While playing collegiate football, Tony Dungy’s coach used to say, “Success is uncommon.  Therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man.  I’m looking for uncommon people.”   Well, the 2009 Varsity Football Team proved they truly were uncommon.
     Led by a mere 16 seniors (which was our smallest ever senior class), this year’s team achieved success uncommon for our young program.  It all started in the off-season, where we set a program record with a 92% team attendance; 8 of our players (Brandon Grant, Wills Massie, Scott Hennelly, Jack Schneider, Bill Fell, John Werba, Mike Hough, and Josh Rigali) had perfect attendance in the weight room; 3 players (Ben Hohenstatt, Steve Afryl, and Mike Beckman) only missed 1 day all off-season; and we had 7 more players who earned a 95% or higher attendance.  Thus, it was not too surprising that we opened up our 2009 campaign with our largest margin of victory, 55-0, which was a true team performance.
     The amount of broken records is extensive – 11 Academic All-Conference (John Androus, Mike Beckman, Forrest Ericksen, Brandon Grant, Scott Hennelly, Ben Hohenstatt, Wills Massie, Brandon Mruk, John Pfeiffer, Josh Rigali, and Andrew Tubek ), 5 All-Conference (John Androus, Mike Beckman, Chris Djus, Wills Massie, and Andrew Tubek), 2 Academic All-State (Mike Beckman and Wills Massie).  Additionally, highlighted by John Androus becoming our all-time leader tackler, we broke 3 and tied 3 other individual defensive records; as a unit, our defense set or tied 16 program records, which include 10 interceptions and a staggering 22 fumble recoveries on the year.  Offensively, we established 18 new individual records and tied 3 others.  Andrew Tubek set 10 of the records, including an unbelievable 239-yard rushing performance on a muddy track versus Antioch.  Junior placekicker, Mike Beckman, set the other 8 records, as well as becoming the all-time leading kicker in Lake County history with his 13 field goals, smashing the previous record of 7.  As a whole, this year’s offense set 20 program records!
     Lastly, we will never forget what this team gave us: Our first playoff victory, which led to our 1^st ever home playoff game.  Although that game vs. Woodstock did not turn out the way we all would have liked, the 2009 Lakes Varsity Football Team guaranteed an unforgotten legacy – an uncommon legacy.

 

Posted on December 10, 2009 2:38 PM

   It has been a long time since I have been able to last blog, and there are many things to celebrate within our football program.  Congratulations to both our freshman and sophomore teams on their great starts.  Both teams now sit at 3-1 and are poised to take a run at the conference championship, which would be an unprecedented accomplishment for our young program.  As for the varsity, we are 2-2.  Although the coaches and players are disappointed with our current record, we do take solace in the fact we are only a couple of plays from being 4-0.  The team's goal is to qualify for the state playoffs, and we will all do everything within our power to make this a reality.  To be eligible for the state playoffs, we will need a minimum of 5 wins.
   Thus far, we have had two players named Players of the Week by The Daily Herald.  Andrew Tubek was named Offensive Player of the Week for his 177 yards and 3 TD's (in the first half) during our week one 55-0 victory versus Perspectives (Chicago).  Two weeks later, junior John Pfeiffer was named Defensive Player of the week after posting 5 tackles, 1 T.F.L., 1 sack, 1 fumble recover, and 3 pass breakups in our exciting 28-27 come-from-behind victory versus Grant.
   The final five weeks of the season look to be very thrilling for all levels of our program, who all have much to play for.  If you have not done so, please consider working our concession stand at one of our home games.  All profits from the concession stand go directly back to our football program, and we need parental support to continue this.  Thank you for your continued support!   
  

