Sunday, August 30, 2009

8-28-09 Players of the Week and Supporting Cast

Parents and Players,

Great win against Stoney Creek! Athens: 17, Stoney Creek: 7

Defensive Player of the Week: Joe Kemp
Special Teams Player of the Week: Kevin Weslosky (Week 2 Honorary Captain)
Scout Defensive Player of the Week: Bobby Kirkpatrick
Big Stick of the Week: Jake Duzey
Scout Offensive Player of the Week: Chris Schmidt
Offensive Player of the Week: Jake Duzey
Count on Me Player of the Week: Dan Buia (Leads the Team with the Flag)

Congratulations to the player's of the week!!! We must remember the most important component of being honored as a player of the week though. There is always a huge supporting cast that helped you achieve the honors you received from Friday's game. A head coach is only as good as his assistant coaches and the players involved in his program. A running back and quarterback are only as good as the offensive lineman blocking for them. The so-called "top dogg's" of the team are only as good as the "scout" player challenging him everyday. We must understand that everyone plays a role on this team. Whether it be the Special Teams Demagogue, to the Scout Team specialist; we all play a role in the success of this team. I expect that everyone on this team will continue to challenge each other for the starting roles they either currently have or wish to obtain. Complacency and frustration, combined with a lack of communication will ultimately be this teams demise. I love where this team is heading. Our success from Friday should only continue the bond and commitment we have in making this program the best team the state has ever seen. We need EVERYBODY in order for this goal to be accomplished. Like I always say . . . Take care of your job, take care of each other, and the rest will take care of itself.

Beat Clarkston!

Coach Heppner

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Newspaper Troubles

Players,

Outstanding team effort and WIN tonight against Stoney. A true test of a teams character is how they respond during games when they are winning. All of you proved today that you will do "Whatever it Takes" to get the job done from start to finish. We need to cherish this victory for a few more hours, and then reload to focus on Clarkston. We're going to take this season week-by-week, until ultimately we have taken this league by storm. Focus on the things we did right, but do not lose sight of the things we need to correct in order to get better. I'll post the stat's on the website for all of you guys to see. The stats will also be posted on MaxPreps.com.

Parents and Players,

I tried all night to get a hold of someone in both the Detroit News and the Oakland Press but was unable to contact anyone in order to publish our stats in Saturdays paper. I will check with Mr. Dowd to see if I have the correct number's, but when I tried to contact Keith Dunlap for the Oakland Press, all I got was his voicemail. The same thing went in regards to the Troy Times. I used to be able to call into the Macomb Daily until 12:00 am, but that must not be the case in Oakland County. If anyone has information as to who I can contact and what times I'm supposed to call in, that would be great.

Great win tonight! Keep this thing rolling.

Coach Heppner

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Last Few Days of Preparation

Gentlemen

With only a few more days left before we face Stoney Creek, let's not forget the foundation that will make us the most dominant football team in this league. We must over-prepare our minds for any and all types of situations that may occur during the game. It goes without saying, the more mentally prepared you are for a game, the more you increase your chances of success. By studying, understanding, and knowing your scouting reports - both inside and out - you will be the most prepared football player on Friday night. You guys can't even begin to realize the type of potential oozing from each and every single member of this football team. The talks of potential must be over, and the actual projection of the talent we have on this football team should be reflected during every offensive and defensive rep we take at both our practices and each game.

Football is a simple game. The team who makes the least amount of mistakes in the end wins. As a staff, our expectations are high. We demand perfection, because I know deep down inside that's what you guys want from us. Anything less would be totally unacceptable. We have been given a challenge. The challenge is to pull Troy Athens Football out of the depths of mediocrity, and place it on the peak of the mountain where all true champions strive to live. You must not only demand success from football, but also from the friends you hang out with, the education you receive, the healthy lifestyle you choose to live, and the positive relationships you choose to build throughout your lifetime. You deserve the best, and you are the best. NOW IS THE TIME TO START BELIEVING IN OUR ABILITIES AS A FOOTBALL FAMILY. Negativity and miscommunication will only hold this team back from the goals in which we strive to achieve. Continue to Compete; Continue to have Heart; Continue to choose the right Attitude; Continue to Motivate; Continue to Perform; and Continue to Sacrifice for each other. When we put all six components together, you will stand at the peak of the mountain top, side-by-side with your Redhawk brother, and proudly announce to the world that yes . . . . . we are the C.H.A.M.P.S.!!!!!!!!!

See you boys tomorrow! Beat Stoney!!!!

Coach Heppner

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Communication Reminders

Parents,

As we head into the new season of the Redhawk, there is one important aspect of the way we function as a football family I would like to address. I've been coaching long enough to know that as the head coach, nothing ever seems to run perfect, and parents will always have their concerns - rightly so. As stated before, my only hope is that we communicate these concerns with the appropriate parties before they are taken to the administrative level. I will be more than happy to sit down with any parent who feels the need to discuss certain matters regarding the football program; as long as they have gone through the proper channels of communication first. The only way we can survive is to communicate and be on the same page at all times. The worst thing we can do is get the student athlete caught in the middle of these concerns, and distract their total commitment to their teammates.

