Cadet Spirit Message Board

Don't forget about our Cadet Spirit Message Board where anyone can leave messages for our Cadets and Coaches. Right now the season has not progressed the way we had hoped and our Cadets need our support more than ever. Please take the time to leave a message for the team or your favorite Cadet to let them know we all still support them and want them to be encouraged that the turnaround is just around the next corner!

Most Improved Player....DEREK RALLO #8, STEVE COLEMAN #81, & KEVIN GERWITZ #68 (again ;)!

The DeSmet game changed the landscape of the Weekly Most Improved Player award in two ways:

1. It was the first game in which more than one player was selected; thereby demonstrating the fact that these Cadets are serious about their football.


2. It was the first game in which any Cadet has pulled off the REPEAT selection....Double Congratulations to you Kevin Gerwitz!

Typically the email from the coaching staff arrives sometime during the middle of the week following the game, so I was pleasantly surprised to receive this week's email on Saturday (another indication of how much these Cadets are ramping up their efforts). Never having had it happen that more than one Cadet was selected, I was surprised to say the least to find not one but three names and one of them a repeat awardee to boot. I quickly sent each Cadet their personal notification that they had received this honor, and waited impatiently for each of them to complete their questionnaires so that I could write this post.

Check out the video below [click play button two times] to get a better feel for why this week's three chosen Cadets, Gerwitz, Rallo, and Coleman were chosen. In a single play [believe it or not, captured quite unexpectedly by me during the Mehlville game], you can see Gerwitz pull to create an extended hole, Rallo lead the ball carrier to it and through it, while Coleman blocks to make sure that there is minimal interference on the run!



This is the kind of effort that the coaches saw in the DeSmet game that led to these three Cadets being selected as the week's Most Improved Players.

Here is your chance to become a bit more familiar with each of them.

The first Most Improved Player this week is our first repeat awardee, Junior Cadet Kevin Gerwitz! It goes without saying that Kevin is a hard-working, dedicated member of our team, but I wonder if even he realized how much the effort he is giving is recognized and appreciated by our coaches and fans alike. Other members of the team when asked about Kevin seem to have the exact same perception of Kevin's work ethic as do the coaches. Once again during the DeSmet game as he did during the Hazelwood East game, Kevin gave his all in the team's attempt to have that game end up in the Win column. It is obvious from this selection that the fact that the game did not end up in the Win column had little to do with Kevin! Kevin, we were already proud of you, but THIS definitely takes that pride to a whole other level. Keep up the great work and continue to motivate us all to step it up!!

Having already completed the questionnaire the first time he was the recipient of this honor, I have not asked Kevin to complete it again.....you can read his original questionnaire here if you missed it before. However, I did ask Kevin to answer a couple of questions from the questionnaire again as they are specific to the game for which the award is won. Here are Kevin's vitals and his answers to those questions.

Name: Kevin Gerwitz
Nickname: Gerber Baby
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 210
Position: OG/DT
Varsity Number: 68
Parents: Paul and Jennifer Gerwitz

Motto/Quote to live/play by: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in always rising when we fall.

QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES (amended):

Other than you, who on the team do you feel deserved this honor for the game in which you earned it and why?

-I felt that Ryan Jenkins also deserved this honor. He stepped up his game and brought mine along. He deserves this as much, possibly even more than me.

Would you like to give a special someone a "shout-out"? Here's your chance....

-I would like to thank my Dad, Mom, Sister and Grandparents. They have continually supported me through everything. I appreciate your constant support every day.

Our next Most Improved Player is Sophomore Cadet Derek Rallo!!! Derek is definitely a huge asset for the team even though he is the youngest player on the Varsity roster. Derek is one of those players who maximizes his time on the field at all times. It is truly surprising to see such dedication from such a young player.

Derek's eagerness to make a difference can be seen whether he is opening up holes for the running backs or providing protection from opponents. The energy that comes from this particular Cadet could power a small town! A prolific team player, Derek has earned the respect of his older colleagues through hard work and a never say die attitude that will most likely translate into a leadership position on future Varsity Cadet teams!

Derek had a few things to say that will lend a bit more insight into who he really is!

Name: Derek Rallo
Nickname: Dare Bear
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 200
Position: FB/LB
Varsity Number: 8
Parents: Michael and Karen Rallo

Motto/Quote to live/play by: The game isn't over until its over.

QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES:

Are you surprised to receive this honor? Why or why not?

-Yes, I’ve been working really hard to try and keep improving and not lose my starting spot so this really means a lot to me.

What are your personal football goals for this year?

-I would like to keep improving on my blocking to where I execute most all of my blocks. I would like to get a touchdown or two also. On defense I would like to lead the team in tackles. For the team I want us to win the MCC and make it to the playoffs and we can see how it goes from there.

