Parents, Players, and Wild Bill,
The Freshman Game will be at 4:30 this Thursday. J.V. will begin at 6:30. Varsity will be at 7:00 at Wisner Stadium in Pontiac.
The Saturday practice schedule will remain the same. We will not be having practice until 6:30 in the evening on Monday. Like all weeks, this is a huge week of preparation for our games against Clarkston. It's important that everyone attend the practice. Enjoy the rest of the week, along with a great Labor Day weekend.
Coach Heppner
Go Red Hawks!!!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Warren Mott Victory - Players of the Week
Congrats to the Week 1 Players of the Week!
Special Teams: Matt Fitzpatrick/A.J. King
Defense: Lonnie Boldon
Count on Me: Christian Conley
Big Stick: Jake Duzey
Offensive: Jake Duzey
Offensive Scout Team Player: Tim "Ya" Heard
Defensive Scout Team Player: Chris Churay
These young men are among a host of players that continue to put in a great effort week in and week out to ensure the success of their teammates! Congratulations and great job men.
Coach Heppner
Go Red Hawks
Special Teams: Matt Fitzpatrick/A.J. King
Defense: Lonnie Boldon
Count on Me: Christian Conley
Big Stick: Jake Duzey
Offensive: Jake Duzey
Offensive Scout Team Player: Tim "Ya" Heard
Defensive Scout Team Player: Chris Churay
These young men are among a host of players that continue to put in a great effort week in and week out to ensure the success of their teammates! Congratulations and great job men.
Coach Heppner
Go Red Hawks
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Congrats to the 2010 Captains
Parents,
A couple of things. If some of you have not checked out our website - www.troyathensfootball.com - lately, I highly encourage you to do so. If you click on our "Media" link, you will have access to one of our great web options provided by Mary Beth Farnum. Mary Beth does a tremendous job taking action shots for all of Athens athletics, and has done so for the football team as well. Just click the Mary Beth Farnum link, or you can go to: fromthefieldfotos.smugmug.com. There are some great pictures of all the boys from both the picture day and the Red vs. White scrimmage. Thank you Mary Beth for providing all of these young men and their families with such great memories!!
Secondly, I would like to congratulate all of the young men who were selected by their teammates to be captains for the 2010 season. The captains include:
Freshman:
Jake Nelson
Lucas Bezerra
J.V.
Joe Shields
Aaron Hazen
Varsity:
Jake Duzey
A.J. Morey
Christian Conley
Trevor Mason
Each week we will select a Special Forces, Offensive Scout, and Defensive Scout Player of the Week. These honorary captains will help lead stretches throughout the week with the other captains, and will stand hand-in-hand at the hash marks for the coin toss. The state rules only allow us a maximum of four captains at mid-field for the coin toss, but I would still like them to have a role in the opening ceremonies of the game. I am extremely proud of the all the young men who were selected to be captains, and feel that they represent every essence of what we are trying to teach all members of this program both on and off the field.
I would also like to take this time to acknowledge the great supporting cast that our captains - particularly at the varsity level - have with them on this outstanding football team. As we look to them for the ultimate leadership throughout the season, we can't forget about our other outstanding seniors such as Blake Atwell, Durand Street, Tyler Everlove, Micah Safsten, A.J. King, Joe Kemp, Ray Lim, Donovan Usoro, Bedar Noor, Jake Collison, Brandon Wehbe, Luke Winkel, Dan Buia, Dave Mandziara, Kevin Slimak, and Ray Gatie. Coincidentally, both Blake Atwell and Durand Street will be sharing the honor of being named the "Count on Me" player of the week for Week 1. The “Count on Me” player of the week is considered our “Every Man” for that particular week. Meaning, they are acknowledged for their outstanding work on Offense, Defense, Special Forces, and their overall work ethic as well. You will see both of them carry the football flag across the field; leading their team to the promise land right before the start of the game. Both of these young men put in a tremendous off-season, and have rightfully earned this honor.