We haven't had any issues so far, but I just felt that I needed to reiterate the importance of our parent-to-coach communication protocol before we get into the season when emotions start to run high. If a parent takes their concerns to an administrator before talking to the appropriate coach first, then we are sending a negative message to all parties involved.

Again, my door is always open! Please feel free to contact me at any time. With your help and partnership, we can make this season an extremely positive one. Also, make sure to read the last two posts on the blog from today's date. There is important weekend information that needs to be received. All of you have been more than supportive over the last few months. Thank you for your time and understanding.

Go Redhawks!

Coach Heppner

Congratulations to the Captains!!!

Varsity:

# 12 Joe Abro (Senior QB)
# 32 Kyle Pennington Senior (Senior H/LB)
# 4 Billy Spinek (Senior H/LB)
# 31 Jake Duzey (Junior WR/DB)
# 11 Luke Winkel (Junior QB/DL)

J.V.:

# 2 Jake Spinek (QB/WR/DB)
# 10 Brandon Neal (QB/WR/DB)
# 32 Matt Fitzpatrick (RB/LB)
# 66 Joe Colo (OL/DL)

Freshman:

# 11 Joe Shields (QB/DB)
# 9 Sam Haskell RB/DB)
# 44 Aaron Hazen (FB/LB)
# 61 Andrew Schoenbeck (OL/DL)

Congratulations to all of the young men selected as the captains for the 2009 Football Season. They not only have the privilege of representing their team as the leaders on the football field, but also as the leaders who will define the true meaning of a proud and respectful Redhawk football player off the field as well. Their captainship is certainly a privilege that is to not be taken for granted. These young men were chosen by their teammates and coaches, and you can see their family members chose wisely.

Congrats,

Coach Heppner

Friday August, 20th Schedule

Parents and Players,

The following teams will report at the designated times to watch game film from Thursday's scrimmage:

Freshman: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
J.V. 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Varsity: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

We unfortunately will not be able to have the Freshman and J.V. in the pool during their designated time due to scheduling conflicts. The Varsity team, however, will be able to get in the pool for their therapy session before we watch film. Make sure all members bring their bathing suit. This will be the normal routine after games for all levels. During the season, Freshman and J.V. will be in the pool for a stretch and flex session before they watch the film of the previous evenings game. Varsity will always meet at 9:00 am on Saturday morning to conduct the same therapy and film routine.

The rest of the weekend is yours to rest and get ready for Stoney Creek. Please check the calendar at the bottom of the blog for next weeks practice times.

Coach Heppner

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Discount Cards and Protective Gear

Parents and Players,

Just a reminder that there are two days left to sell the discount cards that were passed out last Thursday during sign-up. We will have a selling blitz after the 9:00am mentor practice on Saturday. I truly appreciate all of your help not only with this type of fundraiser, but with the smooth transition we have made heading into the 09 season. Any questions, feel free to call or send me an email.

Also, Chris Czerwien from Rawlings will be here at 2:00 on Saturday to sell their new line of Zoombang protective gear. This is some really impressive stuff. I've seen Chris's demo where he put the Zoombang material over the top of his hand, then smash it with a mallet and it didn't hurt him one bit. The beauty of the whole thing is that it's encased in girdles, rib, and chest protectors that are very thin and non-restrictive. If you are interested in checking it out for possible purchase, Chris will have everything here at your convenience. I'll also have Sarah Weslosky email all of you the flyer Chris is sending me.

Things are looking outstanding for the Redhawks this year. Keep motivating, learning, and challenging each other every day.

Coach Heppner

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

6:00 am Reminder's for Excused Absences

Gentlemen,

All players that have contacted me in regards to missing practices this weekend because you have an excused absence will run their reminder's at 6:00 am sharp on Wednesday, August 19th. If you are missing two days, you will have to run double the conditioning. Remember, this is not punishment, simply the only alternative to make up the practices you have missed. If you miss the scheduled make-up running time, it will be considered an unexcused absence and you will not be able to participate in the scrimmage. You will, however, have to make up that conditioning - times 2 - at a new time designated by yours truly.

Make sure to communicate with me if you have an excused reason to miss a practice!

Coach Heppner

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

New Updates and Reminders

Gentlemen, and Jake "What's up with dating Troy High girls" Collison,

Tomorrow when you check in before the team meeting I will have updated sheets for 36/37 Power Trap Pass, the Empty Series, and the X Special package on my table in the cafeteria. Make sure you put these sheets in the appropriate sections of the playbook. I will also have some Offensive and Defensive Install sheets printed off for those of you that are having a tough time getting them from the blog.

