North Central Tournament

We started yesterday out with an Invitational Tournament at North Central College. Trenton wrestled at 149 lbs. and ended our day with him by watching two old friends go at it once again, bringing back memories from Trenton's high school days.

North Central did a great job of coming away with the win overall as a team for the third season in a row. Trenton placed 6th individually.

My parents followed us to North Central in the morning to arrive by 10 am our time for the start of the tournament. Trenton had a bye the first round but time went by quickly to the second round where he would face Zach Paluch of Knox. I always worry about Trenton's first round of tournaments...he just seems to be slow and it ends up being a "warm up" match for him so I pray for an easier competition for him at that point. Trenton surprised me and came out strong, winning 6-1 over Paluch. The next round would not be so easy for him as we noticed his competition (Jake Narveson from Milwaukee School of Engineering) was placed as the third seed and had also placed 5th at this same tournament last year. What an awesome match that was...Trenton won 7-5 over Narveson and this kid was not happy. We were so proud of Trenton and we were all impressed at how well he does on his feet. Wow. Ben was stunned when he watched Trenton literally go from a position he couldn't move his arm to picking the kid up and getting a takedown. It was impressive. This brought Trenton's next match to an old friend from high school...Johnny Dillon (went to Hobart). Trenton had faced him a few times in the past and had lost each time. We were heartbroken for John when he didn't make it to state last year because of a quirky match leading there. Trenton did well but Johnny's build was so much bigger in comparison. Trenton just couldn't do much. He lost 1-4. This match was the semi finals match and we had already determined if Trenton won, we would stay for the championship round. We just couldn't leave him if that would have been the case. But since he had lost that match and was dropped down to wrestlebacks we knew we had to get on the road to see Tyler wrestle at the Triacoff (a barn burner). Trenton kept us updated throughout. He lost to Bill Wood of Wabash 3-4 putting him in the running for 6th where he then lost to the number 4 seed Steve Mena of Olivet 3-13

RESULTS at 149:

1. #2 Johnny Dillon (Wabash)

2. #1 Virgil Pope (MSOE)

3. #2 Jake Narveson (MSOEWC)

4. Bill Wood (Wabash WC)

5. #4 Steve Mena (Olivet)

6. #6 Trenton Reinoehl (North Central)

We are still VERY proud of Trenton and that he placed 6th in this tournament. I know it disheartened Trenton a bit because the third seed that he beat earlier in the day too third place. It always burns Trenton to know he could have done better. It did my heart so good to see him wrestle yesterday though. I always love to see him and am so sad to leave him...A proud mom I am!

7!

Our biggest baby is 7 years old today! I still remember when we made the decision to get another dog. PJ (our daschund) was getting older and showing signs that he may not last much longer, making it very sad for us. The boys' rocket football coach said his lab was to have babies by Christmas and would always put in that punch line, "you wouldn't be interested in a baby lab, would ya??" Well we gave in. We actually gave Maizy to the kids on Christmas morning since he lived just down the road. We hurried and got her for just a little bit (since she couldn't be away from her momma for long), put her in a little box and gave it to the kids. Their faces lit up with disbelief and love when they opened it! It was only a few days before we were able to actually have her at home with us and what a journey it has been thus far. What an ornery puppy she was. She loved to sleep in Ben's slippers and of course, grab them up to be chased around the house shen she thought she wasn't getting enough attention. That first year was definitely a challenge but we made it and couldn't ask for a more well behaved dog. The unconditional love this dog has for all of us! She loves to go out in the woods with Ben. He has taken her pheasant hunting and bunny hunting and knows exactly where she is going when Ben pulls out the orange vest for her. I have been witness to her going crazy as he gets up into his stands. She jumps and howls till Ben comes down. Maizy loves to play ball too. Tennis balls are her FAVORITE! She has also been a good fetch dog for golf balls as the boys practice short drives in the yard. She brings em right back for the next shot. Maizy loves eggs and knows every weekend morning Ben gives her an egg on top of her food, although Sunday is her big breakfast morning. She also sits beside the bed waiting for a piece of cheese every night before going to sleep...yes, she is a spoiled dog, but we LOVE her and wouldn't have it any other way!!! Happy birthday, Maizy!!! Lots of love and extra bones today!

