Taking Down Cancer

Check out the article about the North Central wrestlers trying to take down cancer this year!  Lots of activities planned to raise money for the cause and we think it is AWESOME!!!  Trenton will be sporting dark blue shoelaces this season.  We have our Pink Fear the Bird shirts all ready to go!!!!  Go Cards!
Oh and another cool thing we learned this weekend while Trenton was here...we can see his taped matches here - http://www.fearthebirdwrestling.com/!

Dream Team

Very excited to wake up to the newspaper stating Tyler had made "dream team" for linebacker as well as for Class 5A!!  Dream team was voted on by 38 area coaches.  Class 5A - just the area.  Awesome news for Tyler...just another reminder of how great of a season he had.
Excerpt from the article:
High school football: Cavemen lead Tribune's Dream Team

By MATT KOPSEA
Tribune Staff Writer
The Mishawaka High football team proved this season it was no one-hit wonder.
In addition to making it back-to-back Northern Indiana Conference and Class 5-A sectional championships, the Cavemen (12-1) also enjoyed their first undefeated regular season since 1980.
Just like a year ago, area coaches were impressed enough with Mishawaka to choose six players on The Tribune's 2010 Dream Team.
Leading the way for the Cavemen is senior offensive guard Michael Curtis, who achieved the high mark with 18 out of a possible 36 votes.
A two-time Dream Team member, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Ohio University bound Curtis is the son of Mishawaka head coach Bart Curtis.
“We have rushed for 8,000 yards the last two seasons with most of it behind our left side where Michael plays,” said Coach Curtis. “He's a tremendous athlete who understands the game and what it's like to be part of a football family. Michael has definitely been a pleasure to work with both as a coach and a dad.”
Joining Curtis on the 23-man squad are senior defensive tackle Sebastian Cameron, senior defensive end Roberto Martinez, senior linebacker Tyler Reinoehl and senior defensive backs D.J. Strohl and Ben Versyp.
“All of these kids are team players with good football instincts,” said Coach Curtis, whose club lost 21-14 to Valparaiso in the regional final. “Everyone was on board with what we were trying to accomplish. That's the reason we had success and made it as far as we did.”
TRIBUNE ALL-AREA FOOTBALL TEAM
2010 DREAM TEAM
Wide receivers: Gehrig Dieter, Washington, 6-3, 205, Junior; DeSean Prentice, Penn, 6-2, 180, Senior
Tight end: Donovan Campbell, Clay, 6-0, 210, Senior
Tackles: Coty Brown, Concord, 6-7, 265, Senior; Skylar Evans, Plymouth, 6-3, 290, Senior
Guards: Michael Curtis, Mishawaka, 6-5, 310, Senior; Damon Howe, Plymouth, 6-1, 285, Senior
Center: Miguel Lopez, Penn, 6-0, 280, Senior
Quarterback: Anthony Yoder, Concord, 6-0, 170, Senior
Running backs: Josh Anderson, Glenn, 5-11, 180, Junior; Nick Latchford, LaPorte, 5-11, 171, Senior; Brock Smith, Plymouth, 6-0,193, Senior
Placekicker: Alan Sinclair, Penn, 5-10, 170, Senior
Defensive lineman: Sebastian Cameron, Mishawaka, 6-2, 225, Senior (Tackle); Mike Ham, Penn, 5-8, 200, Senior (Tackle); Damon Howe, Plymouth, 6-1, 285, Senior (Tackle); Roberto Martinez, Mishawaka, 5-10, 180, Senior (End); Jason Spriggs, Concord, 6-6, 235, Junior (End)
Linebackers: Cody Piotrowski, Penn, 5-11, 235, Senior; Tyler Reinoehl, Mishawaka, 5-11, 175, Senior; Gary Yeoman, Penn, 6-0, 210, Senior
Defensive backs: Houston Hodges, Plymouth, 5-10, 175, Senior; DeSean Prentice, Penn, 6-2, 180, Senior; D.J, Strohl, Mishawaka, 5-10, 160, Senior; Ben Versyp, Mishawaka, 5-10, 165, Senior
Punter: Alan Sinclair, Penn, 5-10, 170, Senior
Jim Andrews Coach Of The Year: Bob Holmes, Bremen

