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

A number of speakers were slated to congratulate the coaching staff and the kids on an undefeated season and the achievement of the first State Championship in School and Niagara County history. I’m sure when the rain began many people assumed the victory rally would be cancelled and rescheduled. Not in North Tonawanda. The weather doesn’t bother us here. When the season turns cold and night falls earlier, we respond by turning on the lights and dressing in warmer clothing. After all, we’re Lumberjacks!”

The vernerable Dick Grapes agreed to change his schedule and emcee the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks 2009 Championship Victory Rally at the Lumberyard Wednesday night. Mr. Grapes as he is known to everyone, recently retired after spending the last 50-years as the “Voice of the Lumberjacks.” His voice is unmistakeable and his command of the English language remarkable.

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.

I feel it is important to take a line from the book “Notes Left Behind” about how we measure time. I have caught myself many times as my children were younger saying “I wish this day would end” or “I wish my children were older.” Time has a way of sneaking up on us even when we don’t want it to. I wish now, as I grow older it would slow down. Stephen, or as everyone else knows him “Kujo” turned 17 on October 21st. He is my youngest child. I watched him grow into the fine young man he has become and smile with excitement at what his future holds for him. He has learned well and I have learned well with him. He does not know this but any good parent learns from the mistakes they have made as a parent. I feel as though I have done a good job. I will always be there to guide you. If you recall the lessons you have learned and apply them to your future you will do fine.

Congratulations boys! Let this Championship win be nothing more than a stepping stone to greater things in your life.

As we ate, we spoke of the team’s success throughout the year culminating with a win at the Carrier Dome. We spoke of the individual and the team awards and the importance of characteristics such as character and integrity. I discussed with him the importance of continuing to demonstrate those very important characteristics he will continue to find success on and off the football field. Of course following this course can often be difficult. The winds blow hard from both the port and starboard sides and it is these times we find ourselves veering off course. We spoke of our moral compass and the importance of following it so we can regain our footing on our path.

We also spoke of the leadership exuded by so many of his teammates and the coaching staff for it was this leadership which guided this team to the State Championship. Coach Jantzi said it best when during a recent post-game interview he suggested the team “never bickered, never backed down from adversity and worked hard during the season as well as during the off-season.”

There is an oak tree in front of my house. On calm summer days I liked spending some time sitting on my front porch contemplating simple things. Eventually my gaze would wander to this tree; it’s magnificent trunk reaching into the sky; it’s branches reaching out and up as if to say, “I am strong.” When Fall arrives and the tree stands bare of it’s leafy coat, it’s strength becomes increasingly apparent. It’s branches, like bony fingers still reach to the sky as if to say, “I am not dead. I am still here and I will be back with a vengeance in the Spring.” For this is our life. Our lives often follow an irregular patter of successes and failures. It is important to return to our moral compass to find the combination of things which will help us return to a successful direction.

This team will move on to complete the remainder of the school year. Some will return for another season of football while others will move on to play at a higher level. Those players returning to NTHS will seek to continue what was begun this season. This level of successs is possible if you keep your attitude in check and continue to work hard. Stephen and the others look forward to the receipt of their championship rings. Those rings should be worn proudly but not flaunted. Remember, your humility for it is what kept you grounded throughout the season and will help you maintain a sense of being grounded in the future.

As I wrote this I found tears in my eyes, again. This is pretty common for me as I used to say “I was cursed with having feelings.” As I grow older, with me grows my appreciation for what people can accomplish, not the superficial success but the deep down “I knew I could do it if I pushed myself just a alittle bit harder” success. Like anyone else I find myself whining from time to time but work quickly to snap myself back into reality as the time and energy wasted whining does me no good. The tears I shed are not tears of sadness but tears of joy. They remind me of the need to be humble and to maintain a sense of humility in all of the things I do for it is this sense which helps to keep me grounded.

Kujo was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award. Nice job Kujo!

Here’s the boys getting their individual awards.