Holiday Concert

We went to Gabi's Holiday Concert at school last night. For the past few months Gabi has had choir practice at 8am on every Thursday morning. Her efforts payed off last night as she sung her heart out in front of all the parents. The first graders put on a concert first, then the fourth graders and then the choir. Gabi has been bellowing out several songs for a while claiming to be practicing and her favorite one was "Santa Claus Is On His Way" (2nd video). I knew it would be cute just by listening to her "practicing." Dad R. and my parents were gracious enough to come and enjoy the concert also. Pictures below are of Gabi and her classmate and friend, Sloane and Gabi and her friend, Nikki. Adorable!

Basketball Tournament

Hums had to face off with Liberty today to continue on through the tournament. Although Hums lost 10-27, you could most certainly see a HUGE improvement from the first game. What's even more impressive is the fact that Gabi was one of about 6 fourth graders that stayed with the A team to play for Hums! So proud of Gabi to stick it out with the team. I know there have been a few times she was getting a little tired of practice everyday after school, but she kept on keeping on. Friday Gabi will be introduced with her team during the high school girls' basketball game and she is super excited about that. Busy week still ahead...all these early morning choir practices have brought us to her Christmas program this Thursday evening as well. Busy, busy girl.

Rough Day

What a day....the start of a new wrestling season for Tyler and Trenton's first meet since he had been cleared after having concussions. Trenton met with a neurologist on Wednesday where he was told he definitely had two viable concussions in a row. The good news...the symptoms were gone and he was cleared, the not so good news...if he gets another concussion, it could mean the end of his wrestling career. We teased him a bit and said he needed a helmet when he wrestles, but deep down, we hope and pray that he doesn't experience another, it could be devastating. Trenton practiced hard on Wednesday but did not wrestle with his team when they defeated Augustana. He was told on Thursday that he would wrestle at 149 lbs. at University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse for the team on Saturday. Needless to say, he was excited...excited about the fact he could eat and work hard and not cut weight. We were happy for him but sad we could not go to watch. He did a good job of keeping us up to date though and called after he wrestled. North Central faced St. Cloud, Minnesota first (ranked fifth in the country at D3) and beat them 19-16. Although Trenton lost 2-5 against Charlie Kirscht he did a GREAT job wrestling. The coaches both told Trenton they couldn't have won without each and everyone of the wrestlers wrestling how they did. They were happy with how he did, but of course, Trenton was disappointed in a loss. The next match was against 15th ranked Steven's Point and the team lost 12-21. Trenton also experienced a loss 2-8 to Kris Magruder, but again, said he wrestled hard and that's all we expect. We know it had to be rough being off the mat for quite some time. See the all results for North Central here.
Meanwhile, we were in Plymouth with Tyler for his first tournament of the season. At 145 lbs., he went 3-2 today. With the short amount of time that Tyler had to prepare and get down to the weight he needed to be at, we thought he did well. His first two matches were quick...two pinfalls - Bremen and Harrison. The next one was going to be tough, knowing Lewandowski from Plymouth was ranked 12th. Tyler kept the score 0-0 all the way to 1 minute left in the period and Lewandowski caught him and the ref called a pinfall. Tyler was very disappointed and did very well up to that point. It was one of those matches he just kept saying, "I should have won that one." The next match was against Alex Lymburner of Riley and Tyler won 4-1 and feeling better about everything. Unfortunately, Tyler wrestled his last match against Northridge and was winning 12-3 when again, he got caught upsomehow in some weird position with his arms completely behind him and literally could not go anywhere and got pinned. We can't even explain the move he was caught in, it was too weird to believe. Anyways, all in all, a good day. Ups and downs but nice to get into the swing of things. It can only get better. Looking forward to the season ahead. SOOOO very proud of my boys today.