Posted on September 20, 2009 2:43 PM

    The first day of camp is in the books, and I am very excited to finally be back out on the practice field.  Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate - of course the heat kicks up when camp starts - but the players handled it well.  However, I do know some players did not take proper preparations for the first day.  It is of the upmost importance to eat enough food and drink plenty of fluids.  Breakfast is a must; additionally, players should bring a snack (granola/protein bar, fruit, pb and j) to be eaten at around 11:30am, and a lunch to be consumed immediately following practice.  Plenty of fluids need to be drank, beginning the night before and continuing for the rest of the day of camp.  Although players are alllowed ample opportunity to drink water during practice, much more is needed to prevent dehydration.  Some effects of dehydration include muscle fatigue and/or cramping, increased body temparature, and nausea.  Dehydration can be prevented, but only through players due diligence. 
   We are also now in the third phase of weight lifting.  Team Oklahoma (senior Ryan Noon, team leader) was again victorious in winning Phase 2, but they did have to hold off Team Texas, led by senior Bill Brinser.  Other players who deserve recognition from Phase 2 are the newest members to the 750lb. Club: Josh Rigali, Jack Schneider, Nate Styx, Andrew Tubek, Jeff Eder, Bill Fell, John Pfeiffer, Nate Pomorin, and Mike Forney, who became the first from the class of 2012 to make the club.
   Friday is our annual Golf Outing, and I want to thank everyone who supported this great event.  Yet again, our outing has grown, which allows us to do great things for our players (your sons!).  Like past years, money raised from the golf outing will be spent on team dinners, end-of-the-year gifts and banquets, improvements to our weight facility and practice equipment, as well as coaches professional development.  Thank you again!
   Our first game is fast approaching.  I look forward to seeing everyone at a packed Polly Field  in 66 days.

Posted on June 22, 2009 10:39 PM

     Congratulations to both the track and baseball programs for the great start to their seasons.  Many of our football players and coaches are involved with both programs, and I am happy to see their success.  Best of luck as the most important part of the spring season approaches.
      As I mentioned, many of our football players participate in either track or baseball, and the majority of them are showing a great commitment to better themselves as a multi-sport athlete by attending our 6am weight training sessions.  Track athletes: Bill Brinser, Ben Hohenstatt, Marcell KirkmanBey, Jack Schneider, Tyler Swindle, John Werba, Mike Beckman, Jimmy Dietz, John Pfeiffer, Josh Pohlman, Barry Redd, Nick Tognocchi, Brandon Washington, Turner Bradshaw, Taylor Craig, Donnie Dahlke, Alan Gomez, Jake Meeks, Joe Miller, Justin Mink, Mike Pfeiffer, Zach Ptasienski, Aarrius Smith, and Zachary Styx are all averaging three days a week of lifting, which is especially impressive considering how grueling their track practices are after school.  Baseball players: Wills Massie, Ryan Noon, Mark Ortman, Josh Rigali, Andrew Tubek, Steven Afryl, Bill Fell, Brandon Grant, Scott Hennelly, Mike Hough, Kyle Noon, Tyler Booth, Hans Hunecke, Chris Hoffman, and Dan Pawlak are in attendance three days a week in morning no matter the circumstances; sophomore Nick Hibbing and freshmen Brandon Schlagerr and Jimmy Wright have been meeting their expectation by averaging two days of lifting per week.  Great job gentlemen!  Your commitment to excellence is admirable and is noticed by your coaches.  Now I challenge you to be a leader and get those teammates who are not as dedicated to start lifting with you.  Remember: great teams require great individuals.
     Overall, our football weight training has really picked up as of late.  If our effort continues, our '09 varsity football team will break our program's all-time best team attendance percentage, which is 84% by the '06 varsity squad.   Additionally, the Class of 2010 is on pace to become our all-time best class average in both the power clean and squat.

Posted on April 25, 2009 9:02 AM

   All of our athletes have been divided up into 10 lifting teams: Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Texas, and Texas Tech.  Each week, teams go head-to-head, and they are scored on various items, such as: weight room attendance, grades, behavior, etc.  This past week wrapped up our first phase of the team competition (there are 3 phases all together).  Congratulations to team Oklahoma on their first place finish for Phase I.  Oklahoma, who finished with an impressive 9-1 record, is led by team captain, Ryan Noon.  Other team members include: John Androus, Jeff Eder, Bill Fell, Curt Sanderson, Nick Baldino, Chris Hoffman, Hans Hunecke, Taylor Craig, Chris Hohenstatt, and Danny Zabratanski.

