CENTER GROVE TO GRIDIRON GLORY
CARSON STEELE AND CADEN CURRY PROVING HARD WORK X DEDICATION = SUCCESS
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Local Couple Renovates Historic Schoolhouse Into a Unique Living Space
The Indiana Valor Women’s Football Team Preps to Take the
PUBLISHER
FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Cindy Crafton Celebrates Milestones in the Sky
the Importance and Keys to Financial Well-Being
KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK ABIGAIL FAIN
RYAN GABBERT L S MILLER
LINDY SCOTT LIFE + SOUL
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
CHICAGO BEARS
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY HOUSTON TEXANS KATE WILSON
JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Caden
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4
A SOLO EXHIBITION OF ART BY CHUCK HORSMAN
THE FACTORY ARTS DISTRICT, 1125 BROOKSIDE AVE., INDIANAPOLIS
6PM - 9PM
Experience First Friday at The Factory Arts District (formerly Circle City Industrial Complex). This exhibition by Center Grove resident Chuck Horsman takes place in the Schwitzer Gallery on the second floor. Discover new and existing artwork for sale as well as art coasters, prints and T-shirts. Check out 70plus artist studios and visit Centerpoint Brewing and 8th Day Distillery. All are welcome and attendance is FREE. chuckhorsmanart.com
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MAPLE GROVE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EASTER EGG HUNT
3623 W. WHITELAND RD. 11AM - 1PM
Hop on over to Maple Grove Elementary School to enjoy the Easter egg hunt and visit with the Easter Bunny. Entry is free and open to the public.
CGEF GALA FOR THE GROVE
GARMENT FACTORY EVENTS, 101 E. WAYNE ST., FRANKLIN
6PM - 11PM
A wonderful evening supporting Center Grove students and teachers. VIP reception, silent auction, dinner and program, and entertainment provided by Felix and Fingers
Dueling Pianos. Proceeds allow the Center Grove Education Foundation to provide additional learning experiences and resources for Center Grove students and teachers. centergrovefoundation.org/ events
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EASTER SUNDAY
26
GREENWOOD FARMERS MARKET
525 N. MADISON AVE., GREENWOOD
8AM - 12PM
Kicking off the 2025 season, the Greenwood Farmers Market will feature fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers and other items every Saturday morning through September.
ROCK THE BLOCK RUN WALK
CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER
8:30AM
Rock the Block includes a 10K (timed), 5K walk/run (familyfriendly), and free Kids Run. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways. Fun for all! Proceeds benefit organizations serving youth and families in Johnson County. rocktheblockrun.org
DEATH AND TAXES
TAXMAN BREWING CO., 13 S. BALDWIN ST., BARGERSVILLE 12PM - 4PM
An outdoor beer release and tasting festival featuring 40plus Indiana-proud breweries, select wineries, live music and local food trucks. Taxman Brewing Co. will release a special beer for the event called Deadline, a rich, roasted and robust Belgian-style stout, aged with Indonesian vanilla beans and rested several months on Kentucky whiskey barrels. taxmanbrewing.com/ events
MAY 1
100+ WOMEN WHO CARE JOHNSON COUNTY
BARN AT BAY HORSE INN, 1468 W. STONES CROSSING RD., GREENWOOD 4:45PM – 6:30PM 100+ Women Who Care Johnson County is a giving circle initiative dedicated to making Johnson County an exceptional place. They meet quarterly to award member-funded, “no-stringsattached” grants to nonprofits making a positive community impact. Refreshments available. 4:45PM social gathering; 5:30 - 6:30 PM meeting. jccf.org/100-women
WELL SCHOOLED
LOCAL COUPLE RENOVATES HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSE INTO A UNIQUE LIVING SPACE
Writer / Ryan Gabbert
Photographers / Kate Wilson & Johnson County Museum of History
The pandemic was a challenging and uncertain time for everyone. While many people emerged from lockdowns with new hobbies, recipes or a fresh perspective on life, some took even bigger steps.
In the summer of 2021, as America was slowly getting back to normal, Stacie Grissom and her husband, Sean, decided to make a big change. After spending a decade in New York City, they knew they wanted to move back to Indiana. They were in the market for a quirky house and waited for the
right opportunity to present itself.
When it finally did, they took a leap of faith and purchased a nearly 10,000-square-foot historic schoolhouse in their hometown of Franklin.
The schoolhouse, named Union Joint Graded School No. 9, was built in the early 1900s to serve the children from the farthest corners of two neighboring townships of Nineveh and Franklin. It was believed that a joint-graded school would give the students
a better education than the traditional system of one-room schoolhouses. It housed students from grades one through eight.
After a few decades the school was proving to be expensive and difficult to maintain. It was shut down and the students were sent to attend school at Hopewell, Trafalgar, and Nineveh.
Following its closure, the building found new, unconventional uses. It served as apple
Stacie Grissom
The Grissom Family
storage for a local farmer, a gathering place for neighborhood kids, and even a turkey coop. Since 1956 it was home to generations of a Franklin family who began the process of converting it into a residence. However, it hit the market with a massive amount of work needed.
Purchasing the schoolhouse sight unseen, but with assurance from her experienced parents, was the easy part; the real challenge was yet to come.
“The toughest part was Sean, my husband, who is in medicine - and I am an English major - we have always been pretty handy, but construction is a whole different game,” Grissom says. “My dad has worked in commercial real estate his whole career so he knew who to hire. I’ve learned so much from him. I have so much respect for all the folks who worked on the school with us.”
Multiple contractors and tradesmen were brought in to ensure the construction was done with care and precision. Almost everything had to be cleaned, remodeled or updated to make the school into a modern and comfortable living space. For instance, the enttire roof was replaced as well as every window, and stairways were erected where they didn’t exist before - and that’s just a small sampling.
Throughout the process they were determined to keep as many of the original components as possible, however. This is evident by features such as the exposed brick throughout the interior and the original classroom doors that were painstakingly restored.
The project demanded countless hours of hard work, but every challenge was worth it. By September 2024, the family had officially moved in.
Although this was essentially a complete remodel, the Grissom family was very aware of the history the school held within the community and wanted to preserve the legacy for future generations.
“We’re just really thankful that this little school has survived when so many historic
buildings have been torn down,” Grissom says. “Obviously we’re sentimental, but history reminds us where we came from. When things like this get torn down, history feels a little bit erased. I have so much more respect for the Johnson County Museum of History and all the work that they do. We can go there and find a bunch of stories about the school with pictures. There is a lot of local history there, so anybody can do that about their house.”
