Pars what?

After over a year of Tyler complaining of back pain, we finally got him moved from our pediatrician (who just retired) to our family doctor, Dr. Bhatt.  He was able to see Tyler over Christmas break and sent him to get an x-ray of the back.  While we waited for results, Tyler was prescribed a stronger type of ibuprofen and some muscle relaxants.  This seemed to help.  Finally got results today...he has a pars interarticularis defect.  After reading up on it, I am guessing it was caused from continual trauma during sports, mainly football.  There is no cure or treatment...he can only continue to take the pain medication when it flares up.  Just another quesion about sports today and what a toll they take on growing bodies.

North South Game

Wow...what a weekend!  Started things off Thursday night with a VERY nice formal banquet for the Grange Insurance North South Game that Tyler was chosen to play in.  It was held at Primos banquet hall in Indianapolis at 7:30 pm.  My parents came as well and were able to mingle with all the players, North and South, along with the families and coaches.  Tyler looked tired, but said he was very excited to play the next evening.  They shared stories of the practices and their visits to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and Camp Riley.  Tyler met some awesome team mates (one being Matt Neal - his brother Mike Neal from the Packers and his dad played for the Giants)

We decided to head to North Central High School around 4 pm on Friday before the game to do some tailgating so we had some time to kill in the morning.  Chad and family was coming early and they gave us the idea to check out the Indianapolis zoo.  It was a nice visit and Gabi had a good time.  Got finished right around 1 ish so it gave us some time to go grab up Tyler from University of Indianapolis (where he has been practicing all week), grab some lunch and head back to the hotel.  It was fun to meet some of the other team mates from the North team - one even gave Ben and I a quick show with a card trick (6 of clubs).

We ordered a Jimmy Johns platter and get together the foods my mom and I had prepared ahead of time.  Cookies, brownies, chips, watermelon, subs, etc etc was on the menu.  We took the cornhole and we were ready to rock.  It was fun to see other people having the same idea.  The Colts also set up a display where a couple of players and cheerleaders were there to entertain and sign autographs.  One happened to be from Notre Dame!

7:30 pm was kickoff and we were more than ready!  Ben's dad and brother, my parents, my brother and his family, Aunt Annnie and Aunt Becky all showed up for the big game.  What an honor to have such loved ones come to this.  Tyler was chosen on this team to play outside linebacker and the North team had chosen to rotate players in every three plays.  When Tyler was in, everyone knew it! In the first quarter, in fact, the first few minutes, Tyler recovered the South's fumble for a turnover!  He was also in on a bunch of solo and group tackles all evening long.  He had a GREAT game.  The North looked like they were on a roll until the South scored just before half time and making a field goal (the North defense held them from a td) making the score 10-0.  The second half came and the North pushed ahead to score a touchdown making the score 10-7.  The South got the ball, pushed forward and looked as if they would score again, but the North defense held them AGAIN.  They were forced to go for a field goal making the score 13-7.  We knew with the few minutes left in the last quarter all we had to do was score to win by 1 point.  We drove down field, in fact, we thought we would get that touchdown but just couldn't get it in.  The South held on and the North was defeated 13-7.  That's okay though, Tyler played hard and he knew he played his best.  That is all that mattered.  This game was a HUGE honor and it was fun for him to play in.  The best of the best playing in this game.

Tyler was honored to have such a wonderful fan base come and support him as well.  I went to bed with Tyler sleeping in my parents room as I checked my facebook one last time before bed only to see Tyler had written on my wall...
"words can't express how much you and dad have done for me this past year. i know you are going to miss watching me take the field on friday nights and i will miss it too. thank you for all you've done and coming to watch me play for the last time. i love you"
I just layed there and cried for a few minutes...trying to soak it all in.  Tyler was sad.  Sad it was over.  And I was sad.  It took me a while to actually wrap my head around it all.  We have some WONDERFUL AWESOME memories of Tyler playing football, and it has come to a close.  This chapter is over.  A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported Tyler throughout his football career.  I can only say that this support has carried him through some rough times.  We love you all!  It felt all too much like standing on that field at North Central High School last night after the North South game as the parents and players were talking and mingling on the field together.    The stadium lights were all on so they shut off half of them to start shewing them off to close up shop.  The lights went off one by one....and it was done. 

