Center Grove Magazine January 2021

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JANUARY 2021

MAGAZINE

Center Grove Football Team Emerges as State Champs LEAVI NG HI S MARK

Carson Steele Named 2020 Indiana Mr. Football

PARENTS’ TRI BUTES TO THEI R 2020-2021 SENIOR TROJANS

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JANUARY 2021

2020 Ce n te r G rove Trojan Footb all Roster

Ce n te r G rove Var sity Ch e e r le ad e r s

Ce n te r G rove Dan ce Te am

Ce n te r G rove March in g B an d

CG S in g e r s an d CG S ou n d Syste m Trojan Pr id e : Ce n te r G rove Footb all Te am E me rg e s as State Ch amp s

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Le avin g H is Mar k: Car son Ste e le Name d 2020 In d ian a Mr. Footb all

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Pare n ts’ Tr ib u te s To Th e ir 2020-2021 S eni or Trojan s K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS

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2020 CENTER GROVE TROJAN FOOTBALL ROSTER # NAME GRADE POSITION 1 Noah Coy 9 RB 2 Tayven Jackson 11 QB 3 Jackson Griffin 11 DB 4 Matt Soderdahl 12 DB 5 Connor Delp 12 SE 6 Austin Green 11 DB 7 Gerson Coroa 10 RB 8 Daniel Weems 11 RB 9 Mason Long 12 SE 10 Harrison Stomps 11 SE 11 Owen Wright 10 QB 12 Micah Coyle 10 DB 13 Gage Rees 10 DB 14 Lucas Hoffman 12 LB 15 Trent Veith 12 SE 16 Earl Ridlen 11 DB 17 Parker Doyle 10 DB 18 Arjun Lothe 10 QB 20 Mitchell Evans 11 DB 21 Gavin Oakes 10 DB 22 Drew Wheat 10 RB 23 Dane Young 12 DB 24 Ty Hohlt 12 SE 25 Jackson Schott 12 LB 26 Ethan Watt 10 DB 27 Geiger White 11 RB 28 Brayton Spetter 12 DB 29 Grant Baldwin 10 RB 30 Carson Steele 12 RB 31 Levi Gagnon 12 RB 32 James Schott 11 DE 33 Elijah Matheson 11 LB 34 Trey Clark 12 LB 35 Clay Stambaugh 12 RB 37 Trei Specker 11 LB 38 Conner Burries 11 DB 39 Shashank Seerum 12 DB 40 Drake Buchanan 11 LB 41 Matt Hohlt 12 LB 42 Kyle Williams 10 LB 43 Harrison Roberts 12 DB 44 Mason Crump 11 RB 45 Hunter Falks 10 LB 46 Sam Hesser 12 LB 47 Shane Bennett 11 DE 48 Ryan Luck 11 DB 49 Bryce Crump 11 DE 50 John Lyon 10 OL 52 Isaak Fischer 10 DL 54 Luke McDaniel 10 OL 55 Matthew Neff 10 LB 57 Logan Cravens 10 OL 58 Jordan Cox 11 OL