Moving from New York City back to Indiana amid a pandemic is stressful enough, but couple that with restoring an old schoolhouse, and the stress is unquantifiable. Luckily they had a strong community and family surrounding them to help them get through the tough and frustrating days.
“This is our hometown,” Grissom says. “I think that is what got us through the hard days, just being with family and being a part of this community.”
Even though they’ve moved in, that does not mean the renovation is complete. The decor continues to evolve, and Grissom is collaborating with local salvage companies to incorporate furniture from schools and municipal buildings, staying true to the schoolhouse’s history.
For Stacie Grissom and her family, this project has been a crash course in construction project management and community building. Yet, through all the challenges they have every reason to be proud. Taking on a project of this scale and
seeing it through successfully is no small feat. Their determination and work ethic are a testament to what can be accomplished when thinking outside the box.
If you would like more information about Union Joint Graded School No. 9 or the renovation project, visit schoolhousehomestead.com.
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FIFTY YEARS IN
FLIGHT
CINDY CRAFTON CELEBRATES MILESTONES IN THE SKY
Writer / L S Miller
When Cindy Crafton was a high school senior, she had two career paths in mind: pursuing a role in the medical field or becoming a flight attendant and traveling the world.
During a chance encounter with the owner of a newly established airline, Ambassadair Travel Club, she was offered the opportunity to train as a stewardess. Now, 50 years later, Crafton is still living her dream.
At age 19, she took a leap of faith into the skies. This decision shaped most of her adult life, including meeting Mike, her
soul mate of 48 years, raising four children (all attending and graduating from Center Grove schools), and relishing the presence of nine grandchildren.
“I guess you could say I never looked back,” says Crafton. “I began flying on April 11, 1975, with Ambassadair, later rebranded as ATA, based in Indianapolis. At that time, we operated with one aircraft and a team of 12 flight attendants, traveling worldwide as well as coast to coast across the U.S. In later years, ATA chartered with several NFL teams, including the Colts.”
As the years flew by, Crafton experienced a number of career milestones.
“I was part of ATA’s inaugural aroundthe-world tour in 1976, our country’s Bicentennial year. We were away for six weeks, landing back in Indy on July 4th,” she recalls. “It was an incredible experience where I made countless lifelong friends. That’s when I realized my passion for flying and knew I had to make this my lifelong career.”
The next leg of Crafton’s career journey provided options.
“I received job offers from both Eastern Airlines and American Airlines,” she says. “Following my research, I chose Eastern Airlines, the largest airline in the free world.” As a result, she was stationed in Chicago, New York, and Atlanta.
“I had been with Eastern for 13 years when I took their last flight from Atlanta to Kansas City,” Crafton says. “The captain called me during the flight to say, ‘You know when we land this is over.’ I had no idea what he was talking about; this was long before the internet and cell phones. Sadly, it was Eastern Airlines’ last day of operations. When we landed, we were crying, the passengers were crying, the gate agents were crying.”
Immediately, it was as if someone hit the replay button on the video of her career. “Memories of a hijacking, a full emergency evacuation, loss of life in midair, as well as the many awards that I received all ran through my mind,” she says.
This event propelled Crafton to seek new ways to keep flying. She rejoined the skies with ATA.
Clocking 21 years with ATA, including eight in management roles, she ultimately attained the position of Indianapolis’s base manager before ATA unexpectedly ceased operations.
“The closure came after returning from flying troops to Kuwait City,” she says. “It was a sad day for my colleagues and me.” ATA filed for bankruptcy in April 2008. Former Eastern Airlines and ATA employees continue to reunite annually to reminisce on their shared experiences.
“With Southwest not actively recruiting at that time, I joined the only airline that was, AirTran. I wasn’t ready to retire. I wanted to keep flying.”
“Several years later, Southwest Airlines and
AirTran merged, and that’s where I am today, based in Denver, marking my 16th year with Southwest, all the while living in Center Grove.”
Crafton’s initial decision to embark on a career as a flight attendant not only led her down the path of a dream job, but it also dictated the growth of her personal life. “I met my husband in Acapulco during a layover,” she says. “He was traveling, I was working. Chatting by the pool, we realized we were both from Indianapolis, lived a few
streets apart, and attended Manuel High School at the same time but never knew each other. We remained in contact and both soon realized that our relationship clicked. 48 years later, it is still clicking.”
“Mike was Mr. Mom when our four kids were still at home. All four were in every kind of activity, so there were lots of moving pieces,” she said. “I typically work three days on and four days off, so when I got back home, I would take the lead again. I flew more than 30 missions during Desert Storm and Desert Shield and was based in Shannon, Ireland, and the Azores as the flight attendant manager for several months. There is just no way I could have done that as a mother also without Mike holding down the fort at home.”
The couple owns and operates their real estate business, Landtree REALTORS, in Greenwood.
Crafton will mark her 50th year as a flight attendant on April 11, followed by her 70th birthday just 10 days later – two milestones she embraces.
“I don’t focus on age or any negative connotations associated with it; it’s just a number,” she says. “Aging is a privilege to accumulate knowledge. There is so much more I want to do, and I’m not slowing down. I want to witness my grandkids grow, travel with them, spend another 48 years with my husband, and enjoy the fruits of my labor.”
ELECTRICAL Services
INDIANA BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ACADEMY
Clingerman explained that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting a discipline.
Clingerman takes pride in its journey from a garage startup to a commercial space in Greenwood in 2003. Since dedicating himself to training others and managing the business in 2008, IBJJA has experienced substantial growth.
“About two and a half years ago, we relocated to our current facility off US 31. Having hired my sister and another coach on a full-time basis has been instrumental in our success,” Clingerman shared.
While Jiu-Jitsu may not always appear flashy, with practitioners somersaulting through the air or executing high kicks, the discipline has the potential to make a profound impact on individuals’ lives.
Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (IBJJA) in Greenwood is Central Indiana’s longestrunning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Mixed Martial Arts Academy, celebrating its 25th anniversary last month.
In 1993, James Clingerman became captivated by the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where the victor, Royce Gracie, utilized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to defeat his opponents.
“I have always been a martial arts enthusiast, and this caught my attention. It demonstrated the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu,” Clingerman mentioned. “I began my training at a gym in Westfield, then connected with individuals in New Palestine who were conducting classes in their garage.”
In 2000, Clingerman’s mentor established the inaugural IBJJA classroom. Serving as one of three assistant coaches, Clingerman later opened a second Academy under the same name.
IBJJA provides kickboxing, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu for both youth and adults. Additionally, they offer a fitness center with options for private lessons.