'Tis The Season

Thanksgiving is over...had a wonderful time with family. We were invited to Chad/Amber's house on Friday evening for some pizza, salad and desserts. Played some Family Feud on the Wii and just visited since they were unable to come to our house on Thanksgiving Day. It was a nice time...Thanks Chad and Amber!!! Ben had already promised Tyler if he wasn't playing at Lucas Oil Stadium on this weekend, he would take him and a couple buddies (DJ, Drew and Ben) there to watch the High School Football Championship games being played. They were up and ready to leave by 8am and had an awesome time. Tyler loves the Colts and it was a first for him and Ben to be able to see Lucas Oil Stadium inside. The best game had to be the Class 5A game...Carmel vs. Warren Central. I was able to watch at home on television as it went into 2OT and Warren Central won 42-36. What a heart breaker for Carmel, but wow, what a game. On Saturday, I actually was able to accomplish some shopping and found some great bargains. Gabi and I conquered the mall, Walmart, Old Navy and a couple of bookstores. Gabi was also excited because I told her while the boys were away (Trenton went hunting and then hung out with his girlfriend for most the day), we would decorate the house and tree for Christmas! Had a fun time singing along to some Christmas carols as we put up all the decorations. It is so much fun to go through the ornaments each year...we have a tradition when it comes to our ornaments for our tree...We have some colored (maroon this year) balls on the tree to match the ribbon, but most of the other ornaments are either made by the kids, stand for something the kids have done (sports) or are part of our tradition. Ben's mom started a tradition of getting us an ornament for each home we have lived in with our address. These are particularly special to us as we remember Christmases past. We also have a few ornaments respresenting those we loved and lost in our lives, like Mom R and my brother, Rodney. But a tradition we started quite some time ago was getting an ornament when we go on vacation. It's so much fun to get the ornaments out and reminisce about vacation that past summer. I also have an ornament that represents each of the kids' first Christmas with a photo of them at that stage in their life which they enjoy hanging each year. It just makes our tree special...yes, it tends to have the same ornaments and we change the colors (ball ornaments and ribbon) from time to time, but we just like that tradition. So here it is on Sunday...the wish bone finally dried out for Tyler and Gabi to take a stab at and make a wish...unfortunately, neither got the big side, it broke completely even with the top off. Gabi swears it means both of their wishes will come true. Trenton left around 2pm today to head back to college...missing him already-we had a good visit. Just thankful for so many things in my life, especially my family and children. My wish for them is to always be close to our family as they continue to grow and to keep our traditions alive for as long as they can. It's what makes our family special. I guess it has taken me a bit to get into the "Christmas spirit" - but I think I am headed in the right direction after this weekend :)

Thanksgiving 2009

We enjoyed a nice day here with family- my parents, Ben's dad and brother and Pam & her family. Complete with turkey, dressing, cranberry salad, sweet potato casserole, noodles, rolls, broccoli/rice/cheese casserole, pies and ice box cake....we are LOVIN leftovers today. The festivities began with a reshowing of the Sectional Championship football game (Penn vs. Mishawaka) since Trenton wasn't able to see it. Then we took to the food, conversation, some relaxing and watching football, even tried out some questions from the "Would You Rather" game David brought along...good stuff. Enjoyed holding Leigh and watching Gabi play with Bren. Enjoyed watching Trenton eat (haha). Just plain enjoyed family time and being thankful together :)