Sportsfest Game

Tyler was able to play in the Sportsfest football game this year for the Metro team against Indiana East.  He has been practicing all week from 7-8:30 am at St. Joe High School.  He was ready.  Only a handful of all stars from Mishawaka were invited to play.  Most played defense which made the Metro defense awesome.  Unfortunately, the offense needed players badly so St. Joe coaches (who were the Metro coaches) kind of recruited some of their own.  Hence, not the BEST offense we could have had.  Our offense gave up a turnover and East was able to get a field goal out of it in the 2nd quarter with us losing it all at the end 0-3.  Tyler was in on a bunch of tackles and it was awesome to hear his name out of the loudspeakers on the press box again.  We miss that.  Terribly.  And it was awesome to have a crowd for him again...grandpa R., Jenny, Travis, Mackenzy, Duane, Uncle Dave, maw maw and paw paw, Uncle Kenny and Aunt Sharon, Abby, Max and Gerry were all there!  Makes me so proud that Tyler is so loved.  The weather was uncooperative and downpoured most of the game.  Tyler played inside linebacker and was punt return (even though they couldn't run it back for fear of injuries).  It was fun to see him in a jersey, pads and helmet again.  Definitely ready for the North South Game!

On a sidenote...Gabi is with her friend, Lizzy and family at Purdue for her AYBT tournament.  She called and said she has 8 points so far but her team is 0-3 at this point.  They played the Gymrats (first team they played at Plymouth who were gigantuans and lost by like 20 points) first round and only lost by 8 so that was good, that they had improved.  She is looking forward to seeing us tomorrow for her next two games.  We are anxious to see her as well!

Prepping

Abby came up with a good idea of making our own shirts to support Tyler in his Metro football game this Saturday.  We started last night with a few cookies and some milk :)

Great idea, Abby!!!

Sportsfest

So excited that Trenton was able to stay an extra night with us to watch the opening ceremonies of Sportsfest at Bethel College last night.  Tyler got a nice plaque and we heard from speaker, Joe Kernan about team values.  Each team was introduced along with their records, etc.  A nice insert was in the Sunday's paper about Sportsfest as well, including team photos.  Our Metro football team will be facing Indiana East on Saturday at 7pm at Jackson Field.  Tyler will be #24 and we are certainly looking forward to it!  Go Metro!

North Picnic

Had the opportunity to visit with the "North" team that Tyler will be playing for in July.  It was held at Culver Military Academy (what a beautiful campus!!)  The head coach from Valparaiso (Mark Hoffman) this year will be his head coach.  In fact, we sat with him for the meal and had a good talk with him.  I was taken back that he remembered the email I sent him after we lost to Valparaiso this year in the Regionals game.  I wasn't sure if he actually received it because I never received a reply but his comment to me yesterday was, "Ah, yes, Mrs. Reinoehl...you are the one I received that really nice email from after our game this year...classy.  I appreciated it."  What was in my email....just my thanking him for allowing our players and coaches and parents to take their time after our loss and walk the field for as long as the boys needed.  They respected us as a team and as families and it was greatly appreciated.  My son fell to his knees on that field and cried.  His heart broke there.  It was definitely a time to be remembered.  I felt good knowing that Mr. Hoffman appreciated that email. 
We had a good lunch...a hog roast with many BIIIIIGGGGG boys on the North team (one at 6'10").  I am really excited to see this game play out.  MANY, MANY great players in Indiana.  Tyler will be rooming with the former running back of Merrillville (they chose roomates at the picnic...two conditions, must be opposite team -offense/defense and must be from a different region).  Worked out well. 
Good time and a great foreshadowing of what is to come.  And for those of you who read my blog...a sneak peek at the AWESOME ad that Mr. Gregg Smith did for Tyler (for the program at the big game) -a big thanks to him and to all of the sponsors that helped make this possible!!!
Go North!

Edward W. "Moose" Krause Chapter Dinner and Other Awards

Celebrated with Tyler last evening after visiting Chicago on a field trip with Gabi.  The Moose Krause Memorial 37th Annual Scholar Athlete Dinner.  It was a really nice dinner for student athletes where they actually gave out scholarships to some.  The menu was polish and the speaker was Mr. Reggie Brooks who gave a GREAT speech!  He encouraged the boys to not only do well in athletics, but in school and LIFE as well.  To be a role model for others.  Mishawaka actually brought 6 boys to this banquet which is truly a testament of how smart these boys really are.  One (Michael Furfaro) actually won a scholarship.  It was definitely an honor to represent Mishawaka High School. 
From the Program:
Tyler Reinoehl, Mishawaka High School
Coached by Bart Curtis, Tyler played cornerback and linebacker for the Cavemen with career totals of 102 solo tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, and 79 assisted tackles.  He has a GPA of 3.6 and is ranked 40th of 382.  His activities included wrestling and the Stay In Bounds Club.  His achievements are the BK Athlete of the Week, All NIC Football, Griddy Award, Kiwanis Athlete of the Month, Top 50 All State Linebacker and AP All State.  He plans on attending Indiana University Bloomington majoring in Business and Accounting.  His parents are Ben and Cindy Reinoehl.

