the week.

CENTER GROVE TROJAN VARSITY

VERSUS THE WARREN CENTRAL WARRIORS

OFFENSE: DERRICK PULSE

Derrick’s parents, Nancy & David, report that their son first started playing football in the 2nd grade and has played ever since. This Senior wide receiver was chosen by his coaches because of his big 4th down catch. By their own admission, they probably could have chosen him the week before based on the huge catches he had against Terre Haute South. When asked about the new offensive scheme and his part in it, Derrick replied, “There is always a lot of work involved in any new scheme. But all of us [receivers] worked hard in the pre-season. Passes are precious. We know we have to work twice as hard to make it work. It is frustrating. I just try to do my best to catch the ball.” Let’s hear it for this hardworking team player.

DEFENSE: GARY MCCLURE

Gary moved from the cornerback into the linebacker position this week and, according to his coaches, transformed the entire blitz formation through desire and hard work. Gary had 7 unassisted tackles and made a big difference for the team. According to his parents, Gary & Nancy, he has played football since the 2nd grade, when he first started at the bantam level. He has played both sides of the ball, but has focused on defense this season. When asked about the shift in position, Gary replied, “It is an adjustment. But it is a position that is more exciting. I like to hit. When you first go out there, you are nervous. But then you realize that you have to give it your best shot. I just do what I do.” Many congratulations to this Junior who we expect to see more from this season and next year as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS: MICHAEL VALENTINE

All those long summer workouts have paid off, according to Mike’s parents, Flora & Brad. Mike has worked hard on scout team, gaining one player of the week honor this season already. His coaches chose him for special teams player of the week, based on his punt return team blocking assignment against J.T. Buckley, a WC player easily twice Mike’s size. Mike provided good containment and covered the punt well. When asked about the Buckley assignment, Mike replied, “I went out on the line, checked to make sure I had the right splits between Robards and Meyer. It was at that point, after I had gone down into my stance that I had a chance to look up. I saw the number ‘52’ and realized what it meant. In that 2 seconds that I had to think about it, I realized this guy is 6’2” and 250 pounds. He’s one big guy. Once the play was over, I realized that I had done it. I can remember smiling all the way to the sideline.” His parents report that Mike started playing in the 3rd grade at the bantam, put in two years at the middle school and this, his Senior season, is his fourth as a Trojan high school player. This season is the one where he has wanted to prove himself, and we think he has.

SCOUT TEAM OFFENSE: A.J. BRADY

A.J. started playing football in the 3rd grade and has played ever since, being a member of his class’ team all the way through middle school. A.J. is now a Sophomore and the center for the J.V. team. Additionally, he is the scout team center, attempting to mimic the opponent’s offense and allowing the Varsity ‘wolf pack’ defense to pound on him during practices all week long. His coaches chose him as player of the week for his unrelenting effort to make the Varsity team better, to help prepare them for that week’s game. A.J. worked out during the summer and had to learn the new offensive scheme along with his teammates. He admits the new summer conditioning program was tough but credits it with improving his play. The entire football family joins with his mom, Patty, his teammates and coaches in congratulating this hard working player of the week.

SCOUT TEAM DEFENSE: ROBERT MULLEN

Robert’s effort this week did not go unnoticed, either by the J.V. or the Varsity coaches. That is why he also achieved player of the week status on the scout for his “excellent efforts” in emulating Warren Central’s defense. As Robert put it, “It’s hard to mimic another team’s style of play, but it is worth it if we can contribute to success.” When asked what it is like as a defensive player to stand up to the new offensive scheme, he acknowledges that it demands more out of defenders. “With Coach Moore’s scheme, the defender has to watch the ball more. You can’t make any assumptions about where the ball will be.” Scout team asks a lot and never really shows on the scoreboard. Robert’s attitude epitomizes the best of a ‘team player.’ Good job, Robert.