So Thankful

The turkey is in the oven, the fixins are pretty much put together ready to go in the oven, the laundry is started and it is not even 7 am yet. Sittin here thinking, where has the time gone?? This year it just doesn't feel like it could be the holiday season yet...feels good to have Trenton home for a few days, not necessarily loving the fact that Tyler has to cut weight for wrestling. That is such a bummer, I don't know why wrestling season has to be during the best eatin' time of the year!!! I don't know, maybe I shouldn't feel so bad that he can't stuff himself until he is sick and unbuttoning his pants for room...we just shouldn't be eating that way anyways, but some do. Anyways, counting my blessings this morning and I have so many that I take for granted each and every day. My family being the biggest. I have such a support network, such an unconditional love from my family and that is absolutely PRICELESS. My parents and inlaws, my children, my husband. I am truly, truly blessed. I know it is such a "generic" thing to be thankful for...whenever anyone asks the question, "what are you thankful for" - their answer is usually "family." But I can tell you, this Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for my family.
I am also thankful for a forgiving God. I can't tell you how often I think, "wow, God must think I am some piece of work"...I fall short quite often and I am trying to get better on that end. I am a true and honest believer than when things are right with God, things are just right, in all areas of my life.
I am also thankful for my Maizy...yes, our lab...she has listened to my good and bad ramblings day in and day out and she just looks at me, ready for me to cry on her shoulder and feel her soft hair as I pet her and ease some of my sorrow, or she is always ready to play, to give me a good laugh...I love that dog. She never goes behind my back and tells any secret or tells anyone that I had a good cry that day...she just lives and loves, takes every moment for what it is and then lets it be...I could learn so much from that. She is such a good companion.
So, as I sit here today, those three things I am most thankful for today...my family, my God and my dog. Oh, believe me, I have so many more things I could list...but for today, those are what I am most thankful for. May God bless you on your Thanksgiving day today. Enjoy it with those who love you. I will be.

Two!

Although Gabi's team lost to Battell today - only by 6-7 shots, she had a great game!!! For being the shortest girl out there, Gabi does VERY well!! In fact, well enough to play three out of the four quarters for the starting team!!!! Gabi played wing today and got her first basket!!! We were sooo excited for her!! She made the basket and she actually looked kind of stunned...like she didn't know what to do from there...it was a very exciting moment. So proud of my girl!! :) And even though that moment made her day, nothing could have outdid the fact that her big brother made it home this evening. Gabi was so excited to see her Trenton home when she got here. Now we are ready for Thanksgiving.

ND vs. UConn

Ben ended up getting 10 AWESOME tickets to the Notre Dame vs. UConn game this afternoon. We are talking four rows up from the field on the south end of the field. We sat right next to the UConn band and just off to the side of the goal post. It was awesome when the action was on our end of the field...but not as good when it was on the other end. Ben, David and I were the adults who went and we allowed Gabi to bring a friend for her first Notre Dame football game...this to ensure that there would be some interaction and entertainment if she got bored and Tyler was allowed to bring four friends. Gabi brought her friend, Sloane Bultinck, and Tyler brought Abby, her brother, Max, Drew Childress and Ben Versyp. We were very impressed with the seats and I was able to get some great pics!! The kids enjoyed their snacks from the concession and were able to get some sillys out at half time as they were allowed down on the field to move around. It was Notre Dame's last home game and the weather was good (50's and sunny). It was Senior Night and as the team came out, the seniors led, grabbed up Coach Weiss and they all walked arm in arm out to the field. Coach Weiss shed some tears - he didn't know they were going to do that at all. The game went into 2OT and unfortunately, ND couldn't pull it out losing 30-33...sad. All in all, a good time though...good weather, good friends, good game (exciting). Sad for the Irish.

Date Night With Daddy

Since Gabi is playing basketball Ben happened to get two free tickets to the Notre Dame basketball game last night, Ben thought it would be perfect opportunity to take Gabi and show her a real game of ball....

Ben said she had a great time and really enjoyed herself...popcorn and cotton candy to boot!

LaSalle

Gabi's first basketball game was tonight - after only having two practices, she did a very good job. She was on one of the starting teams and got to play two quarters as point guard!!! LaSalle seemed VERY aggressive but Gabi is used to that kind of play so she was all in! Unfortunately, her team lost but Gabi had some good steals and she dribbles exceptionally well! Looking forward to two more games! Go Roadrunners!

