Roncalli2002Bruce

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Dear Rebel Football Team Member,

In reflecting back on the 2002 football season, to say we all went through an unbelievable experience would be an understatement. As you have heard me say before, in my 23 years as a high school football coach I have never seen a group of young men have to deal with as much adversity as this team faced. From the death of three beloved football family members, to the early season suspensions of some key senior players, to the 0-4 start, to the tornado weekend that cancelled our fifth game, the first part of the season was filled with more challenges than any other year of my coaching career. However, I am confident that in the years to come, the thing that I will remember most about this team will not be the harsh obstacles you faced, but more importantly how you chose to deal with them. We talked a lot this year about the fact that many things will happen throughout our lives that we have little or no control over. However, what we do have complete control over each day is our attitude and how we choose to deal with what goes on around us. As a team, you showed an unusual level of poise and maturity as you maintained positive attitudes and great work ethics. The fact that you came out more determined and picked up the intensity level in practice the week after the tornado cancellation convinced me that this team had what it takes to become State Champions.

The character and perseverance that you developed in the early season paid off as we headed into the tournament. The Cathedral, Shelbyville, and East Central games all saw the score tied in the fourth quarter, and the Jasper game was not decided until the final few seconds. Certainly in each of these games, your character as a team was tested as the closing seconds came ticking off of the clock. In “do or die” situations, each time you passed the test. The ultimate challenge, however, would come in the State Championship game. The so-called “experts” had predicted that we were 11 point underdogs. Ironically, with 9 minutes to go in the game, we were down 21-10 with our leading ball carrier injured and out of the game. In over 20 years of seeing Roncalli “Rebel Pride” at work, I have never seen a more classic example of it than in the closing minutes of this game. Seemingly, against all odds, this team pulled together to execute to near perfection our offense, defense, and kicking game. For 9 minutes, against one of the best teams in the state (in ANY class) you played nearly flawless “Rebel Football” and consequently seized the school’s first 4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP crown! Each week as we pray, we remind you to take God with you on every play. In my heart, I have no doubt that God WAS with us on every play in the last nine minutes of that game. Likewise, I am just as confident that Jonathon, Karl, Dick, and many other Roncalli angels were in our hearts and souls helping us to do our best on every play. I think that we all felt their presence that day!

For generations to come, as people talk about the All-Time great games from Roncalli’s storied past, this game will always be one that ranks towards the top! Likewise, I will always remember this season for the lessons that it taught us all about perseverance, commitment, loyalty, hard work, dealing with heartache and disappointment, and maintaining faith in spite of what hardships we might face. Even more so, I will remember you as a group of young men who refused to surrender and consequently became Champions, not just in the game of football, but in the game of life. You truly are champions; don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise!

Seniors, thanks again for all you have done over the past four years to help strengthen the Roncalli Football Tradition. You have now seized your own piece of the legacy and left your mark as Champions. In the eyes of many, certainly myself included, you have become heroes. Many people will continue to look up to you as role models. I hope that you will always choose to handle this honor with dignity and class!

Finally, I hope you will always remember how much you are loved by your families, friends, your coaches, and by God. We have all been blessed so abundantly by God, and each time we use the gifts He has given us to the best of our ability we are truly working to make Him proud. I have no doubt that at this moment he is smiling down on each of you and is indeed proud of what you have accomplished and for choosing to be the young men you have become. Personally, I believe this is your greatest accomplishment of all! May God continue to be a major part of your lives and to bless you in all you do!

Sincerely, Bruce Scifres Head Football Coach