For those unfamiliar with martial arts,
“If you seek physical fitness and enjoy practicing striking techniques, kickboxing would be a suitable choice,” Clingerman noted. “For self-defense purposes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands out as an exceptional option, particularly for women, and also offers great physical fitness benefits.”
In contrast to other martial arts where opponents often engage on equal footing, JiuJitsu focuses on gaining a superior position.
“In Jiu-Jitsu, you leverage your technique and agility against opponents who may possess greater size or strength. The objective is to bring the fight to the ground, establish dominance, and secure victory with a chokehold, arm lock, or leg lock,” added Clingerman.
Progressing through the ranks of expertise, practitioners can advance from white to black belts through dedicated training. After several months of training, individuals ranging from six-year-olds to seniors can choose to participate in competitive events, fostering strong social bonds among participants.
Reflecting on the evolution of IBJJA,
“I often remind people - there’s no such thing as a lucky Jiu-Jitsu move. Even if I possess striking skills, a lucky punch could catch me off guard. With Jiu-Jitsu, it’s about mastering strategic positioning and executing moves effectively,” concluded Clingerman.
For further information, visit ibjja.com. 647 U.S. Hwy
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Abbie Willans
CENTER GROVE TO GRIDIRON GLORY
CARSON STEELE AND CADEN CURRY
PROVING HARD WORK X DEDICATION = SUCCESS
“It’s absolutely special to have a kid in a Super Bowl and to have a kid win a national championship in college,” said Center Grove High School (CGHS) football Head Coach Eric Moore about two of his standout high school players, Carson Steele and Caden Curry. “I’ve had both, but having them at the same time is really special.”
Steele, a 2021 CGHS graduate and 2020
Indiana Mr. Football, just concluded his rookie NFL season with the Super Bowl runner-up Kansas City Chiefs. Curry, a December 2021 CGHS graduate and 2021 Defensive Lineman Indiana Mr. Football, just finished his junior season with the college national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
The former CGHS teammates helped the Trojans win the class 6A state finals in 2020
with an undefeated record during Steele’s senior year. Curry helped propel CGHS to a second undefeated state championship in 2021, his senior season.
Steele, a bruising and physical running back, finished his high school career with 5,907 rushing yards and 82 rushing touchdowns, and also set 16 school records. Steele played three seasons in college, two for Ball State
Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network
Photos / Lindy Scott | Life + Soul; Kansas City Chiefs; Chicago Bears; Ohio State University, Houston Texans
and his final season with UCLA. During his sophomore season with the Cardinals, Steele amassed 1,556 rushing yards, ranking him ninth nationally and top in the conference. He totaled 847 rushing yards and posted two 100-yard rushing games in one season for the Bruins. Steele was ready to take his talents to the NFL after his junior season. He signed with the two-time Super Bowl defending champion Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
“When he had the opportunity to sign with [the Chiefs], it was like, ‘Oh, wow,’” said Moore. “He asked for my opinion. I’m like, ‘Well, I think they’ll probably go to the Super Bowl,’ which I was right. You don’t have to be too smart to know that, and you may never have a chance at an opportunity to be on a team that can do that again. Even if he stays with the Chiefs, they may not go back.”
Moore believed this was a perfect fit for Steele.
“The kind of people that are on the team, I thought that was sort of a neat situation to be around,” Moore said. “They have such highly regarded players, but they have two of the most popular people in the whole world, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. You’re going to be around them, and you’re going to be lockering next to them. Patrick Mahomes took a liking to him real quick and I knew he would. It’s just been great to see him be around a program like that. Andy Reid is such a successful coach, and it’s hard to get rid of a kid who works so hard and can do anything like a Swiss Army knife. This is a wonderful situation for him.”
Due to early-season injuries on the Chiefs’ roster, the rookie was thrust into the backfield, starting three games. In week three of the regular season, Steele had a seasonhigh 17 carries and 79 yards rushing in the Chiefs’ win at Atlanta. Steele learned a lot about the pro game in his inaugural season.
“Everybody’s fast and everybody’s strong,” said Steele. “It’s more about having the knowledge of the game and learning from the veteran guys. We have a bunch of older guys here in the Chiefs’ backfield, so being able to learn from those guys and the coaches has
CGHS graduate Caden Curry of the Ohio State Buckeyes and family
really helped my game.”
Curry helped the Trojans to a perfect 28-0 record and state titles in 2020 and 2021. In his final year at CGHS, he had 65 tackles, including 24 for a loss and seven sacks. He also appeared on offense by the goal line, scoring three rushing touchdowns and catching two touchdown passes. For his prep career, Curry finished with 290 tackles, including 83.5 for a loss and 28 sacks.
Curry has earned more playing time with the Buckeyes the past two seasons, appearing in 26 games and receiving two varsity letters. He’s one of the few defensive ends nationally to play on kickoff coverage units, totaling 260 defensive snaps and 363 special-teams snaps after three seasons.
“It’s not been what Caden thought it was going to be [at Ohio State],” said Moore. “I tell these kids that when you go to superstar universities, there are great football players in front of you, and there have been great football players in front of Caden. To Caden’s credit, he’s not taking a back seat to anyone. He’s done whatever they’ve asked him to do. He’s rotated; he’s played every special team. Caden is the only defensive lineman in the history of Ohio State to be on the kickoff team for three years. I don’t know if there are any other D linemen on the kickoff team, but that’s how great of an athlete he is.
“I remember being at the Nike football convention, and the Ohio State special-teams coach was talking about Cayden Curry on the kickoff and how he breaks down and runs through people,” Moore added. “He’s very coachable and he’s been patient. [The Ohio State coaching staff] called me during the first two months he got there, and they were so impressed by the way he would lead the team in drills because he was so ready to go. Now it’s his time. He stayed. He didn’t transfer away. He showed his loyalty to Ohio State. Hopefully they’ll show loyalty back to him, which I think they will. He will be on the field this year. He had played behind first-round NFL draft picks. Everybody he’s played behind has been a superstar. The table is set for him to be just as successful.”
Curry said Moore’s football program helped prepare him for the rigors at Ohio State.
“Coach Moore taught me how to love the game of football, and how to be a man and get ready for the next level of life,” Curry said. “He definitely has that dad aspect on the football field. With Center Grove it’s a higher standard. Everybody pushes you to want to be the best version of yourself. That’s what we have at Ohio State. We have a culture that is fighting to be the best version of yourself. I feel with Center Grove and Ohio State, that’s correlated with me in my life, and I just grind every day.”
Curry said that with the ups and downs he’s experienced at Ohio State, the support he’s received from the Center Grove community has been a blessing.
“Ever since I stepped foot off from Center Grove, I’ve definitely heard
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from thousands of people from around this community,” he said. “I just feel so much love from them. That’s been great.”
