They did it again. The City of North Tonawanda residents turned out in droves to cheer on their beloved Lumberjack football team. I’m sure the attendance would have been closer to what it normally is during a football game if the rain had not continued. The event was originally planned for the Lumberyard. For those of you not familiar with North Tonawanda football, the “Lumberyard” is slang for the football field.
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.
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!
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.”
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!
