5 minute read
Leading the Way
By Elizabeth Rexing, Print Editor
“At the end of the day, our goal is to win state,” senior running back Colin Price said. With the aim to finish what they started last year, the Varsity football team is focusing on player leadership and perfecting every play. The team ended the season last year falling short against Cathedral in the state finals. While the team didn’t come away as 5A champions, they did come away with an unbeatable memory. “The state finals game was truly something I’ll never forget,” Aiden Krein, senior and safety said. “Playing at Lucas Oil under the bright lights with all our fans cheering us on was an incredible moment for us players, and coaches. It truly showed how great we can be.” Head coach Scott Turnquist said the team’s flexibility helped them on their trip to Lucas Oil. “You have to always be prepared to adapt,” Turnquist said. “Last season threw things at us that we’ve never seen before. Our coaches and players were willing and able to adapt to everything we needed to do.” The team started this season losing 17 graduating seniors, 11 who were a part of their starting lineup. However, the 32 seniors on this year’s team have had significant playing time in Varsity games in past years, Turnquist said. “We lost a lot of high-quality seniors,” Turnquist said. “We’re always sad to see seniors leave but we’re excited about the kids that we have replacing those seniors. They’ve worked extremely hard to prepare for this opportunity.” Among the seniors are several players that stand out to Turnquist. Colin Price, Joey Tanona, Trey Firestone and others have stepped up and taken on an essential leadership role this year, Turnquist said. “Player leadership is extremely important,” Turnquist said. “ If there’s a mistake we’ve made or we’re struggling, leaders have to have the tools and the ability to get us back on track. It’s not necessarily just knowing plays, it’s communication, it’s being able to rely on one another, and being able to right the ship.” Turnquist also notes that the team’s starting quarterback, junior Christian Abney, has taken charge. “He’s earned the spot and his teammates have seen him earn it,” Turnquist said. “Anytime the guys see someone working hard to achieve a goal, they’re willing to follow, they’re willing to support him, and they’re willing to do what they need to support him.” According to Turnquist, player leadership is something that the entire team works on and something any player can accomplish. “Leadership isn’t a grade, it isn’t an age,” Turnquist said. “It’s about influence and that’s what we’re trying to get the team to
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Senior Owen Rossell and coach Jaylen Cushenberry celebrate after a Zionsville fumble recovery in their game against Pike on Sept. 20. The Eagles beat the Red Devils, 28 - 10. photo by Sarah Maniscalo
“[Student] leaders have the tools and the ability to get us back on track.” - Scott Turnquist, Head Coach
understand; any of the guys can be leaders, regardless of how old they are.” As a player, Krein understands the importance of student leaders. “Player leadership means everything to me because it dictates success,” Krein said. “When coaches lead, they have great effect, but it’s unmatched to the effect player leadership has on fellow players.” Krein also recognizes that leadership and player influence extends beyond the football field. “Off the field I try to always be there for the ‘little guy’ and lead others with the experience I have in school and in life in general,” Krien said. Krein gives advice to the underclassmen and understands that achievements come on and off the turf. “Starting your high school career off strong is so important to the success you will have in high school and beyond,” Krein said. “I harp on the importance of getting involved and having fun.” Price adds, “When we hold each other accountable, we’re at our best.” This season, Price’s goals are to perfect every play. “Cutting the corners is not an option if we want to play at our full potential,” Price said. “Making sure we execute every play is crucial to maximize every drive.” Playoffs and potential state finals are on everybody’s minds. How to get there is the team’s main focus. “Everybody wants to win, that’s kind of a given,” Turnquist said. “How good can we be at things that are required to win games and win playoff games, and go to championships? Because if we just put a goal out there that says, ‘we want to win state championships,’ we forget what it takes to get there.” As for the team’s future, Price is confident that the team will succeed. “We’re going to set the bar higher so that we can finish the job,” Price said. “Making an appearance and coming up short is not good enough. With the team we have this year, I completely believe we can make it happen.”
Senior Adam Longmire draws out a play to help freshman, Darrius Eleazard. “The importance of having student leaders is so that the young guys feel accepted into the program and so they have someone to relate to,” Longmire said. photo by Sarah Maniscalo “Player leader Turnquist too hopes to see Lucas Oil again this season but also understands that ship means everythe road to finals doesn’t come easily. “I think the beauty of Indiana High thing to me beSchool Football is that [state is] really a possibility for anybody,” Turnquist said. “I think cause it dictates our guys know, especially going through last season, that getting to state finals doesn’t just success.” happen. It takes a lot of work, a lot of effort, and it takes some luck and for some things to - Aiden Krein, bounce your way.” But no matter the outcome, Turnquist will senior continue to focus on the conditioning, practicing, and playing that take place throughout the entire season. “It’s certainly a goal of ours every year to make finals but it’s one of those things where we should focus on the journey,” Turnquist said. “About what it means to take that daily step rather than only focusing on the end result.”