Steele said the same. He feels the support and also sees it online through social media platforms.
“I check everybody on Twitter and Facebook,” Steele said. “Sometimes I won’t respond, but I see everything, so I want to say thank you to everybody for the support. It means the world to me and definitely helps me when I have my ups and downs. It definitely helps, seeing everybody since I was young supporting me still.”
Steele’s football journey began as a youngster playing in the Center Grove Bantam Football League, where he dreamed of being a pro football player.
“My number-one goal in life was playing in the NFL,” he said. “Playing in the NFL is every little kid’s dream. Being with the Chiefs
CGHS graduate Caden Curry of the Ohio State Buckeyes
has been a blessing, and Coach Moore and all my family and all my friends around me have helped me along that way.”
Moore has supported Steele throughout his career.
“He’s helped me through Ball State, UCLA, and is even helping me now,” Steele said. “He’s always been a second father figure to me, and he’s always helped me through everything, even the ups and downs when I’ve had injuries. Just having him on my side, ever since I was young to the Power Club days - he’s been awesome.”
Steele has always taken time to give back, whether during his high school playing days, college years, or with his current NFL position.
“Honestly I always looked up to [former CGHS running backs] Titus McCoy and Max Norris,” Steel said. “They gave so much to me when I was younger. Giving back to
other people has helped me succeed and make me into the person I am today.”
“I’m especially proud of Carson because he does take time to give back,” said Moore. “You could see that coming. He’s been giving back even when he was in high school. I was waiting to collect the uniforms for
laundry an hour after the game, and he was still signing autographs at the fence; most kids wouldn’t do that. They wouldn’t want to stay that long. He cares about the littlest, most tiny aspects of our community and our athletic programs. He’s always lived up to the guy, the person and the character that he is.”
Steele said he sees similarities between Moore and three-time Super Bowl champion Head Coach Andy Reid.
“It almost kind of gives the Center Grove type of vibes, and that’s why I love it so much,” said Steele. “I know they’re real old-school, how Coach Reid does things. It’s
CGHS graduate Russ Yeast of the Houston Texans and family
CGHS Trojan and Houston Texan Russ Yeast
CGHS Trojan and Chicago Bear Austin Booker
CGHS graduate Austin Booker of the Chicago Bears and family
a hardcore training camp. He doesn’t really take no for an answer. He’s always pushing his players, and so it kind of brings me back to Coach Moore, and that’s how I really related to that. That’s why they’ve had so much success through the years.”
Steele is one of three CGHS graduates playing in the NFL. Fellow high school teammate Austin Booker just concluded his rookie season with the Chicago Bears after being selected 144th in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Booker was a part of the Trojans’ 2020 state championship team, played two seasons collegiately at Minnesota, and played his final season at Kansas.
“Booker, since the spring of his [high school] junior year, has turned into a machine,” said Moore. “Austin Booker is probably more gifted than Caden Curry or Carson Steele or anybody we’ve ever had here. He has length, and he’s got good speed and power for such a big, tall person. He is a great athlete. As you remember, he played on the basketball team here. He’s done a good job with the limited time he got as a rookie. He’s making plays when he gets in there. I was privy to seeing the draft card status at the combine, and it said a possible late-round pick, and a starter by the third year. He’s a great kid, a great person and comes from a great family.”
Russ Yeast was the first Trojan selected in the NFL Draft. The Los Angeles Rams picked him 253rd in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 33 games for the Rams from 2022 through 2024, and
Coach Eric Moore and Carson Steele
CGHS graduates Austin Booker of the Chicago Bears and Carson Steele of the Kansas City Chiefs
was the first CGHS player to play in a playoff game in 2024. In 2024 he played two games for Carolina and one with Houston. Following the season, he re-signed with the Texans. The 2017 CGHS graduate helped lead CGHS to a 6A state runner-up finish in the 2016 state tournament. He earned first-team all-state accolades, was the Indiana Player of the Year by USA TODAY Sports, and was named the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year. Yeast played four seasons at Louisville before playing his final year at Kansas State.
Yeast gives a lot of credit to Moore for helping him on his football journey.
“Coach Moore helped prepare me for the next phase in life in many ways,” said Yeast. “The values and the hard work were the cornerstones of his program, and prepared me for the collegiate level. Even to this day, both on the field and off the field, he’s always there for me when I need guidance or an honest opinion. Coach Moore is a great example of how positively influencing the people around you can have a lasting effect on someone’s life.”
“He’s so fast, and he’s got such great strength and power for a smaller-type position in football, but he’s a great football player,” said Moore. “Some kids are just strong and fast. Russ is a great athlete. Russ could have been a great baseball player and probably could have played basketball. He’s a great track athlete. Russ is as good of an athlete as I’ve ever seen in 40 years and can do unbelievable things. He’s a great striker, and he intercepts footballs. He can just do it all.”
Carson Steele, Caden Curry, Tayven Jackson, and Connor Delp celebrating the 2020 Indiana Class 6A Football State Championship with Coach Eric Moore
“There have been many ups and downs in my career since playing my last game for CG back in 2016,” said Yeast. “My college career was successful and then I had a major injury in 2019. That was a low point, but I know it was part of my journey. The next year I had to overcome doubt and adversity. Then I decided to bet on myself and that took me to Kansas State in 2021. I was blessed to be drafted in 2022, and now I’m embracing the process of carving out my NFL career. The main lessons I’ve learned in handling adversity are to always believe in myself, and to relentlessly pursue my goals regardless of who says I can’t or I won’t.”
Moore is beyond proud of Steele, Curry, Booker and Yeast.
“They are still concentrating on working,” Moore said. “It’s not party time. It’s not ‘Oh, I did it and I’m done.’ No - it’s, ‘What more can we do.’ I love that they’re humble and I love that they still love to practice. But what I love the most is they’re the greatest young men of all. Russ Yeast is as fine a young man as you’ll find. Caden Curry is as fine a young man as you’ll find. Austin Booker is as fine a young man as you can find. And obviously, Carson Steele is the allAmerican great boy. I just love the men that they have become. I just know the future is huge for them. I love that I got a front-row seat to watch all this stuff happen.”
Coach Moore and Caden Curry
CMP PLUMBING
CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
1988 Center Grove alum Chad Paulin started learning plumbing when he was still in high school, working after school and on breaks. After graduation he earned an associate’s degree from Vincennes College’s Building Trades Technology program, where he learned several trades including plumbing, electrical, framing and drywall. Ultimately he chose to pursue a career in plumbing, as it was his passion.