# NAME GRADE POSITION 59 TJ Sowers 11 OL 60 Owen Zoss 11 OL 62 Hunter Bryant 12 OL 63 Gurubir Jheeta 11 DE 64 Jackson Stoelting 11 DL 65 Brayden Sturm 12 OL 67 Charlie Gardner 10 OL 68 Jacob Newlin 11 OL 70 Cooper Rakow 10 OL 71 Carson Wools 11 DL 75 Isaac Brown 12 DE 76 Tommy Claiborne 10 DT 77 Austin Wiese 10 OL 78 Carter DeGraaf 12 OL 79 Sam Buras 11 OL 80 Ben Balsley 12 SE 81 Nolan Foley 10 R/K 82 Kiley Hargrave 12 SE 84 Braxton Ridens 11 OT 85 Kodie George 12 SE 86 Brenden Nellans 10 TE 88 Garrett Keith 12 TE 89 Zach Greller 10 SE 90 Isiah Gonterman-Turner 10 DL 91 Caden Curry 11 DT 92 Will Spellman 9 TE 93 Isaac Chandler 11 DT 94 Austin Booker 12 DE 95 Josh Sims 12 TE 96 Ryne Roehling 10 DE 97 Owen Green 11 DT 98 Austin Watson 12 PK 99 Cole Eckert 11 TE HEAD COACH: ERIC MOORE ASSISTANT COACHES: CHAD DANIELS, BRAD TIMMONS, NICK LYON, KEVIN HUTCHINS, TOM BLANCK, JOE SIDEREWICZ, TROY DICE, MATT PATTERSON, KEVIN DIETEL, BRIAN HARBIN, RYAN SPOONMORE, CRAIG JARRETT, JOHN SUMMERS FRESHMAN COACHES: BRANDON PAINTER, LELAND KINNETT, MATT ADAMS, DANIEL WEEMS, CHAD ALLEN SUPERINTENDENT: DR. RICH ARKANOFF PRINCIPAL: DR. JEFFRY M. HENDERSON ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: JON ZWITT ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: SCOTT KNAPP ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT SECRETARY: JOANNY TOLLE TEAM DOCTOR: DR. JOHN BALDEA ATHLETIC TRAINERS: DAVE BUCHHOLZ, LAT, ATC JESSICA SCHABER, LAT, ATC MANAGERS: SOPHIA CULVER, JIMMY MUELLER, RYAN WARD, CHRISTIAN CLARK VIDEOGRAPHERS: ZAK ALEXANDER, HENRY GAY, NICK ANDREWS

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Please welcome our new pediatrician

Dr. Sahand Banisadr is accepting new patients in Franklin and Greenwood Johnson Memorial Health is pleased to welcome Sahand Banisadr, MD to our Pediatrics practice. Dr. Banisadr will be seeing patients in both our Franklin and Greenwood pediatrics offices.

Dr. Banisadr obtained his bachelor’s degree in General Biology from the University of California, San Diego. He then went on to earn his Master’s degree and his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, and completed his Pediatric residency at the Toledo Children’s Hospital. During his time in Toledo, Dr. Banisadr was granted awards for teaching students and fellow residents, and received accolades for exceptional patient care. Through the course of his education, he discovered his passion for providing the best possible care for children with chronic health conditions such as asthma, eczema, diabetes and obesity, and for helping families to understand and care for their children. He is enthusiastically committed to maintaining wellness in all his patients from birth through adulthood, in order to promote good health throughout the entirety of their lives.

Dr. Banisadr believes in giving back to the community through supporting local organizations including America Reads, Habitat for Humanity, and mentoring those in high risk or low socioeconomic households. Outside of patient care, he is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with his family and dog. He is also well traveled and is fluently bilingual in both English and Persian.

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CENTER GROVE DANCE TEAM

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TROJAN PRIDE Center Grove Football Team Emerges as State Champs Writer / Kevin Conrad Photographer / Lindy Scott

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W

ith the pandemic threatening to derail the high school football season, the 2020 Center Grove Trojans were able to stay the course and finish the season as one of the most heralded Indiana high school football teams ever to play under the Friday night lights. The Trojans made it to the finish line at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend, winning their third state title in school history with a 38-14 victory over Westfield in class 6A. “Being a crazy year, the year that it was, the great, special thing about this team has been their ability to focus,” said Head Coach Eric Moore. “They had to let go of all the obstacles, what their daily schedule usually is, couldn’t take a shower at practice, the locker room is divided up, they’re carrying around water bottles everywhere. They had the ability to stay focused, enjoy what they’re doing, and play with great passion.

I’m so proud of how they adapted and overcame everything this season.”

Congrats Trojans!