This team has a tremendous junior presence as well. Our junior class is lead by the one, the only . . . Benjamin Bartnowak. A.K.A "Benny Biceps." His biceps make Coach Divito jealous. Ben is joined by Andrew Aurand, Corey Thai, Joe Colo, Jake Spinek, Matt Fitzpatrick, Chris "I kill for fun" Churay, Ryan Noorman, Brett Kast, Tim Heard, Lonnie Bolden, "Big Tone on the Microphone" Tony Shayoka, Chris Codreanu, Brandon Neal, Josh Allen, Jon Daniel, Ethan Hoffman, Brandon Terry, Connor Gurzell, Kento Mori, Robert Farrug, Antwan Moore, Anthony Moore, and Antonio Mitchell. Last, but certainly not least, we have our lone sophomore . . . Sammy "The Bull" Haskell. A.K.A Sammy Capone.
All of these young men provide us with many different qualities that exemplify what a championship team should consist of when pursuing the goal of becoming the best football team in the state. Needless to say, I'm excited for what the 2010 season has in store for all of the Red Hawk football fans throughout our Athens community.
See you at the games. Go Red Hawks!!!
Coach Heppner
Friday, August 13, 2010
Weekend Schedule 8-14-10
Parents,
Just a reminder about this weekends schedule:
Saturday, August 14th:
~All levels report at 8:30
~Varsity a J.V. Uniform Distribution
~9:00 Mentor Practice
~15 minute warm-up. Freshman O/J.V. D 1 hour. - Rotate - Freshman D./J.V. O
~We should finish between 11:15 and 11:30.
~Freshman Uniform Distribution
~Vote for Captains = All levels
~4:00 Team Pictures
~Announce Captains. 7:00 Red vs. White Practice (All Parents at all levels are welcome and encouraged to come watch.)
Sunday, August 15th = Rest
We've made great strides over the last week. Please continue to encourage all players to stay positive and focused as we head into an extremely promising 2010 season.
See you tomorrow,
Coach Heppner
Just a reminder about this weekends schedule:
Saturday, August 14th:
~All levels report at 8:30
~Varsity a J.V. Uniform Distribution
~9:00 Mentor Practice
~15 minute warm-up. Freshman O/J.V. D 1 hour. - Rotate - Freshman D./J.V. O
~We should finish between 11:15 and 11:30.
~Freshman Uniform Distribution
~Vote for Captains = All levels
~4:00 Team Pictures
~Announce Captains. 7:00 Red vs. White Practice (All Parents at all levels are welcome and encouraged to come watch.)
Sunday, August 15th = Rest
We've made great strides over the last week. Please continue to encourage all players to stay positive and focused as we head into an extremely promising 2010 season.
See you tomorrow,
Coach Heppner
Help Wanted
Parents,
I need your help. I'm looking for 2-3 people, particularly freshman parents, who are will to help the varsity team with scouting this year. My good friend and scouting coordinator, Don Quest, is unable to do our scouting this year. As you know, this part of high school football is vital to our success. I would provide passes for free entry into each game you would be scouting. I would need one person to film, one person to spot and relay information, and a third to write down particular offensive and defensive tendencies our opponent may display during certain downs and situations. I can't express enough how important this is to our success as a football team. Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I am looking for a parent(s) to help us film as well. If you would like to travel with the team and film are games, this would help us tremendously. I'm also looking for parents to help film the Freshman and J.V. games. With our staff being a little short-handed at the last minute this year, I'm really asking our football parents to step up to the plate. I know this is a lot to ask, but the teaching aspect involved in making these young men better has a lot to do with our film review during the season.
Staff changes and updates:
~Josh Heppner = Head Varsity Football Coach. O-Coordinator
~Mike Divito = Asst. Head Coach. O-Line. Strength & Conditioning
~Jim Fitzpatrick = Varsity D-Coordinator. D-Line
~Neal Mozdzierz = Head J.V. Coach. WR. J.V. O-Coordinator
~Dave Graves = J.V. D-Coordinator. LB's
~Mike Pierce = Freshman Head Coach. DB's. Freshman D-Coordinator
~Steve Mitzel = Running Backs. Freshman O-Coordinator
~Steve Culp = Asst. WR's
~Mike Merz = Asst. D-Line
~Rick Nelson = Asst. DB's
Once we finalize the roster after this weekend. I will be giving you a fan-out sheet for each level. This will simply increase our means of positive communication.
Please let me know by Monday the 16th as to whether you would like to volunteer for filming and scouting this year. If we have enough people willing to take on this task, we can set up a schedule to divide the duties for different games among the volunteers. I'll need to schedule a meeting with you next week in order to go over the expectations for each task.
Thanks again for all your help and support. Go Red Hawks!!
Coach Heppner
I need your help. I'm looking for 2-3 people, particularly freshman parents, who are will to help the varsity team with scouting this year. My good friend and scouting coordinator, Don Quest, is unable to do our scouting this year. As you know, this part of high school football is vital to our success. I would provide passes for free entry into each game you would be scouting. I would need one person to film, one person to spot and relay information, and a third to write down particular offensive and defensive tendencies our opponent may display during certain downs and situations. I can't express enough how important this is to our success as a football team. Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I am looking for a parent(s) to help us film as well. If you would like to travel with the team and film are games, this would help us tremendously. I'm also looking for parents to help film the Freshman and J.V. games. With our staff being a little short-handed at the last minute this year, I'm really asking our football parents to step up to the plate. I know this is a lot to ask, but the teaching aspect involved in making these young men better has a lot to do with our film review during the season.
Staff changes and updates:
~Josh Heppner = Head Varsity Football Coach. O-Coordinator
~Mike Divito = Asst. Head Coach. O-Line. Strength & Conditioning
~Jim Fitzpatrick = Varsity D-Coordinator. D-Line
~Neal Mozdzierz = Head J.V. Coach. WR. J.V. O-Coordinator
~Dave Graves = J.V. D-Coordinator. LB's
~Mike Pierce = Freshman Head Coach. DB's. Freshman D-Coordinator
~Steve Mitzel = Running Backs. Freshman O-Coordinator
~Steve Culp = Asst. WR's
~Mike Merz = Asst. D-Line
~Rick Nelson = Asst. DB's
Once we finalize the roster after this weekend. I will be giving you a fan-out sheet for each level. This will simply increase our means of positive communication.
Please let me know by Monday the 16th as to whether you would like to volunteer for filming and scouting this year. If we have enough people willing to take on this task, we can set up a schedule to divide the duties for different games among the volunteers. I'll need to schedule a meeting with you next week in order to go over the expectations for each task.
Thanks again for all your help and support. Go Red Hawks!!
Coach Heppner
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
No Lifting for 8-11-10
Parents and Players,
There will not be lifting for Wednesday, August 11th during the 10:00 to 11:30 time periods. We were scheduled for the morning, but we are conducting a 7 station strength training and cardiovascular endurance workout on the field at the end of practice tomorrow. We will be shaving a few minutes off of the main practice times tomorrow to accommodate for the conditioning portion of practice. Therefore, if there is any parent bring dinner to their son for the break, expect to deliver that by 5:00, rather than 5:30.
Talk to you soon,
Coach Heppner
There will not be lifting for Wednesday, August 11th during the 10:00 to 11:30 time periods. We were scheduled for the morning, but we are conducting a 7 station strength training and cardiovascular endurance workout on the field at the end of practice tomorrow. We will be shaving a few minutes off of the main practice times tomorrow to accommodate for the conditioning portion of practice. Therefore, if there is any parent bring dinner to their son for the break, expect to deliver that by 5:00, rather than 5:30.