For 10 years he worked for a local plumber, and in 1995 he ventured out on his own. He opened CMP Trades (also known as CMP Plumbing), initially running the business from his home. Two years after opening, he began working with a builder in Carmel.
“I didn’t care how big or small the job was, I said
I wanted to do it,” says Chad, who plumbed entire homes by himself that sometimes had between five and 10 bathrooms. As his reputation grew, job requests increased, and he hired his first employee. His business has grown steadily ever since, with a great team beside him. Loyal, hardworking plumbers Tony Shireman and Steve Balthazor have each worked at CMP Plumbing for nearly two decades. Customers love working with conscientious and dependable Service Manager, Dave Gabbard.
Chad has established long relationships with a number of builders in central Indiana. In 2005 he partnered with Mike Duke, owner of Duke Homes.
“Chad and CMP Trades have been great and reliable plumbers for us and our clients at Duke Homes for nearly 20 years now,” says Duke. “We also count them as good friends.”
As another way to serve the community, Chad has been a member of the Johnson County Drainage Board for several years.
After the recession of 2008, when new home construction picked back up, Chad was very busy. In 2019 he and his wife, Mindy, moved their shop to Bargersville. In addition to growing their service department, Chad and
Photographer / Christina Cochran
Mindy are focused on introducing young people to the trades. Mindy, who worked in banking for 25 years, is now the president and CEO of The Blue Collar Recruiter & Virtual Trade School.
“The labor force is so skinny, making this the perfect time for young people to think about the trades,” says Mindy, who notes that for every three people who are retiring from the trades, only one new person is entering them.
Working in the trades offers several advantages. For starters, you’re not sitting at a cubicle, but rather working with your hands. It offers variety and the ability to see the fruits of your labor and satisfied customers. Mindy and Chad just launched an affordable virtual/hybrid trade school - the first in Indiana to do so. Developed in 2020 during the pandemic, it’s designed to engage people
in trades in a virtual-reality-based learning environment. A seat in this program enables a student to get a taste of multiple trade skills including plumbing, HVAC, electrical, construction, solar, or appliance maintenance.
While students aren’t required to use virtualreality goggles with the online courses, it certainly enhances the experience and the recall factor in learning the skills. For example, while using virtual reality, the student can take a tool out of their tool belt to install a control panel. Students can also come into the training center in Bargersville if they want to engage in hands-on learning opportunities using tools and materials.
“They can tear apart a water heater and put it back together,” Mindy says. “They can
ask questions of Chad and his team and potentially participate in a ride-along with the plumbers to observe at a job site.”
The length of the program depends on the student’s aptitude, as they work at their own pace. Some can complete the 160 hours of instructor-led tutorials in four months while others may take a little longer. After students receive their certificate, they’re well-situated to start an apprenticeship program in their chosen trade.
In addition to having access to a business owner like Chad, students also have Mindy’s guidance on building a resume, which will help get them placed in an apprenticeship.
“We’re super excited about the launching of this virtual trade school,” Mindy says.
Chad and Mindy believe in continuing education for current employees as well. They have sent employees to hands-on Rheem training in Atlanta and Kohler training in Wisconsin, where they learn about new technology.
Offering residential, commercial and service plumbing, CMP Plumbing is a small, family-owned business with 15 employees. The business’s size is part of the appeal. There are no high-pressure sales, and when customers call, they don’t get a switchboard; they get Office Manager Laura Huffman.
The first time Kay Ransdell called CMP
Plumbing, she was impressed with the information that Huffman provided, as well as the kind delivery and affordability of services.
“I set up an appointment and they were professionals who were knowledgeable,” says Ransdell. “They kept in constant touch on bringing everything to do the job.”
“There’s always something new to get up to speed on - the latest and greatest technology and materials,” says Chad.
Chad walks each new homeowner through their home to acquaint them with their plumbing equipment and fixtures, and provide them with a maintenance plan and booklet of important information.
“It’s not like 20 years ago when you could buy a house and move in without having to talk to the plumber about anything,” Chad says. “Nowadays there’s so much other equipment. You’ve got battery backup sump pumps, computerized tankless water heaters and other high-tech fixtures.”
“We’re installing shower fixtures that are controlled with Wi-Fi, so the water is turned on and off digitally,” Huffman says. “There’s no handle in your shower. These days, plumbing companies are not just water lines and faucets!”
CMP Plumbing also does installations and maintenance on bidets, water-bottle
fillers, radiant floor heat, outdoor gas lines, dog washes, back-flow devices, and winterizations for outdoor plumbing such as pool houses.
“We are very thankful to all the customers, builders, and contractors we’ve worked with over the past 30 years. They’ve all been a part of fulfilling the dream I had for this business,” says Chad.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, knowledgeable plumber, contact CMP Plumbing today.
CONNECT
618 Industrial Blvd. Bargersville, IN 317-933-9994 cmptrades.com
WONDER WOMEN
THE INDIANA VALOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM PREPS TO TAKE THE FIELD
Writer / Ryan Gabbert
Baseball might be America’s national pastime, but today, most would say that football has captured America’s attention. With its proud tradition, the adrenaline-pumping action, and the dramatic endings, football is certainly here to stay.
Just like previous generations, children all across the country are growing up playing football with their friends in the backyard. While some go on to play in school before continuing to the higher leagues, for many dedicated fans of the game their participation often ends in the backyard.
Unfortunately, female football players across the United States find that their football careers are over before they even really began. There is one organization, however, that is seeking to change this.
The Woman’s Football Alliance (WFA) is the largest, longest-running, and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the world. Although many leagues have come
and gone, none have the brand recognition and staying power that the WFA has.
Founded in 2009, WFA has remained steadfast in its commitment to growing female tackle football across the United States. With strategic corporate sponsorships, revenue has been reinvested back into the league, allowing new teams to blossom across the country. It also utilizes a rewards program and national media partnerships, so the WFA can maximize each team’s exposure and grow the game as a whole.
The league is made up of three divisions: WFA Pro, Division Two and Division Three. Teams can move up into higher divisions as their brand, sponsorships and fan attendance grow. As the teams rise, the competition becomes fiercer.
Trailblazing is nothing new for the WFA. Its list of achievements is long, and includes being the first women’s football league to play a national championship in an NFL
stadium, the first league to secure a multiyear television network deal with ESPN, the first league to have MVP jerseys displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and first league to partner with the NFL Alumni. Many of the WFA alumni have gone on to hold coaching and scouting positions in the NFL.
The Indiana Valor will play its inaugural season from April to July of 2025, and will surely represent the Hoosier state with pride. Brittany Korreck, a Johnson County native and Center Grove graduate, will join the Valor this season as a wide receiver.
