It’s done. It’s over. The 2009 high school football season has come to an end. A very successful end.
My son’s high school football career has also ended. The team decided they did not want the season to end prematurely so they fought hard each game and walked away with index fingers pointed to the sky in a victory salute. The raised fingers also denoted “One more game. One more step toward the championship game.”
On an unseasonably warm Sunday in Syracuse two weeks ago the Lumberjacks held their fingers high, pointed at the sky this time saying, “We did it. We are the champions.” Wednesday night was the night for the team to gather once more and again raise their fingers high in a victory salute. A salute to themselves, to their coaches and the parents and citizens of North Tonawanda who supported the team throughout the year.
Next year another team will take the field. This team a new team as every team is. This team will be comprised of players returning from the victorious 2009 season and those players moving up from the JV team. This team will continue to work together in the off-season in an attempt to win glory for the school and the city once more. When the Lumberjacks take the field next year their spirits will be buoyed by the previous year’s victory and by the same people who have supported the team year after year. The Lumberjack pride, spirit and poise demonstrated by those players who have moved on will remain with the team for it is this energy that will help fire the engine that is Lumberkack Pride.
Go Jacks! Congratulations boys on a great season! This beautiful cake was donated by Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts. If anyone has ever had desserts from Muscoreil’s then you understand how good this cake tasted. If you have not tasted their fine products, all I can say is you have no idea what you are missing!
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.
I think it’s also important to recognize and remember Mrs. Grapes who passed away on October 28, 2009. On the night of Mrs. Grapes wake, several members of the Lumberjacks football team arrived at our house wearing dress slacks, shirts and ties. A few minutes later Stephen descended from his room wearing similar clothing. When I asked the boys why they were dressed in such a manner I was told they were ”going to the funeral home to pay their respects to Mrs. Grapes and support Mr. Grapes.” This is the epitomy of the Lumberjack football team. There is nothing else to say. I recall a cheer from my daughter who was a cheerleader for the Lumberjacks. It goes something like this A-W-E-S-O-M-E! That’s what the Lumberjacks are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
As always, please leave a comment in the comment section of the blog. Thanks so much for reading.
Chris
Coach Eric Jantzi is flanked by Senators Robin Schimminger and George Maziarz. the pair read a proclamation from NYS Governor Patterson. The proclamation explained the members of the Lumberjack football team were invited to Albany and participate in a senatorial session during which time the lawmakers of NYS would recognize congratulate the team. How cool is that?!
This is a copy of the sign which will grace the major entrances to the City of North Tonawanda. Mayor Soos also proclaimed December 2, 2009 “North Tonawanda Lumberjack Football Day.” I know I’ve used this phrase once already, but “How cool is that?!”
The audience was moved indoors as the rain continued. If you can pick out my beautiful wife and/or Casey and Kyle Shreve’s grandmother (no family members allowed) I’ll give you 15% off any photo shoot package. 
The speakers for tonight’s event were numerous local dignitaries. Congratulations to Barb Zellner on her election to a seat in the Niagara County Legislature. Congratulations Barb! I’m sure you’ll do us proud! Barb is also the mother of Jeffrey Zellner who was an outstanding fullback for the Lumberjacks and graduated last year. Jeff now plays football at Utica College.
The cheerleaders kept the crowd involved.
Kujo, Kyle Shreve and Jimmy Rodgers. Kujo is sporting the pullover windbreaker all of the players received as a result of participating in the NYS Championship game on Sunday. This photo was taken in front of the “Wall of Fame” in the NTHS Student Center where I am quite sure a plaque will shortly be adorning the wall in honor of the 2009 Lumberjack Football team. The boys are overjoyed with their success. When I spoke with Kujo and Kyle after the victory celebration both boys agreed “it hadn’t really sunk in yet.” Both of these boys like the rest of the team have maintained a level head and they haven’t allowed the win to go to their head.
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!
