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.

Today is a day to relax and ponder those things for which we are all thankful. I am thankful for many things. The list is long; too lengthy to mention here but my family and trusting clients come to the forefront of my thoughts. If it were not for both of these groups my life would be very different, not bad but different. Thank you so much.

Soon the place settings will be filled with laughter and good cheer as we get together with family to share those things important to us. It is also an opportunity to allow stale thoughts to leave us and to rekindle those relationships important to us.

Have a great day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Christopher

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

As I dressed for the day I glanced at the clock and knew I needed to stop by the cemetery to say a prayer for her and my grandfather. I am saddened by the fact neither one of them had an opportunity to see my children grow into adults but I know she cherished the time she had with each of them. I wish often my grandfather, a lover of football would have been able to see my son achieve the accomplishments on the field of play as well as off. He would have been proud. When I see my son have a fantastic game I often think of him and know he is watching over Stephen.

As I drove to the cemetery I saw there was a funeral in progress. As I approached the driveway my eyes focused on a flag draped coffin and I knew it was a military funeral. Something told me this was not a WW II veteran who had passed but a young man who had given his life in the fight for freedom. I entered the mausoleum and said my prayer for my grandparents but could not get my mind off the funeral I had just passed. I sat outside briefly basking in the solitude of the cemetery. like magnets my eyes were drawn toward the on-going funeral.  I witnessed two Marines enter their vehicle, a sign the service had ended.

I drove the long way through the cemetery brushing back tears as the memory of my grandmother repeatedly entered my thoughts. I was about to exit the cemetery as I glanced to my left and noticed the once flag draped coffin was now naked and sitting alone atop it’s perch waiting to be lowered into its final resting place. Mourners had left and others were still leaving. My thoughts drifted to the fallen soldier and the hopes he is not soon forgotten. My eyes focused on alone mourner who remained and stood at the side of the coffin of the fallen soldier. His hand was laid with respect on the smooth wood of the coffin now bare of the flag. I, on the other hand watched and looked at the coffin from a safe distance. I said a prayer for him and his family. He gave to this country what I am unsure I would be capable of giving. For his gift I am thankful. I did not know the fallen soldier but he has become linked in my thoughts with my grandmother and when I think of her I will think of him and all of the soldiers who have served and continue to serve.

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

Megan told me how much she enjoys Fall and Winter. Megan came up with a wonderful idea for her ring shot. I love the brilliant colors in this shot. It’s these colors that also bring the warmth of Fall closer to my heart.

This shot was taken in the lot of one of the newer schools in Niagara Falls. I had previously driven by this schoolyard and fell in love with these sculptures. They mean many things to me but enough for now. The rest of the post will be up early next week. Check back next week and see more photos from this fun photo session.

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.

Charlie was a typical male in front of the camera. His mother wanted the photos; he really didn’t care if he had them done. It was a day off from school. The weather was damp and dreary and as I got into my car to head to Cardinal O’Hara High School, raindrops danced on my windshield. I became anxious the shoot would not go off. I saw Charlie and he had gotten all dressed up and I just knew we had to make sure we got the shots. Charlie’s mother also made me aware Charlie had been named the 2009 Homecoming King. Congratulations Charlie.

Charlie started off stiff and experienced some difficulty smiling. I don’t know how I did it but a couple of minutes into the shoot Charlie started to smile and he never stopped.

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.

Additional photos can be viewed and purchased at christopherkijowski.zenfolio.com.

As Stewart changed direction Kujo found himself needing to stop and change direction mid-stride.The fourth quarter found the Wolverines QB beating the Jacks defenders to the outside which led to 22-points. Without the sideline to use as an escape route, Stewart was forced to run anywhere he saw daylight. When he did there was a slew of Jacks defenders available to plug the hole.Mike did an excellent job again of commanding the offense.Davis had a fairly easy time running against the Wolverine defenders.Montesanti was also effective as a ball carrier against a Wolverine defense who didn’t quite know how to stop the Jacks multiple weapons.Stewart was effective as a scrambler. Here’s t he one that got away.FUMBLE! North Tonawanda ran their bruising defense throughout the game. Their pressure forced their QB to struggle and scrammble and in this case to experience some difficyulty holding on to the ball.Niagara Falls recovered this fumble.Stewart being pressured again. I’m pretty sure he became sick and tired of seeing the red, white and blue of the Jacks as the North Tonawanda defense pressured him the entire afternoon.You can run but you can’t hide. Kujo hit Stewart and refused to let go. They don’t call him “Kujo” for nothing.Kujo was pretty effective as a ball carrier carrying for just shy of 60-yards. He is is the epitome of grit and determination. Go Jacks!!

A few weeks ago what was only an idea in a photographers heart quickly became a reality as Kristen Weaver created the Images for a Cure national fundraising event.