Korreck has been an athlete her entire life, playing soccer throughout high school and at Ball State. Through it all, football remained her true passion.
“Despite playing soccer pretty much my whole life, football has actually been my favorite sport, “ Korreck says. “Growing up in the neighborhood, I used to be the only girl that would play football with the boys. As I
got older I still enjoyed it very much, but it was never an option to play on an all-women’s team.”
Korreck heard about the Valor through a few friends who suggested that, given her athletic background and passion for football, she look into the team. After a rigorous tryout process, she was invited to join the team.
The Indiana Valor currently plays in Division Two, and like many teams in the WFA, is
dedication to the Valor and her teammates.
“I couldn’t be more blessed,” Korreck says. “It has become like a sisterhood, and I know that these girls have my back on and off the field. We have a very strong bond that we’ve created, especially those of us who have been here for several months. It’s really exciting to pave the way for future women in the sport.”
The team has four practices a week, two in person and two virtually. During these practices they train their minds and bodies to the peak of their potential, taking nothing for granted and earning each opportunity to play.
Although 2025 will be the first season for the Valor, Korreck and her teammates are ready for the challenge. With a committed team of coaches, including former Indianapolis Colt Ray Donaldson, the Valor see no limit to what they can achieve.
“Honestly, if we keep it up at this pace I could see us being one of the top teams in the entire league,” Korreck says. “Our owner, race-car driver and author, Kristian Aleixo, and our coaches have the highest expectations for us and we don’t train lightly, mentally or physically. We are trying to be the absolute best.”
Even though Valor are just beginning, the WFA has been gaining ground for years. Women’s tackle football is rapidly taking root across the United States, gaining in popularity and viewership each year.
If you would like more information about the WFA or Indiana Valor, visit their website at wfaprofootball.com/team/indiana-valor, follow them on social media, or come out to one of their games this season.
MASTERING FINANCIAL HEALTH
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE AND KEYS TO FINANCIAL WELL-BEING
Another month means another installment of “NEW YEAR NEW YOU”, our year-long initiative to provide meaningful help from local experts on various topics that impact your health. As April is nationally known as Financial Literacy month, let’s talk financial health.
In today’s ever-changing world, managing finances effectively has become a key element of living a stable, secure and fulfilling life. But what exactly IS financial health and why is it so crucial to maintain healthy finances?
Financial health refers to the state of one’s finances and how well individuals can manage their money to meet their needs and goals. It’s a holistic approach to financial well-being, encompassing aspects such as income, expenses, savings, investments and debt management. Healthy financial health doesn’t mean you need to be wealthy, but it does mean you are in control of your money, able to cover your needs without excessive stress, and are making progress toward your financial goals.
KEY ELEMENTS OF FINANCIAL HEALTH INCLUDE:
• Income vs. Expenses: A healthy balance between the money you earn and the money you spend.
• Debt Management: The ability to manage debt without it overwhelming your finances or your life.
• Savings: Having a savings cushion for emergencies, retirement and other longterm goals.
• Investments: Using tools like stocks, bonds, or real estate to grow your wealth over time.
• Insurance: Protecting yourself and your family against unexpected financial shocks.
A financially healthy person typically has a steady income, lives within or below their means, keeps debt manageable, saves
regularly and invests to build wealth over time.
WHY IS FINANCIAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?
Reduces Financial Stress. Financial health is directly linked to mental and emotional wellbeing. Constantly worrying about money can take a toll on your stress levels, affecting your physical and mental health. Having healthy finances means you’re less likely to experience anxiety, allowing for peace of mind.
Better Control Over Life’s Choices. Financial health gives you the flexibility to make decisions based on what’s best for you without financial stress, whether it’s pursuing higher education, changing careers, taking vacations or making major life changes.
Emergency Preparedness. A strong financial foundation, built on savings and proper insurance, gives you the ability to handle life’s unexpected surprises without resorting to high-interest loans or accumulating excessive debt.
Building Wealth for the Future. Healthy finances allow you to plan and save for important future goals like buying a house, funding children’s education or saving for retirement. Investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, or retirement funds like a 401(k) or IRA, can help your wealth grow and compound over time.
Achieving Financial Independence. One of the ultimate goals of financial health is achieving financial independence. By managing debt, saving and investing wisely, financial independence becomes more achievable, bringing freedom and flexibility in your personal and professional life.
Retirement Planning. Healthy financial habits allow you to effectively plan for retirement.
Whether it’s contributing to a pension plan, an IRA, or simply saving in a dedicated retirement account, healthy financial management means you can retire knowing that you’ll have the resources to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in your later years.
Improved Relationships. Money is a common source of stress in relationships. Financial health allows individuals to align with their partners on spending habits, longterm goals and financial responsibilities. Clear and open financial discussions can reduce misunderstandings and strengthen relationships.
HOW TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL HEALTH
Achieving and maintaining healthy finances doesn’t require a high income but rather disciplined habits and sound decisions. Here are some steps to improve financial health:
• Track Your Spending: Keep track of where your money goes each month to identify areas where you can cut back.
• Create a Budget: Establish a monthly budget that helps you allocate money for savings, necessary expenses and leisure activities.
• Pay Down Debt: Focus on paying off highinterest debt, such as credit card balances, to reduce financial strain.
• Start an Emergency Fund: Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in case of unexpected financial emergencies.
• Invest for the Future: Start investing early to take advantage of compound interest and build wealth for long-term goals.
• Seek Financial Advice: Don’t hesitate to consult with a financial advisor who can help you create a plan tailored to your situation.
CREDIT REPORTING
Mark Maloney, Vice-President of Retail Lending at JCBank, explains credit reporting - what it is, how it is used and how to improve your personal credit score.
A credit report is a comprehensive statement that details your credit activity and current financial situation. It contains information about your credit accounts, payment history and overall creditworthiness.
CREDIT REPORTS
TYPICALLY INCLUDE:
• Personal Information: Your name, address, Social Security number and employment information.
• Credit Accounts: Current and historical credit accounts, including type, credit limit, balance and payment history
• Public Records: Bankruptcies, liens and foreclosures.
• Inquiries: Companies that have accessed your credit report.
HOW CREDIT REPORTING WORKS
• Information Collection: Creditors and lenders report your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
• Report Compilation: The credit bureaus compile this information into your credit report.
• Report Usage: Lenders, landlords and sometimes employers use these reports to assess your creditworthiness.
• Credit Scores: Based on the information in your credit report, credit scores are calculated to provide a quick assessment of your credit risk.
IMPORTANCE OF CREDIT REPORTS
Credit reports are crucial because they:
• Affect your ability to obtain loans, credit cards and favorable interest rates.