Also, make sure that you have your Heat Sheet and Sobriety Agreement Sheets signed by your parents and turned in to me no later than Thursday. Anyone who needs a copy of the parent packet containing these sheets or any other type of equipment issues must see me by 2:00 sharp tomorrow before practice.

There will be no offensive install for both the Freshman and J.V. teams tomorrow. We will review the plays that we have gone over the last two days in order to make sure that all of us can run these plays to perfection. I'm expecting that all members of the Freshman and J.V. teams will take the extra step we discussed at practice today to make yourself an offensive threat to be reckoned with. Go over all the plays that we have put in so far, and make sure that you can run them in your sleep. Most importantly. . . ASK QUESTIONS! The only way we can get better each and every day is if we have total means of communication. Varsity . . . you are continuing to make me a very happy man each day. Don't lose that competitive edge, and keep taking steps towards your championship.

Make sure that we remain as one unit throughout the whole practice from start to finish. Everyone must continue to encourage each other. I should never see anything other then a large mass of unified football players all focused on the same goal, while bonding together as brothers through both the good times and the bad.

I will say this. . . all three levels have definitely lived up to my expectations so far. Each and every day I set higher and higher goals for this program because I know you will be able to achieve them. Continue to show the true CHAMPION you are every single day, and I guarantee no one in this state will be able to stop you.

Code of the Day: Joe Momma

Continue to take care of business; take care of this family; and the rest will take care of itself.

Coach Heppner

Sunday, August 9, 2009

BBQ Thank You's and Install Sheets

Parents, Players, and Jake "Too Pretty" Collison,

I just wanted to thank all of you again for the outstanding attendance we had at the BBQ on Friday. Never in my 8 years of being a head coach have I ever had that many people at an annual Football Family BBQ. I truly appreciate all of the parents and Booster Club members that brought dishes to pass, and who helped prepare the food. This BBQ is something that I do every year on the Friday before 2-A-Days begin. Now that we have worked out the kinks, we can have a better idea as to when these types of things will be taking place.

Also, if you look just below the slide show on the right side of the blog, you will see the links for the Offensive and Defensive Install for 2-A-Days. The only way we can get ahead of the ball game, is to ensure that every single member of this football family is on the same page. Take time today to look at what's being put in for Monday's practice. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

See you tomorrow,

Coach Heppner

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

PAY TO PARTICIPATE REMINDER!

Parents and Players,

Remember, I'm only the messenger. I just wanted to remind everyone that the Troy School District has gone to pay to participate this year. Each student planning to participate in any sport, whether it be one sport or three sports, must pay $100.00 to Troy Public Schools in order to be eligible to participate in any of the fall, winter, or spring sport. The $100.00 is a flat rate that will cover each player for the whole entire year.

Keep checking the district website - www.troy.k12.mi.us - for details regarding payment. The district will soon have a link, along with instructions as to how parents/guardians can make their payment online. All football players must have their payment to the district before the scrimmage on August, 20th, 2009. If a player has not made their payment by the scrimmage, they will still be allowed to practice, but will not be allowed to participate in any game until a payment has been made. The district will be sending out a mass email to all Troy Athens parents, informing them when the web site will be ready to receive online payment. I highly recommend that all parents check the district website regularly, just in case they don't receive the mass email.

I know this system is new to all Athens athletes, and it may be a hard adjustment to make. If you have any troubles making a payment, please don't hesitate to contact me ASAP. I'll be more than happy to sit down with you privately to discuss the options you have in terms of being able to make the $100.00 payment.

Take Care,

Coach Heppner

Monday, August 3, 2009

Playbooks!

Players,

PLEASE BRING YOUR PLAYBOOKS TO THURSDAY'S SIGN-UP. We have made adjustments to parts of the offensive and defensive sections and will be passing those out at your designated sign-up time. It is imperative - which is another word for important Joe - that you bring your playbook's on Thursday. We must make sure that we are all on the same page heading in to Monday's practice.

Enjoy the evening,

Coach Heppner

Important Time Changes!!!

Parents, players, and Jake "Too Pretty" Collison,

Iron Hawk testing for Tuesday, August 4th, and Wednesday, August 5th have changed to 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. We have changed the time in order to accommodate all members of the Football Family for maximum participation. Sign-up times will still remain the same for Thursday, August 6th. Please see the last post for details.

We will have the make-up testing day for those that were unable to attend earlier in the week on Friday the 7th, starting at 8:00 am. For those players that missed their Iron Hawk by 1 test, will be allowed to re-try that test on Friday as well.

Parents, please post on the blog the dishes that you will be bringing to pass at the BBQ on Friday for the 7:00 family meeting. I would like to have a list posted for everyone attending to see. Thanks for a great summer! See you on Friday.

Coach Heppner