2020 6A Football State Champions

“Honestly with this being a weird season with COVID, it was a relief knowing that we got to play a full season and that we finished what we started,” said senior defensive end Austin Booker. “Our Motto was ‘Start 2 Finish’ and we practiced and played with that mindset. This team did something special by going 14-0, winning state, and being ranked nationally.”

“All of us had expected to be in this situation”, said senior wingback Connor Delp. “I was just glad we finally accomplished our goal of winning a state title. It was a special moment.”

The Trojans narrowly missed winning the state title in 2019, losing to Carmel, 20-17.

Senior linebacker Jackson Schott relished the opportunity to return to the finals to take care of unfinished business.

“It felt really great, especially because last year we were in the same building and it didn’t go the way we wanted it to. Just getting second in state last year really hurt, so we’ve just been working really hard since then trying to get back. And it was a special

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moment celebrating with all the teammates and especially with my little brother (James Schott).”

Offensive linemen rarely capture the headlines in the newspaper or appear on the highlight reel. However, CG’s offensive line should be recognized for their dominance in controlling the line of scrimmage against the likes of conference powers, Warren Central, Ben Davis and Carmel.

“The first thing I did after the clock ran down was hug the other o-linemen and told them how fortunate I was to have those dudes by my side,” said senior offensive lineman Brayden Sturm. “Those are the guys that I went through every game with side by side. I was just so excited and happy because winning that game is something very few teams get to do. In that moment, I realized how fortunate I was to be there with those guys. Reality hit hard when I put on that blue medal. I was overcome with excitement, happiness, and shock. What we had just done, very few teams have been able to do.”

Many Trojan players begin their football careers in the Center Grove Bantam Football League, one of the most elite youth football programs in the midwest. This is where the Trojans learn to play football ‘The Center Grove Way.’ They are taught the importance of ‘Trojan Pride’ and how to play hard and physical until the whistle blows.

Former CG Bantam player Brayton Spetter was a senior defensive back for the Trojans this season. Spetter said the journey for a state championship started at a young age. “I knew we were dreaming of this since we were little kids in Bantam. It was a special feeling being on the field, knowing that all my hard work paid off. Hugging all my brothers that I have been playing football for many years overwhelmed me with happiness.”

Center Grove Friday Night Football.

Oh, How Special It Is From superior football play on the gridiron to the marching band’s stellar halftime performance to the cheer squad’s school spirit to the dance teams’ high leg kicks Story continues on page 29 18 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021 / atCenterGrove.com

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2020 STATE CHAMPS What an incredible season!

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to the choir’s beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, Friday nights at Ray Skillman Stadium during the Fall football season is like no other.

“I am extremely fortunate to have played football for CG. I would not have had it any other way,” said Sturm. “CG has an incredible environment with the community being so involved. Playing football on Friday nights in front of the home crowd eight times this season was nothing short of amazing. The atmosphere and the aura the crowd and the team gave off was just amazing. The horn was pretty cool too. Not having as many people as usual this season was not ideal, but no matter if there were 7,000 people or 800 people, the energy was the same. I will never forget the home games this season because they were all so special.”

“Playing under the lights at Ray Skillman Stadium, on the same field that the legends that built our program played on, is such a privilege and honor,” said senior kicker Austin Watson. “The tradition that this program has is something you don’t get anywhere else.”

“Football means a lot to Center Grove and it was an intense, exciting, and fun four years playing for this program,” said Spetter.

Friday nights are something I’m going to miss at CG. Running out of the helmet to the atmosphere we have is adrenaline inducing.”

“Hard Work x Dedication = Success” -Coach Eric Moore Before Coach Moore arrived at Center Grove in 1999, the Trojans had only won one Sectional and one Regional.

Under Moore’s 22 years of leadership, the Trojans have amassed three State titles, 3 State Runner-ups, six Semi-States, 14 Regionals, 15 Sectionals, and seven MIC championships. The program’s success starts at the top with Moore setting the tone and vision for the entire program.

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“He definitely pushes everybody to work their hardest,” said Booker. His practices are intense and tough, but make you ready to play physical.”