ALL-AREA TEAMS
CLASS 5-A
Wide Receivers: Todd Johnson, Elkhart Memorial, 5-8, 144, Junior; DeSean Prentice, Penn, 6-2, 180, Senior; Chris Vann, Adams, 6-2, 205, Senior
Tight end: Scott Vaughn, LaPorte, 6-4, 225, Senior
Tackles: Mike Furfaro, Mishawaka, 5-11, 210, Senior
Cam Hostetler, Elkhart Memorial, 6-4, 280, Senior
Guards: Michael Curtis, Mishawaka, 6-5, 310, Senior; Donnie Riggs, Penn, 6-3, 285, Senior
Center: Miguel Lopez, Penn, 6-0, 280, Senior
Quarterback: Dustin Mills, Elkhart Memorial, 5-11, 172, Senior
Running backs: Nick Latchford, LaPorte, 5-11, 171, Senior; Giorgio Karallas, Michigan City, 6-2, 210, Junior; Alex Smith, Adams, 5-8, 180, Senior
Placekicker: Alan Sinclair, Penn, 5-10, 170, Senior
Defensive linemen: Sebastian Cameron, Mishawaka, 6-2, 225, Senior (Tackle); Brandon Dillenbeck, Goshen, 6-1, 210, Senior (Tackle); Mike Ham, Penn, 5-8, 200, Senior (Tackle); Roberto Martinez, Mishawaka, 5-10, 180, Senior (End)
Linebackers: Drew Childress, Mishawaka, 6-0, 180, Senior; Cody Piotrowski, Penn, 5-11, 235, Senior; Tyler Reinoehl, Mishawaka, 5-11, 175, Senior; Gary Yeoman, Penn, 6-0, 210, Senior
Defensive backs: Ben Brewers, Elkhart Memorial, 5-8, 163, Junior; Andrew Campbell, Penn, 5-11, 185, Senior; DeSean Prentice, Penn, 6-2, 180, Senior; Alex Smith, Adams, 5-8, 180, Senior; D.J, Strohl, Mishawaka, 5-10, 160, Senior; Ben Versyp, Mishawaka, 5-10, 165, Senior; Nick Wirt, Elkhart Central, 6-2, 185, Senior
Punter: Alan Sinclair, Penn, 5-10, 170, Senior
Coach Of The Year: Bart Curtis, Mishawaka

Blessed

Today was all about food, family, friendship, and fun.  Just a great reminder of how very blessed and thankful I am.  We had everyone at our house for Thanksgiving dinner - our annual tradition.  It just seems like we continue to outdo ourselves each year!  We had SOOOO much food!  Turkey, ham (dad R.), dressing, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes (Chad), noodles (Chad), broccoli rice and cheese casserole (Mom), corn casserole (Pam), Ice box cake (Pam), pumpkin pie (Mom), cranberry sauce, and biscuits.  Wow.  Makes me full all over again just thinking about it!  Trenton has been home since Monday.  The weather is going to finally cooperate for him to be able to go hunting with his dad tomorrow morning...one thing he said he absolutely WANTED to do when he was home.  He has also been going into the wrestling room to help out...always a fave for all the wrestlers :)  Had so much fun with the kiddos laughing and playing with each other today, talking, looking at the ads and just relaxing by the fireplace.  So thankful for my family!!!  I think I have a game plan for the morning...Gabi wants to check out what Black Friday is all about so we will probably head out about 7 am...not going to brave the crowds at 4 am, but we will check things out a bit later.  So for now...gonna enjoy the rest of this wonderful holiday of feasting this weekend with my kiddos and hubby.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Psalm 107:1   Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!

Southwestern Indians

Learned alot today while visiting my baby girl at her class today...they have completed their unit on American Indians and Gabi's group was the Southwestern Indians.  She was most excited to see her biggest brother their to watch today!!! 

