100
August 29, 2013
DRC Football
PONDER
Aivaliotis a powerful force on Ponder line By Adrian O’Hanlon III For the Denton Record-Chronicle
Linemen rarely get the credit they deserve. People look at the eye-popping stats of star players without a second thought about the big guys up front battling for position and leading them to the end zone. Ponder lineman Chris Aivaliotis returns this season as a starter on both sides of the ball, following an all-district campaign when the Lions finished 2-8 overall and 0-6 in District 5-2A (Division I). With quick feet for a 5-11, 240pounder and a nose for the lead block, the junior often led the charge as Ponder racked up 3,051 yards in 2012. He doesn’t expect to take the spotlight this season, but Aivaliotis wants to lead the Lions’ program out of the dark. “With so many young guys, I know I’ll have to step up and be a leader,” Aivaliotis said. “Everyone wants to turn this pro-
gram around because we’re tired of people thinking we’re an automatic win.” Ponder is just 9-21 in its first three years of football. Under its fourth head coach in as many seasons, Aivaliotis said Ponder has the potential to make its first playoff appearance with new head coach Glen Schuelke. “We’re all buying in to what he’s teaching us because we’re ready to win,” Aivaliotis said. “We have some talented players and a good coaching staff, so it could be a good year.” Schuelke praised Aivaliotis as the team’s top lineman. If Aivaliotis continues to show his passion to win through intensity and leadership on the field and in the weight room, Schuelke said it will spread like a cold. “Winning takes care of a lot of things,” Schuelke said. “The kids want to win. The coaches want to win. That’s as good a start as any.”
Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton
Chris Aivaliotis starts on both Ponder’s offensive and defensive lines and helps set the tone for the Lions, who are aiming for a breakout season after finishing winless in district play last year.
Ponder High School – Go Lions! Tim Shoopman, Agent 1004 North Locust Street Denton, TX 76201 Bus: 940-383-2614 tim@timshoopman.com
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