• May influence employment decisions and rental applications.
• Help you monitor your financial health and detect potential identity theft.
ACCESSING YOUR CREDIT REPORT
You’re entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, you may be eligible for free reports in certain situations, such as being denied credit or suspecting fraud.
MAINTAINING A GOOD CREDIT REPORT
To keep your credit report in good shape:
• Pay bills on time
• Keep credit card balances low
• Limit new credit applications
• Regularly review your credit reports for errors
By understanding how credit reports work and monitoring yours regularly, you can better manage your financial health and creditworthiness.
WEALTH HAUS
Greg Allen and Clint Heisler, both financial planners, started out as friends and neighbors who decided to combine their passion for the financial industry by founding Wealth Haus, a boutique, holistic wealth management firm dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial lives with clarity, confidence and purpose.
“We wanted to create a place where financial advice could go beyond numbers on a spreadsheet,” says Allen. “We envisioned a space that wasn’t confined by the usual industry pressures or rigid quotas, but instead focused on delivering a personalized experience tailored to each client’s goals, challenges and dreams.”
Although they share many commonalities, the two hold vastly different skill sets. Heisler, who has a sharp attention to detail, has worked at Northwestern Mutual for 14 years. Allen spent the first part of his career in real estate within family-owned residential and commercial real estate companies, then transitioning into finance back in 2012.
“We run our commercial development firm, our homebuilding company and the wealth management firm all from the same location,” says Allen. “We have an added edge from a wealth management standpoint from having those affiliations.
Real estate and finance share a common language, and we’re excited to bring our clients perspective and advice that stems from that understanding.”
The name Wealth Haus is a play on the analogy that the custom homebuilding process and the financial planning/ investment management process are similar. In the same way an architect gathers information and draws up plans that make your home uniquely yours, the financial planners at Wealth Haus craft a blueprint for your financial success to fit your specific needs. This engagement is fee-based, and does not require implementation of products or services. Should the client desire to have an ongoing advisory relationship, the team at Wealth Haus can fulfill the role similar to a general contractor when building a home, and subcontract out the various services required to act upon the recommendations made. Within this engagement, the brokering of asset management services, insurance products and estate strategies can be implemented.
“We become a general contractor, choosing subcontractors to work with and represent such as various institutional asset management firms and highly rated insurance carriers, to ensure our clients are receiving the industry-best products and solutions without bias,” Heisler says.
The team at Wealth Haus has created a process that caters to many demographics. They describe their planning process as either a custom build or a renovation. The target client for a custom build would be someone who has never engaged with an advisor before, or perhaps it’s been some time and their financial situation has dramatically changed, and there is need for a full and complete build from the foundation up. Conversely, a renovation is really geared for those that already feel they have a financial plan but are open to auditing their strategies to ensure peak performance and optimization.
“Many of the clients we onboard are starting with good bones, and to their credit have established a solid framework to work from. That said, we have a knack for finding opportunities to create a compelling case for additional collaboration.” Heisler says.
If you’re in search of a boutique, holistic wealth-building experience, contact the experts at Wealth Haus today. 997 E. County
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
DIRECTORY CENTER GROVE
MISFIT BARBERSHOP
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ALL DAY INSURANCE
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CHILLY WATER BREWING COMPANY SOUTH TAPROOM
Chilly Water Brewing Company is an award winning brewery founded in 2014 in Indianapolis that specializes in finely crafted lagers. The Center Grove Taproom is a family friendly establishment and provides a casual, laid back atmosphere to enjoy a pint and a small bite. Catch trivia EVERY Thursday at 7pm and enjoy any of our daily beer specials.
1480 Olive Branch Parke Lane, Greenwood Indiana, 46143 317-360-9020 www.chillywaterbrewing.com
CODE NINJAS
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JUST THE TWO OF US WEDDING SERVICES
For 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with couples to create their unique wedding day. From planning, coordinating to officiating, my team and I focus on every detail to ensure your wedding/event is seamless and perfectly you. Based in Center Grove and serving couples statewide, we’re here to support you every step down the aisle.
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BUILDING KIDS THROUGH ROBOTS
CENTER GROVE RED ALERT HOSTS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Writer / Abigail Fain
Robotics competitions at the high school level have gained prominence throughout the last decade, giving kids a place to find community and expand their horizons. That is certainly true at Center Grove High School.
Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics, says “we’re not using kids to build robots; rather, we’re using robots to build kids.”
FIRST is a global organization that prepares students to become leaders and innovators in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. In FIRST, students from pre-K through 12th grade engage with STEM in life-changing ways. FIRST has been part of Center Grove since 2003, when the first FIRST Lego League team was established for elementary and middle school students. Center Grove High School’s robotics program, FIRST Team 1741 Red Alert Robotics, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this spring.
Robotics can be intimidating. “I often felt totally out of my depth, but everyone on the team was incredibly encouraging and ready to teach,” says Max Newport.
With diverse teams worldwide, FIRST teaches that there is one language that can unite everyone - STEM.
Robotics is a competitive program, but unlike some other activities, robotics encourages teamwork with competitors. Teams compete in “alliances,” three randomly selected teams from different schools, during every match. FIRST’s value of “co-opertition” (competition and cooperation) fosters a supportive environment. This ranges from sharing parts between matches or spaces with teams leading up to competitions.
“FIRST taught me countless skills that extended beyond anything involving robotics or STEM,” says Chase Rivas, a former Center Grove Red Alert captain who served in many different roles on the team.
demos of STEM around the community.
“My experience in practical engineering in FIRST was key in landing internships and building me into the engineer I am today,” says Newport. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to not only learn how to do something, but also to actually do it.”
These alumni feel FIRST equipped them with diverse skills going into college, ranging from engineering and programming to graphic design.
Current Awards Lead Sarah Hendrix echoes this sentiment. “It’s a unique opportunity for students to get experience in a professional setting,” she says.
Red Alert has had a successful last three years. In 2022 Red Alert qualified for the world championship after winning the Impact Award, the most prestigious award in FIRST, at the state championship. At the world championship, Red Alert finished as a finalist in their division. In 2024 Red Alert won the Imagery Award for their branding and social media, the Gracious Professionalism Award for helping other teams, and District Event Finalist honors at two events.
Those wins have helped build a sense of optimism for the team.
“We’ve designed our robot to stand out and I think we’re going to be very competitive,” says Design Captain Evan Gagne.