Early

With football over, it kind of stung a bit on Friday night when we had nothing to do.  Gabi stayed over with Emma and Tyler was out with Abby.  Ben was willing to take me to dinner and start the Christmas shopping to take our minds off of things for a bit.  I have just really been excited for Christmas this year.  I know, I know, some people would complain that the world tries to make it come earlier and earlier each year with the shopping, music, decorations, etc etc etc.  And I have to admit, I don't like to listen to the Christmas music a whole lot before Thanksgiving because I don't want to get sick of it too soon.  And I have to admit, I enjoy the whole "season" about it.  I am one who likes to celebrate before and then once the day arrives and is gone, I am done.  Some would say it's strange, but it's how I am.  Tree and decorations come down a day or two after Christmas and it is back to normal.  It's me.  So, I thought about it and since we celebrate Christmas Day at my brother's house and at Dad R's house no one really gets to enjoy our Christmas tree at our house.  I decided to let them enjoy it at Thanksgiving :)  So, with a little encouragement, I talked Ben into getting the trees down.  He went above and beyond and decided to get ALL the decorations down too!  But I will wait on those.  I still have my Fall decor out ... but on Friday/Saturday we will definitely make the switch.  So, we made cookies and we put up the trees on Sunday.  It just happened to be the perfect day to put up the lights as well (weather was nice - in the 50's) and we had just bought new LED lights that afternoon (helps too that we chose the color/kind Ben likes ;) - so he was more than happy to help put them up sooner than later).  I have to say I have already begun my Christmas shopping, some online (which I love, especially with free shipping - don't have to mess with crowds!) and I have my Christmas crafting done for my special friends and neighbors.  All done this past weekend before Trenton got home on Monday!  Looking forward to making cookies and putting up the rest of our decorations, but most importantly, spending time with Trenton while he is home.   

Two for One!

Well, kind of...two in one day, I guess would be more like it.  Today was opening gun season for deer and Ben was up at the crack of dawn to try and get him one since he has been unsuccessful all bow season.  He has passed up a few because of their size and since it was getting later in the season...he was ready to get one!  About 7:30 am he said he was in his stand and noticed two deer about 1,000 yards away (with his binoculars) and they apparently were bedding down.  It was a doe and a buck.  Ben figured he would keep an eye on them hoping they would start his way.  Well, after a while he decided to get up and go to his camera he has out in the woods to see if he could jump any deer along the way and again noticed the two out in the field, still bedded down.  Ben decided to take a different approach and see how close he could get.  He walked as far as he could and watched.  He said the doe would get a little antsy and want to get up but the buck didn't want her to and would get up and grunt at her to make her lay back down.  Ben finally got on his stomach and belly crawled his way closer (too about 2 hours to do all this).  As soon as he thought he couldn't get much closer, the rain started.  The doe got up and the buck allowed it.  He got up after her and they started to move a bit.  Ben let the buck get broad side and took his shot.  The first shot was too high (since he sighted in his gun a bit different) but the buck didn't move!  Ben had time to adjust and shoot again and got him.  He jumped and then fell.  The doe basically stood there, not moving so Ben reloaded and took the shot on the doe.  Two in a matter of minutes!  An 8 point buck and a doe.  Great job honey, glad you got your deer!

Trenton's First Tourney

Trenton had his first tournament today at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.  I felt awful because we couldn't go but it was just over 4 hours away from home.  He promised to call and/or text everytime he wrestled and he was good on his word.  He went 149 lbs. today and went 3-2.  Said he felt like the hard work payed off so that made me feel good.  His good friends, Jessie and Tarrah, are both mat maids now so I texted Jessie to ask if she would send me a picture of Trenton because I missed his wrestling so much.  She did :)  Thank you Jessie!  So proud of Trenton.  I know he knows that we are rooting from afar but it just is not the same as actually being there.  Love him and hope he is doing well!  Got my pink "Fear the Bird" shirt on in support of him.  Go Cardinals and Go Trenton!