Life between sports

So I am completely missing football right now...I have all the football gear washed and ready to be put away for the year until next season. Reflecting on such an awesome season Tyler and the team had is sooo bittersweet. Boy, do I wish we could have played in Lucas Oil Stadium for the championship this year. {Sigh}

So I guess, it's onto the next sport...wrestling. Gearing up for that is also bittersweet. I hate the whole cutting weight issues and I don't look forward to my upset stomachs and nervousness. I already got a taste of that when we went to watch Trenton just a few weeks ago. I have to say, though, I wasn't as tensed up as I usually am. Maybe because he has grown so much as a wrestler over the years...or maybe cuz there is MUCH less drama. It was actually enjoyable to watch. Maybe it will be different this year...it would be so nice to have that peace and fun about wrestling again...also waiting on Trenton to be cleared to wrestle again after a concussion last week. I really hope he is able to get back on the mat soon. He is antsy to get there.

Gabi has brought a refreshing change to us...her school has opened up basketball to the fourth graders! She is at an age where she will just try everything and anything and I love that about her. Carefree and spunky. Her first practice was yesterday and she is already enjoying it. Since it is halfway through their season, she will only be able to participate in three more games but I am looking forward to it! Her first one is tomorrow so I will inevitably be posting about that then! I am glad we are taking this time between football and wrestling to do a bit of focusing on our little girl. The one left in the shadows quite a bit. I know it's mostly because she just hasn't found her "thing" she enjoys yet, but she is always there to cheer on her brothers. ALWAYS. Looking forward to a bit of a change...

Also taking my mind off things a bit are the holidays. This year it just seems so hard to focus on buying gifts and I am not quite sure why. The stores are already chomping at the bit to get all the holiday stuff out to spread the holiday spirit, I just am not getting it yet. Not sure why. I am trying to focus on Thanksgiving and can't believe it is only a week away. I always enjoy having it at our house with both sides of the family. Looking forward to a visit with Trenton and spending time with everyone.

So I leave you with this picture...finally found the Burger King that posted Tyler's name for BK Athlete of the week...the one on McKinley in Mishawaka. Goodbye football, it's been such a fun ride!

"Pop Goes The Weasel"

Success Stopped Short was the headline in the paper- the day after the Regional Championship game. Merrillville 28 Mishawaka 27. And a heartbreaker it was. The Cavemen gave up 14 points early...just 5 minutes into the game and it came back to haunt us. By halftime the Cavemen gave us a bit of a cushion making the score 21-14. Unfortunately the Merrillville Pirates came back and scored two touchdowns making the score 28-21. With just a minute and forty five seconds to go or so, the Cavemen scored a td making the score 28-27. What to do...we burned up our timeouts and it looked like we were going to go for the win and a 2 point conversion. Wow...my heart was beating out of my chest at this point and it was like I watching a horror film...I wanted to see, but I felt like I couldn't because of nightmares. The Cavemen were stopped short by 1 yard. The only opportunity we had left was an onside kick and it worked. We made it and recovered the ball beautifully. The Pirates came on strong though and held us...it was a huge scramble, confusion, desperation at that point. We just couldn't get down field to get a field goal. My heart sunk down into my stomach and I wanted to throw up. The tears flowed. The Seniors were heartbroken. The boys put all they had into the game...their whole heart and it hurt. I couldn't have been more proud of all of them, including my son. The wait time to see Tyler after the game felt like hours. It felt good to just hug him and tell him he did a good job and to be proud of what they accomplished and what HE accomplished this year. What an awesome season it has been. Tyler...racking up like 260 yards as a third string fullback and making first team NIC as cornerback. What an honor to have played for this team this year. Be proud and don't hang your head...not for one minute.

Tyler had a great game playing just a few plays at full back (never actually got the ball this game) and defense. Had a bunch of solo tackles and in on a bunch more! In fact, he got Hit of the Night on Fox 28...hence the "Pop Goes The Weasel" as the broadcaster repeated as they replayed the awesome open field tackle.