“Coach Moore has been a special person in my life,” Delp said. “He has been my football coach

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and track coach for four years. He has been a role model for me and he’s been someone I look up to. He has taught me many life skills as well. He has shown me how to be a leader and shown me what toughness is.”

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Another former CG assistant coach under Moore is Lawrence North head coach, Patrick Mallory. After 11 seasons as Moore’s assistant, he now calls Moore his best friend. This was his eighth season at LN and the Wildcats’ best season since 2005. Mallory credits his mentor for his coaching successes. “I thank the Lord I was put on a path with Coach Eric Moore.

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“He has a great way of being a fierce competitor, being really tough on the kids, but really loves the kids with a great balance.

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“Without Coach Moore, I don’t think I would be the player I am now,” said Sturm. “He instilled in me a lot of different principles and ideas that I will never forget. No matter what we were doing, he expected excellence and wanted us to be the best we could be. I think Coach Moore has impacted every player in a positive way. Without Coach Moore, I do not think I would have played football for as long as I have. I would not have wanted anyone else in the head coach spot. I am very thankful for him and what he has done for us.”

Mallory says Moore’s program is built on hard work. “I don’t know if he had the perfect plan, but he’s built the perfect plan over his 22 years as head coach. There’s just an expectation now with Trojan football.

The more you can believe that expectation of working hard, the more it will take off.

He’s building the best product that he can for society. Adding great people and hard workers that will build our society for us.

And if we win a few games along the way, awesome.”

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WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS TURNING 65 OR PLANNING TO RETIRE SOON?

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LEAVING HIS MARK

CARSON STEELE NAMED 2020 INDIANA MR. FOOTBALL

Writer / Kevin Conrad Photographer / Lindy Scott & Provided

Center Grove High School senior running back Carson Steele punctuated his illustrious four-year career with the most elite titles in the state - Indiana’s 2020 Mr. Football, and Class 6A football state champion. The mark he has left on Center Grove football is a deep one, and he is the most decorated player in Center Grove’s 65 years of football.

“I don’t know if there’s any player since I’ve been here that has stepped on the field as a freshman and has dominated like he has statistically,” says Center Grove Coach Eric Moore. “He’s been a highly decorated kid. He’s done it humbly. His leadership is by action on the field leadership by example. I can remember him as a sophomore sitting in the locker room at halftime. I’m looking at him and his fingers are bleeding, elbows cut, knees scraped up and he’s smiling because he gets to play high school football. I would like to play with a kid like that. I

think his legacy will be toughness, and the ability to make a play when everyone knows he’s getting the ball and he still gets the necessary yards.”

Moore says Steele is the epitome of Center Grove football.

“You couldn’t plug in a better guy for the role to play for what we do,” he says. “We protect our defense with great offense and a great running game. Carson Steele, for the last four years, has been that great running game. He’s helped our other running backs get better and quarterbacks get better, making the game easier for them. He makes the game easier for the defense.”

The 2020 Mr. Football will always be Carson Steele. However, Steele says it’s an award he shares with his offensive linemen.

“Without them I couldn’t have done this out on the field,” he says.

“They do the dirty work and they don’t get interviewed about it after

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the game. I give them love on Saturdays with doughnuts. Coach Moore sneaks a doughnut or two. They’re the real reason I had so much success on the field - love those dudes.”

Steele also credits his head coach and position coach for making him a better football player.

“Coach Moore has been with me since I was very young,” he says. “He has influenced my life. I am very thankful for all the hours he has put in, not just for me but the whole community, and I’m very thankful for that. Coach (Brad) Timmons made things a lot easier for me coming into high school. I knew a lot of things about football, but he opened me up to stuff I had never seen before and he always made the game fun. I’m very thankful for him.”

Steele was not only a stellar football player under the Friday night lights, but was also a role model for the youngsters who idolized him so much.

“After games, he’s signing autographs and taking pictures with all the kids,” Moore says. “He has a huge connection with kids and is passing the torch. He’s probably one of the greatest sportsmen I’ve ever coached.”