Tyler also received a couple of awards at Senior Awards Night at the High School on Wednesday evening...an award for the highest GPA in Wrestling and an Academic Presidential Award.  Needless to say we are very honored to be able to attend such events and VERY proud of our boy.

The Griddys

For being named to two all state teams, Tyler was honored at a banquet in Indianapolis...actually held at the Training Center for the Indianapolis Colts.  A ++++ in Tyler's book.  Michael Curtis was another player honored, as well as Coach Adam Reese from the team for Offensive Coordinator of the Year.  We were able to sit together at the same table and met a great young man and his father who actually presented an award named after the son...the Jason Kuntz Badge of Courage Award.  This young man told his story that was very touching and explained how the award came to be.  Jason was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a young boy but had always loved the game of football.  Because of the many surgeries he has had to endure he has never been able to actually play the game.  He continues to be involved, however, with as much as he can when it comes to football.  A touching story and was honored to have met him.  The dinner started with a Presentation of Colors by the United States Marine Corp and singing of the National Anthem.  A short introduction was made by Paul Condry (Publisher of Indiana Football Digest) and dinner was served.  On the menu...chicken, roast beef, salad, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and rolls.  All very good.  The keynote speaker was Bobby Cox, Commissioner of the IHSAA.  Awards were given to the State Runner Ups and State Champion teams for this year.  Assistant Coaches of the Year received awards.  Lifetime Achievement, Kuntz Badge of Courage and Excellence in Football Media awards were also given.  Next up...the Players of the Year Awards were given...this was Tyler's category.  A true honor.  The Coach who actually spoke about Tyler and presented him the award will be his Defense Coach this year at the North South Game in July.  He told Tyler he was looking forward to coaching him this summer for that game.  It was awesome to see these Players of the Year and how many of them going to D1 schools...Notre Dame, Ohio, IU, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Penn State...just to name a few.  Impressive.  Last but not least came the introduction of the Prime Time 25...these were players that will be seniors next year...the ones to watch and these guys...impressive to say the least.  One young man from Columbus East (Gunner Kiel) has already received 20 D1 offers as a quarterback.  Definitely one to watch.  All in all, an awesome honor for Tyler. 

Another HUGE Honor

Just got word that Tyler got chosen to play in this year's 2011 Grange Insurance All Star Football Game to be played on July 15th at 7 pm in Indianapolis.  This is the best of the best and is truly an honor for Tyler to be playing in.  Check out info here and some info here.  So, saying goodbye to this past year's season was hard, but the benefits of Tyler's outstanding season just keep bringing us more and more! 

Save the date!!  July 15th!!  Roadtrip for MORE MEMORIES!

Football Stats

Tyler has been filling out info left and right needing stats from sports and school for some awards he will be receiving and for some scholarships he is applying for, etc etc etc.  I thought it would be nice to post some of them for the memories...
Tyler is current ranked 40th in his high school out of a total of 382.  He holds a 3.6 GPA
His football stats are:
OFFENSE
Total Points Scored:  2009-24 and 2010-20 for a two year total of 44 points.
Rushing Yards:  2009-262 and 2010-68 for a two year total of 330 rushing yards.
DEFENSE
Tackles for Loss:  2009-6 and 2010-10 for a two year total of 16 tackles.
Solo Tackles:  2009-39 and 2010-63 for a two year total of 102 tackles.
Assists:  2009-24 and 2010-55 for a two year total of 79 assists.
Fumble Recoveries:  2009-1 and 2010-3 for a two year total of 4 fumble recoveries.
Interceptions:  2009-1 and 2010-3 for a two year total of 4 interceptions.
Sacks:  2009-0 and 2010-3 for a two year total of 3 QB sacks.
I must say...NOT TOO SHABBY!

The Griddys

Look where we get to go!  The Griddys 2011.  March 20th for Tyler.  Tyler will be presented with a Griddy for Big School All State Honors in footballs!  Check out the video - looks VERY cool!  What an honor!

Top 50

Another special honor for Tyler...in the newspaper today:
Area HS Players Honored
A pair of players from Mishawaka and Penn are among the Indiana Football Coaches Association's 2010 Top 50 All State Football Team.
Representing the Cavemen are senior offensive lineman Michael Curtis and senior linebacker Tyler Reinoehl.
How AWESOME!!!!  So proud of my boy!