All Conference

Congratulations to Tyler for making All Conference - he was wanting this and he got it :)
High school football: Mishawaka leads the pack
League champion Mishawaka led the pack with six Cavemen on the 2010 Northern Indiana Conference football first team.
Doing their part to help the Cavemen to their second straight crown were seniors Tyler Reinoehl (linebacker), Andrew Childress (linebacker), Michael Curtis (offensive guard), Michael Furfaro (offensive tackle), Ben Versyp (cornerback), and D.J. Strohl (free safety).
Second-place Penn had four players selected including most valuable player, senior inside linebacker Cody Piotrowski. Other Kingsmen include senior wide receiver DeSean Prentice, senior defensive tackle Mike Ham, and senior outside linebacker Gary Yeoman.
Washington also had four players on the first unit, led by senior wide receiver/defensive back Darius Hardin, senior defensive back/running back Alex Kohler, junior wide receiver/outside linebacker Gehrig Dieter, and junior running back/defensive lineman David Perkins.
Representing Marian are senior linebacker Chase Parker, senior fullback Matt Thomas, and senior quarterback Thomas Krueger.
Clay's selections were junior quarterback Justin Laureys and senior tight end/strong safety Donovan Campbell.
Named to St. Joseph's were senior quarterback Max Matthews and senior inside linebacker Connor Demarais.
Rounding out the first team are Adams senior running back/defensive back Alex Smith, Riley junior linebacker Shaquil Johnson, and Elkhart Central senior strong safety Nick Wirt.
Mishawaka's Bart Curtis was chosen as the NIC coach of the year.
Second team
Roberto Martinez (Mishawaka), Sebastian Cameron (Mishawaka), Kevin Day (Mishawaka), Sam Schrader (Mishawaka), Justin Frazier (Mishawaka), Andrew Campbell (Penn), Zach Harrison (Penn), Alan Sinclair (Penn), Tyler Yeoman (Penn), Tate Borlik (Washington), Collin Skodinski (Washington), Terrance Bush (Washington), Robert Deering (Marian), Eric Plude (Marian), Anthony Rice (Marian), Tony Shead (Clay), P.J. Ellis (Clay), Tre' Clifton (Clay), Pete Gillis (St. Joseph's), Collin Hickey (St. Joseph's), Tyler Lukens (St. Joseph's), Chris Vann (Adams), Chris Hoffman (Adams), Cameron Evans (Riley), Stevie Robinson (Elkhart Central)
Honorable mention
Hunter Marvin (Mishawaka), Brandon Rieth (Mishawaka), Joe Schuster (Mishawaka), Nate Moser (Penn), Emerson Marenyi (Penn), Vinnie Rulli (Penn), Christian Verhamme (Penn), Alfonso Mack (Washington), Duron Ivery (Washington), Matt Clay (Washington), Jonnie Rectenwal (Marian), Tommy Stachowiak (Marian), Devon Bailey (Clay), Alex Bauters (Clay), Antonio Wynn (St. Joseph's), Garrett Libertowski (St. Joseph's), Chris Woodruff (Adams), Mark Forester (Adams), Alex Skipper (Adams), Andrew Kowalski (Riley), Carl McLeod (Riley), Dominique Stauffer (Elkhart Central), Mike McCord (Elkhart Central)
Final standings
1. Mishawaka 6-0. 2. Penn 5-1. 3. Washington 4-2. 3. Marian 4-2. 5. Clay 3-3. 5. St. Joseph's 3-3. 7. Riley 1-5. 7. Adams 1-5. 9. Elkhart Central 0-6.

Last High School Game

Sitting here wondering how to even start this post...what a season.  What a four years.  I have so many emotions going on right now...so proud of Tyler for being a leader all season long, for stepping it up when it came time, for having fun and loving the sport of football.  And I am so sad that the season has ended, that Tyler's high school football season has come to its final game.  I wasn't even nervous all day ... in fact, I had a peaceful feeling about the game, until I was almost to the stadium.  It hit me.  All at once, actually.  My aunt Julie said it perfectly...that moment in time felt like the world had ended, but eventually we would look back and be thankful for the memories.  It would eventually be something to share and brag about, but it wouldn't be our whole world, it was only a moment in time.  I knew that.  I really did, but it was hard to watch my son lay on the field sobbing because it was over.  The last play where Valpo just took a knee knowing they had the victory, watching my son, fall to his knees...that got to me...and it hurt.

The seniors leaning on each other, hugs with coaches, hugs with moms and dads and siblings.  The tears.  They came.  There was even a moment when the seniors stretched about a quarter of the field across and walked hand in hand from one end of the end zone to the other.  Walking.  Just taking in the moment.  In fact, for a second I had a flashback to my little fourth grade boy with a way too big jersey that looked almost like a dress at times, running across the field to make the tackle and look over at his fans with such a big smile - because he DID IT - he took that guy out, he made that big hit!  That little boy had grown into a young man with such a passion for football and it was over.  I could actually feel his emotion.