BurgerKing Outstanding Student Athlete

I have to admit that I nominated Tyler a few weeks ago for this award but nothing...so I waited...and waited...and last Friday he had an awesome week playing football so I decided to go for it again. I figured all the press coverage would help him get recognized this time. I have to say I am definitely proud of Tyler keeping his GPA at 3.8 and it is something we have ALWAYS stressed in our household...school work first, then playtime. SOOO sooo proud of my kids and glad Tyler had a chance to be honored for his hard work and commitments.
Outstanding Student Athlete: Tyler Reinoehl
Tyler Reinoehl has seen plenty of playing time on the Mishawaka football team. He usually lines up as a defensive back, but during the Sectional Championship game, he stepped up for two injured players at the full back position. Rushing for 149 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winning 50 yard touchdowns. Coaches say he's the definition of a leader.
"Quite a leader, just a kid, you know he'll get people up," says Mishawaka head coach Bart Curtis. "But you just know if he's in the game or he's somewhere around the ball something good's gonna happen."
Reinoehl has been playing since fourth grade, but he doesn't let it get int he way of his studies.
"It's definitely something that makes me sore and tired," says the junior at Mishawaka High School. "But I go home, get my homework done and just got bed."
"You see him out there and he's playful and a great kid," adds Coach Curtis. "then you go and you look and he's got a 3.9 GPA. So he knows when to be serious and when to have a good time."
While his goal right now may be a State Championship, he has plenty of help staying focused on the future.
"My parents are definitely on me about my grades," says Reinoehl. "They definitely keep me up and I need to keep my GPA up to get into a good college."
Congratulations to Tyler Reinoehl, WSBT and Burger King Outstanding Student Athlete.

Coveted Necklace

I finally got what I have coveted for several years now from Ben's co workers...the 1st Place Red Pepper Necklace for the best chili!!!! Yes, I have tried a different recipe each year and last year I came very close to winning...this year I took first place!! Found this recipe online and it sounded like something a bunch of warehouseman would like ;)
Serves 6-8
2 tsp. oil
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can dark beer
1 c. strong coffee
12 oz. tomato paste
1 can beef broth
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 1/2 Tbsp. chili sauce
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. salt
3 cans of kidney beans
4 chili peppers, chopped
Heat oil. Cook onions, garlic and meat until brown. Add tomatoes, beer, coffee, tomato paste and beef broth. Add spices. Stir in kidney beans and peppers. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

Interview

Tyler was interviewed for WNDU last evening...the team is just loving the opportunity to play Regionals at Home!! There is no place like home!

All NIC - Football

Another nice write up in the paper yesterday titled "Cavemen Covet Crown" with an excerpt from the article...
While the Cavement defense did its fair share by forcing three turnovers, it was Tyler Reinoehl who stepped up his game another notch. A fixture at cornerback, Reinoehl now had the added duties of playing fullback with senior Gary Brooks and junior Kevin Day out of commission. Entering the contest with just 20 attempts for 113 yards, all the 5 foot 10, 165 pound junior did was carry the ball 23 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns. His 50 yard scamper with 3:54 remaining erased a 21-17 Mishawaka deficit. "We wanted this (sectional title) so bad so everyone was willing to pitch in and help out wherever needed," Reinoehl said. "Having been out there for all but four plays, I'm definitely a little tired. It was all worth it because we all pulled together to get the job done."
Coach Bart Curtis was voted Coach of the Year for the Cavemen and Tyler made First All NIC Team for cornerback this year!!! Those who made first All NIC Team from Mishawaka were Christian Lentz (DL), Cortez Lee (QB), PJ Warmoth (HB), Travis Thomas (OL), and Tyler (CB)!!! SOOOO very proud!!!

North Central Results

You can always check out results and even tune in to live events at the North Central College website...check out the write up on Lakeland College here.
Trenton called last night and said he hit his head pretty hard tonight and the trainer took a look at him. Told him he had pretty much all the symptoms of a concussion. With us not fully convinced he was over the last one just a couple of weeks ago, the coach said he was to see the head trainer today. Trenton will probably be sitting out for a good two weeks. I know Trenton was not happy about this but the coach explained, better now than later. Please say a prayer for him because I know he was excited about getting on the mat again.

Lakeland College

Ben, Dad R. and I piled in the car early yesterday morning and headed for Sheboygan, Wisconsin to watch Trenton's first college match (a big thank you to my parents for keeping an eye on Tyler and Gabi so we could go)! The 3 1/2 hour drive wasn't bad at all. We were already pumped from the big championship game the night prior so we were ready for some action! Trenton delivered! He wrestled Concordia B team kid at 141 lbs. the first round and won 6-3. Nice match but Trenton is always a bit slow the first round of tournaments so we knew he would kick it up another notch next round. He did just that. Trenton went 149 lbs. in the varsity lineup against Lakeland College and pinned his opponent. Trenton's last match was exhibition only and went against a Trine kid at 141 lbs. and ended up losing 0-1. Good match though, but scary. After suffering from a concussion just a couple of weeks ago, Trenton hit his head again and was a bit slow afterwards. I am glad it was his last match of the day, to say the least. Trenton did throw the kid (double overs I am told by Tyler) and we watched that over a couple of times on video today. Impressive. The team did excellent and went 3-0 looking for a great season and we are looking forward to following them.

NCC 31 Lakeland 12

NCC 34 MSOE 3

NCC 23 Trine 11

Definitely enjoyed being able to see Trenton and was enjoyed meeting his team mates as well. They were all very polite and a few even came up to us and thanked us for coming to support their team. I am sure it is hard for many, as it will be for us as well, to make some of the meets at the college level. Trenton was thankful that we came and even said, "I am so glad you came, I am so used to having a crowd, it would have been weird not having anyone." That did my heart well. There was something about watching Trenton wrestle...a feeling like coming home after a long trip...comfortable, relaxing, soothing, like he was right where he was supposed to be and it felt so good to see him in a singlet again. Love you, son! And go Cardinals!