Steele embodies what’s great about high school football in Indiana. A fierce competitor on the field and a gentle giant off the field, he’s been a great ambassador for Center Grove football, and now he will be just that at the state level as Indiana’s Mr. Football.

“The people of the Center Grove community have blessed me and my family so much, and I’m not even talking about football,” Steele says. “I’m so thankful for everything and everyone. They are truly the ones that make Center Grove football. I will remember Center Grove football forever.”

“It’s a true Indiana legend story,” Moore says. “You walk off the field for the final time of your high school career as a state champion. The best player on the best team should be Mr. Football. The award couldn’t have gone to a better person than Carson Steele of Center Grove. The state got it right.”

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PARENTS’ TRIBUTES TO THEIR 2020-2021 SENIOR TROJANS Matt Soderdahl #4 “Be strong & courageous...for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh.1:9) We see strength & courage in all you do, Matt! Keep God #1 and keep being YOU: hardworking, kindhearted, wise, & faithful. Love, Mom & Dad Connor Delp #5 Congratulations Connor on a great year! Your hard work and dedication paid off with a State Championship. We are all very proud of you and what you have accomplished. We look forward to your future successes. Love, Mom & Dad Mason Long #9 Hard work pays off and dreams do come true!

Keep dreaming BIG! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Emma, Grant and your entire family Lucas Hoffman #14 “Some people want it to happen, some people wish for it to happen, and others MAKE it happen.”

We are so proud of you, Lucas. Congratulations to you and your teammates for an unforgettable and undefeated state championship season!

Trenton Veith #15 What a FINISH to your HS football career! You are now a champion! You have forged wonderful opportunities and CG friendships for yourself.

We are so thankful for the memories and beyond proud of you on and off the field. Mom and DadLove #15 and the CG Football Class of ‘21 Always!

Dane Young #23 Woohoo, Dane! We are so proud of your accomplishments on and off the field. We are looking forward to what college has in store for you.

We love you, Mom, Dad, & Sheridan Ty Hohlt #24 13 years on the Gridiron consummated with an undefeated season, State Title and National Ranking. The memories of your play over the years will forever be priceless. Extremely blessed for #24 along with his teammates and coaches over the years.

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Clay Stambaugh #35 FANTASTIC FINISH for a TEAM that believed in their goal from Start 2 Finish! We’re so proud of your commitment to make those around you better. That is what you do best! #blueribbonbrothers Shashank Seerum #39 With your passion for football since middle school, you went all the way! Proud of you for not giving-up! Big shoutout to the Coaches, Football Team Mom, and Parent Club for supporting him!

You have had 2 goals in sight – State Championship and a Division 1 scholarship. So proud of you for accomplishing both. Cannot wait to watch you at the next level and see where it takes you. Love you Most, Mom.

Matt Hohlt #41 Congratulations Trojan Football State Champion!

What a memorable season!

Brayton Spetter #28 We are proud of the work you have put in to become a champion and we are excited for the future championships you will win in all areas of your life.

Harrison Roberts #43 Congratulations on an undefeated 14-0 season and winning State as a senior! We are so proud of your teamwork and passion for Center Grove football. Do great things at IU in Bloomington next fall. We love you! Mom and Dad

Carson Steele #30 Congratulations Trojans on an undefeated season!! We love you Carson and are so proud of you! Thank you for a magical four years! Love, Mom, Dad and Kesslar

CRS, GRI / PRESIDENT’S CLUB LIFE MEMBER

Mike.Cagle@TalkToTucker.com www.MikeCagle.com

Trey Clark #34 So very proud of you!