   Also tied into the completion of Phase I, we completed our week of maxing.  Each team member was tested in 9 lifts: squat, power clean, incline, dips, pull-ups, front squat, bench, and push jerk.  This is an exciting week because we get to see the strength gains we have made due to our tireless effort.  Although many lifters broke records (all-time best lift), a few individuals deserve special recognition.  First, congratulations to Bill Brinser who became our 9^th member to the elite 1000lb. Club.  To become a member of the club, a player must lift a combined weight of 1000lbs. in bench, squat, and power clean.  Bill lifted 1039lbs., which included a program record 299lb. lift in power clean (Erik Stone was the former leader with 292lbs.).  We also have a 750lb. Club that also grew deeper this past week.  Congratulations to new members: Max Aigner, Chris Djus, John Werba, Mike Beckman, Andrew Tubek, Wills Massie, Corbin Buege, Alex Garcia, Brandon Grant, and Kyle Noon.  Finally, in addition to Bill's power clean record, Forrest Ericksen became the all-time leader in pull-ups, after his completion of 35, beating the former record of 34 that was held by Ted Bariamis (class of 2006).

 

   Strength gains in the weight room are directly correlated with attendance.  We challenge our players to give an A effort.  Meaning, we expect a minimum of 90% attendance in the weight room.  Thus far, the following are at this goal:

1. Class of 2010 - Jack Schneider, Wills Massie, Andrew Tubek, Ben Hohenstatt, John Androus, John Werba, Jack Kenney, Ryan Noon, Josh Rigali, Nate Styx, Bill Brinser, Marco Carrillo, and Chris Djus
2. Class of 2011 - Bill Fell, Brandon Grant, Scott Hennelly, John Pfeiffer, Mike Beckman, Devin Grote, Pat Jennrich, Steve Afryl, Kyle Noon, Josh Pohlman, Corbin Buege, Mike Hough, Juan Avila, Justin Goldman, and Barry Redd
3. Class of 2012 - Chris Hohenstatt, Chris Hoffman, Zach Ptasienski, Alan Gomez, Joe Miller, Dan Bratton, Mike Forney, Mike Pfeiffer, and Eric Metzelaar

 

 

Posted on April 9, 2009 8:56 PM

2. Freshman:
   1. Coach Rowells – Head Freshman Coach/OL
   2. Coach Snyder – WR
   3. Coach Galuhn – DL
   4. Coach Jones – DB

I would also like to ask for your support of our 3 main sources of revenue: 1.) the golf outing in June; 2.) selling / purchase of our coupon books in July; and 3.) working concessions at home games during the fall.  Although the perception is that football “gets everything”, I can tell you that simply is not true.  Like other athletic programs, we need all the financial assistance we can get.  However, unlike other programs, we invest our money in ways that benefits not only football, but our whole school community.  To date, we have donated over $12,000 into Lakes Community High School.  For us to continue with these improvements, your support of the golf outing, the selling/purchasing of our coupon books, and working concessions is imperative.

The last two items I am going to touch upon are summer camp and our strength and conditioning program.  Great football programs live by the creed, 'Football has no off-season.'  I cannot stress enough the importance of 100% player participation in both areas to position us to experience the type of success we all want.

The IHSA allows 25 days of practice during the summer in preparation for the fall.  We will have our offensive, defensive, and specialty schemes all installed by the end of camp.  The 2009 football season begins on Monday, June 22^nd – the first day of summer camp.  100% attendance during the summer is crucial to individual and team success. 

Equipment handout and locker assignments for returning players will be the week of June 15th.  Incoming freshmen enrolled in the High School Camp will be issued equipment on Friday, June 19^th; freshmen registered for the Incoming Freshman Camp will be equipped the week of July 13^th. 

Summer camp registration has been passed out to each player and emailed to parents.  If you are still in need of one, they are located on tables today or can be downloaded at lakesfootball.com. 

Lastly, I want to complement the effort of most of our players thus far in our strength and conditioning program.  The 2006 varsity team holds the record for highest player attendance in the weight room.  Thus, it should be no surprise that same group also experienced the most success on the field.  There is a direct correlation between strength and victories.  I have challenged the returning players to beat the attendance record held by the 2006 team.  Currently, our juniors are at 85%; sophomores 71%; and freshmen 64%, so although many are doing a great job, we still need improvement by some.  Our coaching staff works tirelessly in hopes of making all our players understand the importance of strength training.  Parents please help us in our efforts.

Posted on March 25, 2009 10:11 PM