Last High School Football Banquet

Enjoyed the football banquet today.  Such a bittersweet time.  I LOVE this banquet because Coach Curtis makes it so personable and makes sure he speaks about each player individually.  Really a great testament to the kind of coach he is.  It doesn't matter how long it takes, as long as he gets in what he has to say and that is important to him.  Tyler received honors for Captain, All NIC team,

All State according to AP (and Dream Team - Tyler and Michael Curtis) and

All State according to the Indiana Football Coaches Association.

Great honors for him and the team.  And when it was time to talk about Tyler, Coach Curtis summed it up perfectly the kind of person and player Tyler is.  He knows him well.  He said "whatever position I put Tyler at he would be the best within 2 weeks," "Tyler has natural ability, football savvy," "He is a huge competitor" and has "balance and awareness."  Coach also said he watched the first Penn game back and noticed Tyler had 8 solo tackles in the first period alone and he has never seen that before.  Even goes on to say Tyler is one of the best football players has coached and has been "a joy" to coach this year.  We have been honored to have been a part of the Mishawaka Football Team under Coach Curtis.  He is a wonderful man, father and coach.  We will definitely miss being a part of Mishawaka Football.  So glad my parents and Ben's dad were able to attend.  This is something we will all remember for years to come.  Definitely good memories. 

All State Linebacker!

Tyler sat down with his dad to eat dinner last night.  The news was on as usual at this time of the evening.  The local sports came on and info on High School All State players started.  Tyler's name came up for linebacker and he about choked on his chicken.  Needless to say, he was very surprised, as well as very honored to get this kind of recognition with his teammate, Michael Curtis (offense).  Tyler started reading through the list of players and he was VERY impressed.  Lots are going D1 for football.  Very interesting indeed.  CONGRATULATIONS Tyler!!!  You deserve this incredible title!
HS football: All-State teams

INDIANA
Associated Press
CLASS 5-A
Offense
QB — Tre Roberson, Lawrence Central, 6-1, 170, Sr.; RB — D’Angelo Roberts, Bloomington North, 5-11, 185, Sr.; RB — Daniel Gabbard, Terre Haute North, 5-9, 175, Sr.; RB — Cameron Crabtree, Pike, 5-6, 170, Sr.; WR — Gary Harris, Hamilton Southeastern, 6-4, 195, Jr.; WR — Shane Henderson, Columbus East, 6-1, 190, Sr.; TE — Billy Davis, Carmel, 6-4, 220, Sr.; G — Jordan Willy, Fishers, 6-2, 260, Sr.; T — Jake Meador, Whiteland, 6-4, 305, Jr.; G — Michael Curtis, Mishawaka, 6-5, 290, Sr.; T — Wesley Rogers, Lawrence Central, 6-4, 270, Jr.; C — Brandon Underwood, Southport, 6-4, 270, Sr.; K — Sam Ficken, Valparaiso, 6-1, 180, Sr.
Defense
DE — Taylor Halstead, Fishers, 6-1, 210, Sr.; DT — Joel Hale, Center Grove, 6-5, 290, Sr.; DT — Kris Harley, Warren Central, 6-2, 270, Sr.; DE — Jake Reed, Columbus North, 6-4, 235, Sr.; LB — Nick Temple, Warren Central, 5-11, 207, Sr.; LB — Tyler Reinoehl, Mishawaka, 5-11, 175, Sr.; LB — Connor Czuk, Carroll, 6-2, 210, Sr.; DB — Brian Sutton, Fishers, 6-0, 178, Sr.; DB — Nick Stoner, Center Grove, 6-2, 170, Sr.; DB — Dominic Coatsolonia, Valparaiso, 5-10, 170, Sr.; DB — Kendal Frederick, Fort Wayne Snider, 6-2, 180, Sr.; P — Kyle Christy, Brownsburg, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Area honorable mention
Offense
RB — Nick Latchford, LaPorte
TE — Urston Smith, Elkhart Memorial; Scott Vaughn, LaPorte
OL — Hunter Marvin, Mishawaka
Defense
LB — Drew Childress, Mishawaka; David Garcia, Elkhart Memorial; Cody Piotrowski, Penn
DB — Alex Brewers, Elkhart Memorial; Ben Brewers, Elkhart Memorial; DeSean Prentice, Penn; D.J. Strohl, Mishawaka; Nick Wirt, Elkhart Central
P — Dustin Rivich, Michigan City; Alan Sinclair, Penn

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

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.

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.