How awesome was it that Tyler has had such support all year.  I am so thankful for that.  My family and friends and the support they bring is overwhelming.  Tyler's game was great last night.  It was a devastating loss to the defense to lose the other senior linebacker and leader as well, Drew Childress, on the opening kickoff.  I knew it would be.  The defense gave the offense plenty of opportunities.  Tyler had an interception and many tackles this round. 

He even had some good kickoff return runs. 

He did very well, as usual.  Valpo came to play and make things happen when they could, and they did.  We lost to a sound team.  And so it ends, sadly.  I know Tyler was dreaming of playing at Lucas Oil...something that was within reach, it really was.  But wow...what a season.  His name will be etched in memories from Mishawaka High School forever.  He has made plenty of history there.  The only team to defeat Penn Football four times in a row!  And the team that won sectionals twice since the year I graduated (1991)!!!!  He will be remembered.  And he will have plenty to share with his children.  I am just thankful Tyler has allowed us to take this journey with him.  What a ride it has been!  So proud of him.  A HUGE thank you to all our friends and family who has come with us...supported us, cheered with us.  It means more than you know to our boys.  They love it.  Some of their team mates have no one that comes to watch.  No one.  They are in awe when they see the fans Tyler has.  Another HUGE thank you to the coaches...these men have made Tyler laugh, sweat, and cry.  They are wonderful mentors and coaches.  They have taught my son the importance of team bonding, family and friendships outside of the playbook.  And lastly, a HUGE thank you to the other football moms.  For allowing me to show nervousness and knowing what I was going through.  Congratulations to our Mishawaka Cavemen.  Suffering a devastating loss last night to Valpo (14-21) but having a season that will be remembered forever.  Memories.  Moments.  That's what it is all about.

2010-11 Media Guide

North Central Wrestling Media Guide is out for this year!  Check it out here!  Be sure to look for Trenton's picture with Coach Karl Bratland inside, along with lots of stats, pictures, info and more!!!  Go Cardinals!

A New Season of College Wrestling

Let the season begin...Trenton has been conditioning since he started back to school in September and has been in full season practice for a few weeks now.  Last week he called and told us he was going to be applying at Pet Supplies Plus in Naperville for some extra cash since he has no classes on Tuesday and Thursdays.  Well, he started Tuesday!  So proud of him for stepping up.  Sounds like he is extremely busy between classes, practices and work now.  He begins his season this Saturday, which we will be unable to go to since it is just over 4 hours away (Concordia).  This makes me sad.  It is just really hard for me because we have been so involved in our boys' athletics and activities since they were small.  Last year we were able to go and support Trenton more than what we thought after Tyler was injured at the beginning of his wrestling season.  I know Trenton is aware that this is Tyler's senior year and he wants us to go and support Tyler this last year, but believe me, we will be supporting Trenton EVERY chance we get.  He has promised to call after everytime he wrestles to update us on how he does and he holds true to his word.  That I am glad for.  Not being there to watch in person does not lighten my nervousness about him wrestling one bit.  I am on edge until I hear from Trenton...it's the kind of person I am and I wouldn't change that for the world.  Feeling every emotion my boys feel and more...living in the moment.  It's what it is all about.  My boy will be wrestling 149 lbs. this year and hoping for a great season.  I know his practices have been tough and he has been going hard but it will pay off.  It will.  Below is Trenton's schedule for the season...and you gotta love his beard he has going on :)
11/13/2010 Knox College Invitational Galesburg, Ill. 9 am 
11/20/2010 Concordia University (Wis.) Open Mequon, Wis. 9 am 
12/4/2010 Indiana Little State Championships North Manchester, Ind. 9 am 
12/11/2010 47th Annual North Central College Invitational Naperville, Ill. 9 am 
12/18/2010 NCC Quadrangular (Cornell, Heidelberg, Wheaton) Naperville, Ill. 2 pm 
12/29-30/2010 Midlands Championships Evanston, Ill. 9 am 
12/30/2010 Midwest Open Palatine, Ill. (Harper College) 9 am 
1/4/2011 University of Chicago Chicago, Ill. 7 pm
1/13/2011 Augustana College Rock Island, Ill. 7 pm 
1/15/2011 Cornell College Matmen Invitational Mount Vernon, Iowa 9 am 
1/15/2011 Manchester College Spartan Mat Classic North Manchester, Ind. 9 am 
1/19/2011 Elmhurst College Naperville, Ill. 7 pm 
1/28-29/2011 Wheaton College Pete Willson Invitational Wheaton, Ill. 1 pm/9 am 
1/29/2011 North Central College 'B' Team Brawl Naperville, Ill. 9 am 
2/5/2011 Loras College Duhawk Open Dubuque, Iowa 9 am 
2/10/2011 CCIW Championships Elmhurst, Ill. 6 pm
2/12/2011 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugold Invitational Eau Claire, Wis. 9 am 
2/17/2011 Wheaton College Naperville, Ill. 7 pm 
2/26/2011 NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional Championships TBA 9 am 
3/11-12/2011 NCAA Division III National Championships La Crosse, Wis. 11 am/10 am 
And a link to North Central College Wrestling...
Looking forward to having Trenton home for Thanksgiving!