Images for a Cure is a one day event where hundreds of participating photographers will be shooting portrait sessions for a discounted session fee of $100.  All the session fees from the event will be donated directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.  This day in age it seems virtually impossible to find someone who has not been touched by breast or other forms of cancer.  A few  years ago Bradford’s aunt was quickly taken by the disease in a matter of months.  We are so honored to take part in such an incredible event that allows us to use our talents and bring something beautiful to an ugly disease.  Join us on October 11, 2009 as photographers across the country will be shooting portraits to help raise funding to further breast cancer research.  Christopher Kijowski Photography is proud to be offering mini sessions on Sunday the 11th for $100 each.  Our mini sessions are perfect for family photos, holiday photos for Christmas cards, or just because.  Please contact us at christopherkijowskiphotography@gmail.com or go directly to our website at www.christopherkijowskiphotography.com if you are interested in booking your session.  Book soon as only a limited number of sessions are available.

*Session fee does not include prints or a disc of images.  All products can be purchased separately.

North Tonawanda stopped David Fluellen in his tracks and kept him from scoring all night. Fluellen had previously averaged 212 yards per game was held to just 74 yards tonight.

From the Tonawanda News, “Senior Steve Kijowski keyed NT’s defense with 14 tackles, including two for a loss. He was just as solid offensively, leading NT with 109 yards on 16 carries. He scored from 18 yards out midway through the third quarter to give the Jacks a 21-0 lead. That was three plays after a 56-yard run to paydirt was negated by a holding penalty.”

More photos from the game at http://www.christopherkijowski.zenfolio.com. That’s my boy Kujo. He had more rushing yards than Fluellen had that night. I slowed down the shutter speed and love the blurred effect.

This was the best look Fluellen had all night. The NTHS defense held him to less than 100 yards rushing. This was a huge disappointment for a player who was used to rushing for more than 200-yeards per game.

This was the typical look Fluellen received all night. Yep, that’s my boy on Fluellen’s backside going after one of his two dozen tackles.

Another typical view for Fluellen…defenders all around him and blocking every access route toward open territory and the promised land of the end zone.

The final score brings the ‘Jacks to a 4-0 season. Congratulations boys! You are playing wonderfully!

I’m so impressed by Mr. Grapes 50-years of dedication to “Jacks” football. Thanks Mr. Grapes for being the “voice of the Jacks.”

The Make-A-Wish Radio-thon is your chance to help grant a wish by making a request and pledge to hear any song you want, or bid during our hourly auction on some one of a kind rock and sports items.

The goal for this years radiothon is $250,000. When the radiothon ended at 10:00 AM over $240,000 had been raised for Make-A-Wish. The listeners of 97-Rock came through again and now more wishes can be granted. WOW! It amazes me how the people of Buffalo, NY come together and dig deep to help such a  great cause! Thanks to veryone who volunteered their time and a special thanks to everyone who made a donation of time and money.

Rian Lindell of the Buffalo Bills.

DJ Jixster

Michael is another “Wish” kid who overcame great obstacles with the help of Make-A-Wish.

Larry with Michael and his parents.

Larry Norton just twelve more hours before the end of the radiothon.

I think this is my favorite shot. Andrea’s sister Sarah came up with idea for a contest for door prizes. Baby diapers with a spot of melted chocolate. The guests had to smell and visualize the type of “diaper filler”. The correct answer won a door prize. I just couldn’t participate and I more than likely won’t ever look at chocolate the same way again! I can’t wait for the “real” shower in October.

m

Before the game began a group of local veterans were honored for their service to our country. I chose this side view of the color guard because a full frontal view didn’t allow me to see the comments on the flag which said, “You are not forgotten.” The men and woman who have and continue to serve to protect our country from further terrorist attacks will never be forgotten. Thank you for all that you do.

There is a small group of students who walk throughout the stadium complex carrying this flag and supporting the team. Occasionally they decide it is important to go into the visiting bleachers to ensure the visiting family’s are also supporting our team.

Every game begins with the players entering the field by running out onto the field and running through the “Go Jacks” banner

My son, pumped for the game after a difficult week of practice crashed through the banner first.

Kujo’s trying to get through the defenders to get to the quarterback.

Like I said in the previous post; you just can’t have at least one post featuring Aaron Davis running in for a touchdown.

Michael had a great command of the offense as evidenced by the final score of 63-0.

Dick Grapes is celebrating his 50th year of calling the NTHS Lumberjack games. Way to go Mr. Grapes you have a great voice. Thank you for your 50-years of service and dedication to the NTHS Lumberjacks.

This said it all! A number of people have asked me why the coach ran the score up. Well, he didn’t. From much of the second quarter through the end of the game he played the “rest of the team” which consisted of second and third stringers. Williamsville North just could not muster any offense.