Talk to you soon,
Coach Heppner
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Friday Recap
Parents and Players,
Just a reminder to print the "Pre-Season Information Letter" to the right of this post under the "Links" section. I just wanted to recap on a few things from Friday's BBQ before we start the season:
1. Communication is key!!!! In terms of our communication regarding some concerns parents may have throughout the season, we will do this the "old school" way. Meaning, our discussions will not be drawn out through multiple emails where the tone and/or message trying to be delivered can be misinterpreted. Rather, if you have a serious concern regarding the program or possible issues with a particular coaching style, all you simply need to do is send me an email stating you would like to set up a meeting with me. I will be more than happy to schedule a meeting where we can meet face-to-face and solve any type of issue in a civilized manner. Sending a long, drawn out email with a condescending tone only sends the wrong message and prolongs the problem solving process. I've truly enjoyed the email exchanges we have had up to this point. All of you have kept me well informed of different vacations, illnesses, etc, etc... Please continue to send me questions or "heads-up" emails we don't necessarily need a face to face discussion in order to get the answers we need.
2. The "24 Hour Rule." If at any point throughout the season, particularly after a game you become frustrated with the lack of playing time your son may be receiving, please do not approach any coach after a game to discuss such matters. Rather, send me an email that you would like to discuss something with me, and are applying the 24 Hour Rule to the discussion. I will then set up a meeting to discuss the issue after 24 hours of receiving the email. Most coaches in the state do not even allow this to happen, but I'd rather make sure all of us are always on the same page.
3. Belonging to this team is a journey of development. I would hate to lose an individual after their freshman year because they did not receive the playing time they felt they deserved. If at any point throughout the season this may happen, I am more than willing to discuss the expectations that we have for each individual in this program, and take a more realistic look at their abilities at that particular point. I will always provide the appropriate guidance to help them become the most successful football player they can become in this program. Remember, it's not how you start, but how you finish that counts the most.
I'm truly looking forward to a great season where all of us feel a part of the great things to come for Troy Athens Football. Your support and dedication to the success of these young men has been incredible. Remember, my door is always open. In order for us to create a true family feel to this program, we must make sure that all of us feel we play a part in the success of all these young men. No matter what happens, please continue to support and encourage every single young man dedicating his time to the success of his teammates.
Take Care and Go Red Hawks!!!!
Coach Heppner
Just a reminder to print the "Pre-Season Information Letter" to the right of this post under the "Links" section. I just wanted to recap on a few things from Friday's BBQ before we start the season:
1. Communication is key!!!! In terms of our communication regarding some concerns parents may have throughout the season, we will do this the "old school" way. Meaning, our discussions will not be drawn out through multiple emails where the tone and/or message trying to be delivered can be misinterpreted. Rather, if you have a serious concern regarding the program or possible issues with a particular coaching style, all you simply need to do is send me an email stating you would like to set up a meeting with me. I will be more than happy to schedule a meeting where we can meet face-to-face and solve any type of issue in a civilized manner. Sending a long, drawn out email with a condescending tone only sends the wrong message and prolongs the problem solving process. I've truly enjoyed the email exchanges we have had up to this point. All of you have kept me well informed of different vacations, illnesses, etc, etc... Please continue to send me questions or "heads-up" emails we don't necessarily need a face to face discussion in order to get the answers we need.
2. The "24 Hour Rule." If at any point throughout the season, particularly after a game you become frustrated with the lack of playing time your son may be receiving, please do not approach any coach after a game to discuss such matters. Rather, send me an email that you would like to discuss something with me, and are applying the 24 Hour Rule to the discussion. I will then set up a meeting to discuss the issue after 24 hours of receiving the email. Most coaches in the state do not even allow this to happen, but I'd rather make sure all of us are always on the same page.
3. Belonging to this team is a journey of development. I would hate to lose an individual after their freshman year because they did not receive the playing time they felt they deserved. If at any point throughout the season this may happen, I am more than willing to discuss the expectations that we have for each individual in this program, and take a more realistic look at their abilities at that particular point. I will always provide the appropriate guidance to help them become the most successful football player they can become in this program. Remember, it's not how you start, but how you finish that counts the most.
I'm truly looking forward to a great season where all of us feel a part of the great things to come for Troy Athens Football. Your support and dedication to the success of these young men has been incredible. Remember, my door is always open. In order for us to create a true family feel to this program, we must make sure that all of us feel we play a part in the success of all these young men. No matter what happens, please continue to support and encourage every single young man dedicating his time to the success of his teammates.