Snow Brawl-Love This!

Backyard Snow Brawl! Sectional Champs for Second Year!

Wow....when they said snow/rain mix, I never thought it would be basically a white out with snow covering the ground for the game!  Mix that with having to stand in line 2+ hours before game time to secure seats where we wouldn't be getting wet (which we ended up not even getting) made for a tense beginning.  Tyler believed we were going to win...he thought it would be close, but he said he knew we would win.  I have to admit I had a little doubt in that statement but hung onto his words at start of the 4th when Penn was up 7-0 and we just couldn't get the ball in for a touchdown.  With the field covered in snow, the boys could barely run.  By the fourth quarter with two minutes left my mind was really trying to wrap around the thought we were going to lose and this was it...the tears welled up, and the thoughts of my son sitting in the locker room afterward just broke my heart...I was becoming devastated....my heart sunk to a new low...and then...we got the ball back and started making our way down field...a play that turned the game around...a hook and ladder to the twenty or so.  I couldn't believe it...was this an opening???....was this really happening???? Tyler's words began to run through my mind.  With literally under 25 seconds to go our Cavemen got in for the touchdown.  And then the dreaded moment where we kick the extra point....I could barely watch.  With the clock at 5 seconds left in the game, he made it!  It was a tie game and we were headed to OT. 
We got the ball first to try and punch it it.  We ended up making the TD and the exra point to make it 14-7!  It was at this point I KNEW we would win.  Because our DEFENSE is THAT GOOD.  It was time to show them which defense was better and WE ARE.  Penn had to match us point for point and it was their turn to try.  Lo and behold, NOTHING for the Kingsmen.  NOTHING.  The Cavemen win 14-7 in OT.  What a game.  What an emotional roller coaster I was on.  Onward to Valparaiso next Friday for the Regional game title!  So happy for Tyler and very proud that he never gave up and never stopped believing.

Treats All The Way!

We trick or treated to family before the actual trick or treat time (5-7 pm) because we were invited to go with Gabi's best friend, Emma and celebrate her mommy's birthday :)

 First up was Uncle Chad/Aunt Amber's house to see the cutie patootie girls!  We found a ballerina, Silvermist and a little ladybug!

Next up was maw maw and paw paw's house to get LOTS of goodies!

And then over to Grandpa's to catch up with Uncle Jeff/Aunt Pam and we found some more cutie patooties!  A shark, and a cute one I must say, and a butterfly (who was so chubby she couldn't fly according to uncle Ben)...

Finally made it to our destination to trick or treat with Emma -(Hermione from Harry Potter), have pizza and cake for Lina's birthday and check out all the little kiddo's costumes that came through trick or treating!

Trenton made a trip to Champaigne, Illinois where he stumbled upon Chip Tha Ripper at a frat house and Tyler made a trip to Bloomington, IN to check out his future school :)  I was glad to get a pic of Trenton...he went as a hillbilly while Tyler went as Robin with Abby (Batman). 

All in all, a bit chilly in the shade, nice in the sun.  Definitely glad to get snuggled down into bed last night when the festivities were over.  Busy week ahead.