I exited the housewith the last of the items to get packed into the car for the drive to “the Dome.”. As I looked East my eyes widened as I saw the sunrise. Beautiful is not a word which can adequately describe what I saw. I was happier yet when I recalled the drive to Syracuse is East and that beautiful sunrise would be with us throughout the drive. A good omen I am sure. I brushed tears away as I thought of our boys, already in Syracuse knowing today was going to be a good day. The happiness I felt for the boys was immeasurable.

I secretly thought of our coming drive and the happiness I would feel watching our son and his team play for surely what is the greatest glory in high school football; a state championship.

As we got on the road, coffee in hand and our caravan of family and friends in tow we made our way through the suburbs of Buffalo searching for the entrance to the NYS Thruway. As we entered the thruway and traveled East, I found myself daydreaming and looking back at the years successes for this team. I smiled widely and proudly.

As I was not bestowed the luxury of a sideline pass the photos I have chosen to share here are not action shots per se, but the action in the stands provided by the ever present and supportive North Tonawanda Fans. These are the shots that demonstrated the “fun and excitement” of the day.

I hope you enjoy reading this and viewing the photos as I enjoyed making them and reliving the wonderful events of Sunday afternoon. Please leave any comments at the end of this post.

Thanks for reading,

Chris

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!

This is is. This is the game for all the marbles. This is the game which decides the winner of the New York State Class AA Championship.

In the 100-years of North Tonawanda football no team has ever made it this far into the playoffs. Since 1993 when the New York State Championship has been played, no North Tonawanda has found itself ready to play for the State Championship.

That all changes this weekend when North Tonawanda meets New Rochelle at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome on Sunday November 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM. Practice resumes this afternoon and  continues to morrow afternoon before the players and coaches make the pilgrimage to Syracuse.

I am so proud of the players on this team; their athleticism and their leadership. I recall making a statement at the beginning of the season. It went something like this, “If you boys maintain your health and a healthy attitude of humility, there is no reason why you should not be able to take that all the way to Syracuse.” This group of kids never said they “couldn’t do it.” Never said, “It’s too much work.” They worked hard during the off-season and even harder once the season began and dominated all of their opponents. Many people underestimate the power of a positive, proactive attitude and for that I believe they are foolish.

Go Jacks! The entire City of North Tonawanda will be there to support you as you take this final step toward the achievement of your goal of becoming New York State Champions.

North Tonawanda sits on the confluence of the Erie Canal and the mighty Niagara River. In it’s beginning it was a major lumber port and earned the nickname the “Lumber City.” When the city’s only high school decided to start an athletic program and add football as a sport, the name “Lumberjacks” was an obvious choice.

I recall sitting at the first contest of the 2009 football season and watch this group of talented young men easily handle their opponent and come out victorious. I recall saying, “If these boys can remain their health, keep their attitudes in check and continue to play their brand of football; there is no reason why they cannot make it through the playoffs and claim the “New York State Class AA State Championship” title. The win against the Baldwinville Bees on Saturday night finds this team poised on the doorstep of greatness with one game remaining in this championship quest.

The following photos are courtesy of Bob “Schooch” Pascucci. Thanks Schooch.

Casey Shreve, Kujo and Kyle Shreve. The Tonawanda News named these three players, among others from NTHS to the WNY All-Star first Team. Congratulations boys! You deserve the honor.

Notice the coach from Lancaster. He’s holding his heart because he can’t believe Kujo just broke that tackle and now has a clear shot at the goal line. A 41-yard TD run.

Kujo just wasn’t going to let that cast stop him. The announcer from Time-Warner kept referring to the cast as “The Club.”

What an intimidating defense. This is one awesome group of kids. I’m thinking blitz here.When Kujo plays fullback he just keeps running. It’s all that work in the weight room during the off-season. Coach Jantzi keeps telling these kids about the importance of keeping fit and staying in the weight room. The kids get it and it shows throughout the season.

Kujo met with a reporter after the game and accepted the award on behalf of the team. Go Jacks!

This contest was supposed to be a viscious contest. B’ville has an unbelieveable record and a running back to match. He has run for over 250-yards each game. This was due in part to having a line in size that rivaled the Empire State building.

Both teams were evenly matched, more on paper than in size. North Tonawanda has a multi-dimensional approach while B’ville has a bruising offense that aims to run over you at every opportunity. Keep the offense off the field, keep the defense on the field, wear them down and score points.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Please don’t forget to leave questions, comments and ideas for future posts by clicking on the “Leave comment” button below.

I appreciate you reading,

Chris

Norm Shreve is the father of Casey and Kyle Shreve. Today he was also known as the “Grill Master.” Nice job on the hamburgers and hot dogs Norm. The food we had was tremendous. I heard something about chowder and gumbo for next week. No wonder I enjoy football games so much or maybe it’s just the tailgating part. No, the football was excellent too.

The Lumberjacks have dominated every team they faced this year. This lead the team to an 11-0 record. The depth of this team at many positions is quite remarkable. Thankfully the team has not known many injuries during their campaign for the 2009 State Championship.

The team fought a difficult battle against a very worthy foe. North Tonawanda fought through many penalties and miscues to be victorious. This victory ensured the team would move on to the next level and continue to advance toward the coveted State Championship title. Winning this contest also gave the ‘Jacks title as the “Section V/VI Regional Champions.” There has not been a  previous Lumberjacks team that has ever advanced to this level. Congratulations boys! You, your coaching staff have done a fantastic job. The unbelieveable NT fans will continue to make the trip down the I-90 to support you!

The Lumberjacks play a highly ranked team from Baldwinsville, NY on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

It is easy for individuals to loudly praise their achievements but it is my belief it is more important to have one’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Watching Stephen reminds of the importance of humility. Watching Stephen reminds me of the importance to know what one is capable of accomplishing and to simply go out and do one’s job; to accomplish one’s goals…quietly and without fanfare.

Stephen does not gloat. He does not point out his accomplishments. He allows his actions, his behaviors to speak for him. It is this voice which speaks more loudly than any other. We found out the day after NT’s win against Lancaster he won “Player of the Game.” He never said anything and when we witnessed his on-field interview we figured it was a result of his on-field accomplishments.

Here’s to those people who go about their day quietly and without need for regard. You will be noticed as your fire will burn brightest. Congratulations ‘Jacks and Congratulations Stephen. Onward to the next goal. Go Jacks!

“I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Kujo, now also known as the “Animal”, the “Rhinoceros” and the “Locomotive” romped for over 176-yards rushing Friday night.

The football gods were being kind to photographers and fans at the game. I knew it was going to rain and hoped it wouldn’t rain too hard for too long. The rain began in the afternoon and the sky told me it was not going to cease anytime soon. I arrived at the game cloaked in wet weather gear and ready for the rain. As the first quarter came to an end the rain slowed and evolved into a fine mist. Half-time arrived and we were treated with heavier rains that retreated into a fine mist by the time the second half began. This mist continued for the rest of the game.

Kujo playing both sides of the ball very effectively.

  Kujo was thankful his “O” line did such a fantastic job blocking and opening up running lanes. Seriously, this is a good team!Kujo broke away from tacklers to secure some of his 174-rushing yards.

As a game it wasn’t much of one as North Tonawanda almost matched their score of one year ago.North Tonawanda scored on every possession through the first three quarters of the game and cruised to a 68-7 win over Tonawanda at the Lumberjacks Sports Complex in the 100th meeting of cross-canal rivals.

The Jacks now 7-0, ranked third in The Buffalo News’ large schools poll and fourth in the state by the New York State Sportswriters Association in Class AA, matched the largest margin of victory in the series, which officially began in 1904. NT won, 61-0, in 2008.

On defense, linebacker Steve (Kujo) Kijowski had 11 tackles, including three for loss.

The game through the screen of an iPhone.Kujo goes airborne after being tackled from behind as he was a standout at the fullback position.

Coach Jantzi accepting the trophy from the Marine Corp as the winner of the 100th Annual T-NT game. The game was chosen by the Marines as one of the 100 greatest rivalries in the country.The North Tonawanda Lumberjack coaching staff celebrating a perfect 7-0 season.Kujo was interviewed at the end of the game by a Time Warner cable reporter.