Red Alert is hosting the 2025 FRC Indiana State Championship at Center Grove High School on April 4 and 5. This free event will feature the top robotics teams in the state and the immeasurable impact FIRST has had on countless lives. Additionally, the 2025 FIRST World Championship will be April 16 through 19 in Houston, Texas. If Red Alert qualifies for this event, community members can keep up with them via their social media profiles.
For more information about FIRST in Indiana, please visit firstindianarobotics.org.
On Red Alert, the operations team is involved in business, social media and more. All students on Red Alert learn valuable interpersonal, leadership and technical skills. The team also engages in outreach events like a Trunk-or-Treat event, two summer camps, and
Abigail Fain is a Center Grove High School senior and the operations captain of FIRST Team 1741 Red Alert Robotics. She will be attending IU Bloomington in the fall of 2025 for informatics.
Camp
Kids 6 years and older
CENTER GROVE SPORTS ROUNDUP
BOYS WRESTLING STATE RUNNER-UP FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR
Center Grove High School (CGHS) boys wrestling capped off another fantastic season with a runner-up finish in the state tournament. After winning the sectional at Mooresville, the Trojans placed second to Brownsburg in the regional, semi-state and state finals. CGHS had eight wrestlers qualify for the state meet at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The following were state runners-up: seniors Julian Weems and Eddie Goss, sophomore Peyton Hornsby, and freshman Daniel Brown Jr.
“Our goal is to get over that hump and get a state championship,” said CGHS Head Coach Maurice Swain. “Coming in this year, we graduated seven senior starters from last year, six of which were state placers. So, you graduate half your varsity lineup, can still compete for a state championship, and finish in the top two against two other teams
in Brownsburg and Crown Point - nationally ranked teams. That’s pretty good. We hope the guys that are coming back the next few years can get over the hump and win a title.”
Goss competed in the 132-pound weight
class this season and ended his career as a four-time state qualifier. “For 14 years of my life I’ve been wrestling and have had the same dream,” said Goss. “It started with me wanting to wrestle [at the state finals]. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world
Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network Photographers / Misty Brown; Sophia South
when I was 10 and I went with my dad. It’d be so cool if I were down there one day just wrestling. I did it four times, which is awesome. Once that happened, I dreamed of getting a blue medal; a blue ring became everything. I didn’t get it done, but you have to move on with your life.”
Weems wrestled in the 175-pound weight class in his final season as a Trojan, battling back from a significant knee injury early in his high school athletic career. “[I had] a lot of ups and downs throughout my career,” said Weems. “It was just great to wrestle a full season and wrestle under the lights [at the state finals]. Even though it didn’t turn out how I had hoped, it was good to experience wrestling under the lights.”
Hornsby’s trip to the state finals was the first of his young career. He competed in the 144-pound weight class. “I’ll take it as a positive,” said Hornsby. “I had a few losses during the season but I still always saw myself as the best in the bracket regardless. I didn’t get the result I wanted, but I didn’t qualify for the tournament last year, so I will take it as a positive for now and keep moving forward. Wrestling is different than any other sport. You can’t just come to practice and expect to win. You’ve got to come to practice, and you’ve got to go home, recover the right ways, you’ve got to watch film, you’ve got to get in extra workouts. Every day you’ve got to be doing this stuff. Wrestling is a lifestyle, not just a sport.”
Brown Jr. learned a lot during his
first season as a varsity wrestler in the 106-pound weight class. “I started the season fighting for a varsity spot,” said Brown Jr. “I got the varsity spot, and then after that I was just focusing on most of the big tournaments. I learned not to ride on a win too long. Be happy on a win, be disciplined and always look ahead. Don’t just stay in the past. Look in the future.”
The future looks bright for the Trojans as they continue to work toward their first state championship.
BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING FINISH STRONG AT STATE FINALS
CGHS boys swimming and diving set a preseason goal to finish in the top five in the state finals. The Trojans achieved this goal by securing a fourth-place finish, their best in the state finals.
“The boys swam a perfect preliminary session to set themselves to be in the fight in the finals,” said CGHS Head Coach Brad Smith. “I am so proud of every one of our boys. They really stepped up and gave it their all for their team. It was a true team effort.”
The Trojans set six school records at the state finals and tied one. Junior Henry Lyness had the best finishes for CGHS, taking second in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke.
“We had a flawless season,” said Lyness.
“We knew we would have a good chance of placing high at the meet, so we just executed and swam the best we could. I’m super proud of myself. I lost to my friend less than a tenth of a second, so I can’t be mad about that. I also had my best two times, which was great overall.”
Lyness has high hopes for his final season in 2025-2026. “I’m going to try to win both my races next year,” he said. “It’s looking pretty good for that, and then maybe try to get the top three as a team. We’re gonna have a really strong team next year. We lose three seniors, but we got some good replacements, so it’ll also be a great year next year.”
GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING TAKES 12TH IN STATE FINALS
A young CGHS girls swimming and diving team, primarily sophomores and freshmen, placed 12th in the state finals.
“The girls swam really well but, more importantly, gained much experience competing at this level,” said CGHS Head Coach Brad Smith. “Hats off to our one senior, Clara Brandon, for leading the team this season. We are excited that the experiences gained from this season will spring us into returning to the top 10 next year.”
Congratulations to the following CGHS boys and girls swimmers and divers for their podium finishes at the state finals and for earning all-state honors:
BOYS:
• 200 medley relay - 3rd place: Henry Lyness, Isaac Lewis, Mason Bridges, Anthony Cuadros
• 200 freestyle - 8th place: Max Hite
• Diving - 7th place: Dathan Schramm
• 100 butterfly - 2nd place: Henry Lyness
• 500 freestyle - 7th place: Max Hite
• 200 freestyle relay - 7th place: Isaac Lewis, Camron Mazdai, Nikhil Iyer, Max Hite
• 100 backstroke - 2nd place: Henry Lyness
• 400 freestyle relay - 3rd place: Henry Lyness, Max Hite, Anthony Quadros, Mason Bridges
GIRLS:
• 100 butterfly - 7th place: Addy Matern
• 200 free relay - 7th place: Averie Matern, Santana Gonzalez, Addy Matern, Clara Brandon
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BOYS BASKETBALL ENDS SEASON IN SECTIONAL SEMIFINALS
The CGHS boys basketball season ended in the second round of the sectional at Decatur Central with a 60-47 loss to Mooresville. Sophomore Klint South led the Trojans with 22 points. CGHS won its openinground sectional game over Perry Meridian 50-36. South was the top scorer with 15 points, and junior Braden Goodpaster added 10 points. The Trojans concluded the season with an 11-12 record and were 2025 Johnson County Tournament Champions.
Pictured: Dr. Gregory Poulter OrthoIndy Spine Surgeon