Keep reaching for the stars! I love you! Mom

Jackson Schott #25 Jackson, I love you and I’m proud of you! You have worked tirelessly for this with your own drive and determination since you were a little kid. I can’t wait to see what your future holds! Love, your bud, Pop

“We worked with Mike on listing our home this year. We had a great experience and would highly recommend him. Mike was the perfect REALTOR® to list our home. He took the time to understand and appreciate the neighborhood and quality of our home, which reflected in how our home was presented to potential buyers. Mike was great at navigating us through the whole process from start to finish with ease and understanding. We appreciated the effort he put in to the sale of our home, and also having genuine care in our best interests. Thanks Mike. Congrats and job well done on another success!” – Eric and Shayla B.

MIKE CAGLE 317.888.3311

Levi Gagnon #31 What a season!

Congratulations Trojans State Champs!

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Sam Hesser #46 Congratulations Sam! What a way to end your senior year – a champ!

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atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2021 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 37

Hunter Bryant #62 To the most kind, compassionate, funny, loving and empathetic boy we could ever ask for. We are so proud of the man you have become and can’t wait to see what your future holds! We love you son!

Ben Balsley #80 Congratulations on an awesome senior season!

We are proud of you and your teammates! Love, Mom and Dad

Brayden Sturm #65 We couldn’t be more proud of you and your determination! Even through all the adversity, you still persevered! We are so excited to see what the future holds! We love you! Mom and Dad Isaac Brown #75 Congratulations! We are so proud of you and the young man you have become. We are looking forward to seeing what your future holds. We love you and thank God for you. Love, Your Family Isaac Warren Brown, from one Center Grove Trojan to another, thank you, son, for twelve unforgettable years of amazing football God has given which culminated after Thanksgiving 2020 with an undefeated high school senior season, a 6A state championship title victory, and a national rank of tenth. I truly will forever be thankful for your efforts, and those of your teammates, your coaches, your teachers and all of Center Grove. A final chapter could not be better written than this; it is time to finish. Forever Go Trojans! Love you always #75, Dad Carter DeGraaf #78 So many incredible accomplishments achieved.

We are proud of you as you forged through a difficult year and turned it into something great. Now you know how strong God has made you! Congrats!

Can’t wait to watch you at Illinois State University!

Love, Mom & Dad

Kiley Hargrave #82 Congratulations Kiley and Center Grove Football Team! Kiley, Mom and Dad love you very much! Keep reaching for your dreams and let nothing stand in your way. It’s only up from here!! Go Trojans!

Kodie George #85 Kodie, your relentless ability to persevere through life’s challenges has been utterly amazing to watch this year! You have continued to learn and grow every day.

Good Luck at MSU! We are so proud to be your Mom and Dad! Garrett Keith #88 G, we are so very proud of all you have accomplished on and off the field this year!

Congratulations on WINNING STATE!! We can’t wait to see what your future holds! LET’S GO!! Love Mom, Dad & Brandon Austin Booker #94 We are so proud of all your accomplishments so far. We’re excited that you and your teammates were able to have a perfect season and FINISHED with a State Championship. We look forward to watching you play at Minnesota.....

Row the Boat!

Josh Sims #95 All those practices over all those years! All those hot days with sweat and tears! All those friendships and bonds that you built! All those memories of all the hard work! You guys were unstoppable Trojans at heart! Seniors class of 2021!

Austin Watson #98 Austin, we’re so proud of the amazing young man you are both on and off the field. Trojan Football has been an invaluable experience and we look forward to what God has next. Seek Him first!

Love, Mom, Dad, Tyler and Haley Ryan Ward, Manager Ryan’s love for the game of football started when he was about four years old. He has been managing officially since the eighth grade. He has enjoyed this team over the past 4 years of high school and has developed a deep respect for Coach Moore. Go Trojans!

Sophie Culver, Manager We are so proud of you Sophie! Congrats on an excellent season and the connections you made. You will be an excellent sports administrator someday!

The Culver football legacy continues. Love Mom, Grace, Blessing (and Dad always)

38 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021 / atCenterGrove.com

Congratulations to Coach Moore and the Center Grove Trojans!

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40 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021 / atCenterGrove.com A BETTER REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE