Nancy and I were married June 20, 1987. It’s hard to believe 23-years has gone by. The time has rapidly flown by.
You have been my rock and helped me find balance in my life when it was lacking. Thank you so much for everything you do. I love you so much and look forward to many more years together.
I think back to our first date at Pizza Hut and the Sunday morning over that wonderful breakfast we shared by the river when I proposed. Your answer of “Yes” made me the happiest person on Earth. That sounds cliche I know but I’m not sure if I could or would want to live without you.
We raised two wonderful children and have had our ups and downs, our trials and tribulations and together we have successfully navigated these waters.
I know as we continue to grow older we will continue to use the love we have for each other to overcome any future hurdles may come upon us. I look forward to those days as much as I look forward to the happy, trouble-free days…as long as you are by my side.
Thank you Nancy for the wonderful times we have shared. I love you very much and look forward to many more years together.
With all my love.
Chris
An emotional Mr. Dick Grapes was the recipient of a photograph of the 2009 Lumberjacks. The photo was signed by every member of the team. Mr. Grapes means so much to Lumberjack history. He recently retired after calling games for NT for 51-years. His voice and thoughtful annunciation will always be remembered.
Thankfully Nancy videotaped the banquest so I could be free to photograph the event. I love this little video camera!
The winners of the 2009 academic awards. Kujo has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years and has been a recipient of this award for the same length of time. North Tonawanda should be proud of the school’s academic standing in New York State. The school ranked eigth in academic standing this year.
Quarterback Michael Tuzzo and Stephen “Kujo” Kijowski were the recipients of the two academic awards given out this night. Michael won the North Tonawanda Hall of Fame Scholarship and Kujo won the Louis Anastasi Scholarship. Congratulations to both of you! Mom and I asked Stephen if we could read the several pages he wrote to nominate himself. In true Kujo fashion he said, “I’ll let you read it if I win.” I didn’t tell him until later I had found the document on my computer and with tears in my eyes read it. The grammar was not perfect nor was the spelling but the message he conveyed about the life lessons he has learned and more importantly applied as a member of the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks was clearly stated. I am so proud of Stephen and his accomplishments it makes me feel as though Nancy and I have successfully done our job as parents well.
Coach Dave Celeste, Casey Shreve, Kujo and Coach Tomm. Coach Celeste found out over the summer he had testicular cancer. Once he shared this with the team the players decided to honor Coach Celeste at each and every game. The players wrapped their wrists in athletic tape and wrote the initials “DC” on the tape. Two months ago a fundraiser was held to raise money to help offset the costs of Dave’s treatment and in true Lumberjack fashion over $20K was raised. I was told Dave just completed his last chemotherapy treatment and judging by the smile on his face he’s doing well. Dave, you are in our thoughts and prayers and an inspiration to these boys. Thank you for your courage, tenacity and perserverance.
We could not leave the festivities Wednesday night without a photo of Kujoand Head Coach Eric Jantzi. Coach Jantzi is a true inspiration and a true leader to these boys. Without his support and leadership and the awesome coaching staff he has, this group of boys, this team could not have accomplished what they did this year. Thank you Coach Jantzi for all you have done for our boys.
This is my favorite photo of the night. I love Mr. Grapes’ voice, his leadership, humility and soft-spoken approach to life. We approached Mr. Grapes and asked for a photo. He smiled, rose from the chair in which he was sitting, placed his arm around Stephen and said, “Absolutely.” After we took the photo he made comments to Nancy, Stephen and myself that brought tears to my eyes. I of course know of myson’s accomplishments and probably his most important characteristic, humility; but when Mr. Grapes said through the tears in his eyes how special this team and Stephen were to him I thought I was going to lose it. The overwhelming feeling that someone else had recognized my son for his unbelieveable characteristics and talents was enormous. Mr. Grapes looked at Stephen and said, “Whatever you do don’t you ever lose sight of who you are as an individual. Keep your head on straight and look everyone directly in the eye and you’ll be just fine.” Thank you Mr. Grapes! You have no idea how much that meant to Nancy and myself.
Kujo was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award. Nice job Kujo!
Here’s the boys getting their individual awards.
The team gathered at center field one last time before the opening kickoff.
Kujo, Shreve and Tuzzo met the opposing team captains at centerfield for the coin toss. North Tonawanda won the toss and elected to kickoff.
The Lumberjacks gathered on the sideline before the opening kickoff. The excitement was about to begin!
I think the sign says it all. The Lumberjacks came, dominated and were victorious!
The chant of “NT”, “NT” could be heard throughout the Carrier Dome. North Tonawanda fans traveled to the tune of approximately five thousand to watch “their” team vie for the chance to be identified as “Class AA State Champions.”
This shot is just, well…interesting.
A unique configuration of flags hung at center field.
Kujo runs back toward his team from a brief meeting with the opposing team’s captain before the opening of the second half.
The Jacks did just that!
It is “How we roll!”
The final score said it all…
The NYS Class AA Champions! Congratulations boys! You deserved it. All of the hard work on and off the field has paid off. For those players returning next year, rmember the feeling and the hard work and bring it back again. Lumberjack Pride!
The game was a clean one. Few penalties and clean play. Great sportsmanship! Greater game!
Congratulations again boys!
Nancy had to clean off the rear window of the car and repaint it for the ride home. I was reminded several times to not use the rear window wiper if it began to rain.
There it is. There is no clearer message. Thanks to all of my readers who have endured the love I have for the boys who play on this team, their hard work and their 100% effort. I am most proud of you Stephen. The award your received for sportsmanship means more to me as a parent than any award. It means I have taught you well. Congratulations!