2 More TDs and Sectional Champs!

Wow! Who would have predicted a game like the one we had for Sectional Championship!!! Penn vs. Mishawaka and it was a nailbiter the WHOLE game!!! Tyler had to step it up and play full back since the Gary Brooks and Kevin Day were out and steppin up was an understatement! The newspaper tells the game wonderfully and is the article is below!!! We couldn't have been more proud but wow, Mishawaka had our emotions on a roller coaster from the get go!!! Way to go Cavemen!!! And a HUGE thank you to Kathy who took the time to preserve the memories for us while we were away in Wisconsin watching Trenton wrestle!!! Wow!
Reinoehl runs over Penn
Mishawaka wins first sectional since 1991
Mishawaka - Running with the football isn't one of Tyler Reinoehl's specialties. The Mishawaka High junior mingh have earned himself a little more work after helping send Penn packing Friday night. Reinoehl rushed 23 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns, as No. 8 Mishawaka rallied for a 24-21 win over No. 5 Penn in the Class 5A Sectional 2 title game at Steele Stadium.
After the Kingsment (10-2) had fought back from a 17-0 deficit to grab a 21-17 lead, the 5 foot 10, 165 pound Reinoehl traced 50 yards down the sidelines to the end zone with 3:54 left to put Mishawaka (11-1) in the position to win its first sectional crown since 1991.
The celebration and storming of the field didn't take place, though, until Penn kicker Alan Sinclair had his 30 yard field goal sail wide right with 42.3 seconds left.
Mishawaka's reward for beating Penn twice in one season for the first time is a regional date at home against No. 8 Merrillville (11-1) next Friday.
"I honestly didn't see the play because I was watching how the linemen were set up to block," said Mishawaka coach Bart Curtis of Reinoehl's heroics. "When I heard the crowd cheer, though, I knew something good must have happened. We have confidence in Tyler's abilities, but I didn't know he had it in him to make a run like that."
Known for his solid play as a defensive back, Reinoehl found himself pressed into service in the backfield when an ankle injury kept fullback Gary Brooks out of the lineup.
"I just wanted to do whatever I could to help us come out on top tonight," said Reinoehl. "Although I don't get to run the ball very much, I feel like I can be of some service. (Quarterback) Cortez (Lee) deserves alot of the credit for the (second) touchdown run. He told me he thought there would be an opening to the right and that I should follow. He was right on target and once I got a couple of blocks, I was able to put on the jets and race down field."
After using 15 plays and nearly eight minutes in the opening quarter to grab a 3-0 lead on Matt Reisdorf's 29 yard field goal, the Cavemen needed just seven plays to score two touchdowns.
A fumble recovery by Sebastian Cameron at the Penn 21 paved the way for Reinoehl to score his first touchdown from 11 yards out.
Another fumble, this one covered up by Cody Tungate, put Mishawaka in business at the Penn 23.
Four plays later, Lee hooked up with P.J. Warmouth on a 22 yard strike to make it 17-0 with 10:18 left in the second quarter.
"We dug ourselves a hole with those turnovers, but I knew our kids would find a way to battle back," said Penn coach Cory Yeoman.
Penn used a 31 yard pass from Jared Melander to Kamden Betzer and a 25 yarder from Melander to Gary Downey to get in position at the Mishawaka 9.
Emerson Marenyi capped off the 65 yard march with a nine yard scamper to cut the deficit to 10 at the break.
That momentum carried over into the second half as Gary Downey raced 48 yards on Penn's first drive to make it 17-14.
An interception by Ben Lares at the Mishawaka 46 led Penn's first lead. Melander did the honors by finding Kamden Betzer open for a 46 yard score, taking three Mishawaka defenders into the end zone with him.
Penn's defense helped preserve the cushion as Gary Yeoman recovered a fumble at its own 20 to halt a Mishawaka threat under seven minutes remaining in regulation.
Mishawaka's defense and the Cavemen got the ball back at their own 39 with just five minutes left.
"Getting that three and out was huge because it kept them from gaining any more momentum," Curtis said. "We knew we had enough time left to get the job done. We just had to believe in what we were doing and not panic out there."
"I told Tyler in the huddle that if he could get to the outside that he would have plenty of room," Lee said. "That's because I saw something in the way they were set up defensively. The play worked because both Tyler and the guys on the front line did their job." Penn didn't go down without a fight as Melander had a 20 yard pass to Tre Parmalee and a 19 yarder to Marenyi to get it down to the Mishawaka 14 with 90 seconds to go.
A sack of Melander by Christian Lentz, though, pushed Penn back to the 22 yard line, two plays prior to Sinclair's game tying attempt.
"This is a bitter loss for us, but our kids have nothing to be ashamed of," Yeoman said. "We put ourselves in position to either tie or win the game, but came up short. Mishawaka just made a few more big plays than we did tonight."
Melander finished 9 of 14 for 164 yards, while Downey had 78 yards rushing on 11 attempts and Betzer added two grabs for 77 yards.
Lee ended up with 55 yards on 13 carries, while Warmouth chipped in 77 on 12 attempts.
Mishawaka 24 Penn 21
Penn 0 7 14 0-21
Mishawaka 10 7 0 7-24
Mishawaka
M-Matt Reisdorf 29 FG
M-Tyler Reinoehl 11 run (Reisdorf kick)
M-PJ Warmouth 22 pass from Lee (Reisdorf kick)
P-Emerson Marenyi 9 run (Sinclair kick)
P-Gary Downey 48 run (Sinclair kick)
P-Kamden Betzer 46 pass from Melander(Sinclair kick)
M-Tyler Reinoehl 50 run (Reisdorf kick)
OFFICIALS: William Babcock (referee) Casey Hall (umpire), Chad Myers (linesman), JR Haskins (line judge), John Miller (back judge)
First Downs Penn 10 Mish 18
Rushing Yards Penn 96 Mish 306
Passing Yards Penn 164 Mish 37
Passing Penn 9-14-0 Mish 3-5-1
Punting Penn 3-38 Mish 4-30
Fumbles Lost Penn 3 Mish 1
Penalties Penn 2-23 Mish 5-28