Take Care and Go Red Hawks!!!!
Coach Heppner
Monday, August 2, 2010
Schedule for August 2nd - 6th
Parents and Players,
It's hard to believe that we are approaching the last week before the start of the 2010 football season. I'm more than ready to see how all of the hard work these young men have put into this off-season will pay off. Here is the schedule for next week, Monday, August 2nd through Friday the 6th:
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday = 3rd and Final Testing Phase.
Seniors = 9:00 - 9:45
Juniors = 9:45 - 10:30
Sophomores = 10:30 - 11:15
Freshman = 11:15 - 12:00
Please make sure that all of the young men report at the appropriate testing times. Thursday will be our official sign-up day. I have changed the times from the original schedule you received this spring. Each class will report at the following times to receive all of their equipment:
Seniors = 9:00 - 9:45
Juniors = 9:45 - 10:30
Sophomores = 10:30 - 11:15
Freshman = 11:15 - 12:00
Please have your players bring a combination lock with them on Thursday. We will be assigning each player a locker; therefore it is extremely important that each player have a lock in order to safely keep their equipment secure. I will also need a copy of each players physical form turned in to me on Thursday as well. Any player who does not have their physical by the start of 2-A-Days on August 9th will be ineligible to participate. The seniors will be having their senior conditioning practice on Thursday also. This is a tradition held by the seniors each year before the start of 2-A-Days, and has become a great method of team building. All grade levels will participate. Each of the summer captains will relay the place and time for the conditioning session. I will meet with the Seniors for "Dinner with Coach Heppner" at Buffalo Wild Wings at 6:30 on Thursday as well.
All parents will be receiving the rules and in-season expectations at the family BBQ on Friday, August 6th. The BBQ will begin at 6:30 pm in the football stadium. If you have not signed up for a designated dish to pass at the BBQ, please do so by next week and I will forward that information to Patti Aurand. Any player unable to pick up their equipment on Thursday, August 5th must report to my office no later than 11:00 am Monday, August 9th.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email.
Go Red Hawks!!
Coach Heppner
It's hard to believe that we are approaching the last week before the start of the 2010 football season. I'm more than ready to see how all of the hard work these young men have put into this off-season will pay off. Here is the schedule for next week, Monday, August 2nd through Friday the 6th:
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday = 3rd and Final Testing Phase.
Seniors = 9:00 - 9:45
Juniors = 9:45 - 10:30
Sophomores = 10:30 - 11:15
Freshman = 11:15 - 12:00
Please make sure that all of the young men report at the appropriate testing times. Thursday will be our official sign-up day. I have changed the times from the original schedule you received this spring. Each class will report at the following times to receive all of their equipment:
Seniors = 9:00 - 9:45
Juniors = 9:45 - 10:30
Sophomores = 10:30 - 11:15
Freshman = 11:15 - 12:00
Please have your players bring a combination lock with them on Thursday. We will be assigning each player a locker; therefore it is extremely important that each player have a lock in order to safely keep their equipment secure. I will also need a copy of each players physical form turned in to me on Thursday as well. Any player who does not have their physical by the start of 2-A-Days on August 9th will be ineligible to participate. The seniors will be having their senior conditioning practice on Thursday also. This is a tradition held by the seniors each year before the start of 2-A-Days, and has become a great method of team building. All grade levels will participate. Each of the summer captains will relay the place and time for the conditioning session. I will meet with the Seniors for "Dinner with Coach Heppner" at Buffalo Wild Wings at 6:30 on Thursday as well.
All parents will be receiving the rules and in-season expectations at the family BBQ on Friday, August 6th. The BBQ will begin at 6:30 pm in the football stadium. If you have not signed up for a designated dish to pass at the BBQ, please do so by next week and I will forward that information to Patti Aurand. Any player unable to pick up their equipment on Thursday, August 5th must report to my office no later than 11:00 am Monday, August 9th.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email.
Go Red Hawks!!
Coach Heppner
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