Do you have a football “HERO”? Who is it and why is he your hero?

-Not really a famous football hero but my brothers Mike and Ryan help me out a whole lot. They both were great players at CBC and they try to help me out and give pointers with whatever they can.

Other than you, who on the team do you feel deserved this honor for the game in which you earned it and why?

-I feel Kevin Gerwitz deserved this award as well. He played really well on the offensive line. He had 6 pancakes, came off the ball well, and completed most of his blocks.

Would you like to give a special someone a “shout-out”? Here’s your chance…

-I would like to thank all the coaches for helping to improve my game over the course of this season. Also most important, thanks to my teammates for supporting me and teaching me how to win.

This week's final Most Improved Player is Junior Cadet Stephen Coleman!!! To date, Steve is the Cadet who has been the most vocal on this blog and for that, I once again offer him my gratitude. On the field, Steve is a consistent hard worker who tries every day during every practice drill to improve his game.

The DeSmet game produced a zeal amongst our Cadets that had not previously been seen [as the number of Cadets chosen this week demonstrates]. The very first person chosen as Most Improved Player from this game was Steve, because of the extra effort he demonstrated on each and every play in which he participated. Steve pushed himself to step up his game on both sides of the ball and it showed!! Last night at the Chaminade game, I had the pleasure of sitting near this Cadet's family. They were speaking of never truly having had an athlete in the family before; well now they most definitely do! Here is your chance to become more familiar with this phenomenal Cadet!!

Name: Stephen Coleman
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 220
Position: TE/LB
Varsity Number: 81
Parents: Steve & Bridget Coleman

Motto/Quote to live/play by: Watch me Crank that Soulja Boy!

QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES:

Are you surprised to receive this honor? Why or why not?

-Yes, I am very surprised to get this honor. I thought that I played much better this week but I would never think I'd be recognized for it.

What are your personal football goals for this year?

-This year I would like to make a defensive touchdown. I think intercepting a pass and then running it back for a touchdown would be amazing.

Do you have a football “HERO”? Who is it and why is he your hero?

-No response received.

Other than you, who on the team do you feel deserved this honor for the game in which you earned it and why?

-Everyone stepped up their game for DeSmet, everyone knew that they had to play better after the Mehlville game and I think that everyone did. So to pick out one person from the team would be difficult.

Would you like to give a special someone a “shout-out”? Here’s your chance...

-I’d just like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all the CBC football fans that come to every game, it means a lot. And I’d like to give a shout-out to my Grandmother; she is my biggest fan and comes to every game, every week.

**Cadet Carpe Diem Most Improved Players are selected by the Varsity Football Coaching Staff based on noted improvement from week to week**

Protecting Our Spirit from the Devils!

On days like today, I wish I was a true football officionado instead of just someone who has enjoyed the game as only a spectator since her own high school days. Though I have learned a little more than I knew about the game before in the last three and a half years, I still don't understand the nuances and strategy of the game. If I were a football officionado, I would better understand some of the things I heard regarding last night's loss to Chaminade.

I would understand the concept of "9 in the box" facing our five Cadet offensive line and what in reality that means. I would get the implications of having a QB who is a great passer verses one who is a great scrambler or one who "works well in the pocket". I would have more insight into the impact "special teams" can have on the game when called upon. If I were a true officionado, I would understand so much more about the game than I currently do, and I could say something here that might be truly meaningful or perhaps even profound.

The reality of the situation is in fact that I was introduced to the game of football as a consequence of having been a Pom Pon girl who happened to practice on the same field with the team when I attended high school at Sumner High . Subsequently, I have an intimate understanding of how much work it takes to create a winning team even if I still have some difficulty understanding the how of that process. Even so, most of the time I understand the essence of what I am witnessing if not the finer points of the game. Last night, this is what I saw:

• An offensive line that gave all they could to create plays and opportunities in a game where the deck seemed stacked against them from the start.


• A QB who dwarfed in size by the opponents [as were even the biggest members of our team], could barely see over the opponents' in order to find a clear passing lane; and who never gave up, but STILL did everything he could to make good plays whenever, wherever, and however he could....
  
• A defense that spent more time on the field than they could ever have imagined they would who nevertheless used everything at their disposal to change the game up even though they must have been exhausted.

In other words, I saw a team of young men trying their best to make things happen. To my limited understanding of the game of football, that is what is necessary to be successful, a team. Football games like most things in life are dependant upon teamwork. Teamwork was what I saw last night. As much as I love to win, in the final analysis, I concede that what we asked our Cadets to do, they did: They came and they played....together.

Your opponent, in the end, is never really the player on the other side of the net, or the swimmer in the next lane, or the team on the other side of the field, or even the bar you must high-jump. Your opponent is yourself, your negative internal voices, your level of determination.
--Grace Lichtenstein American Writer & Editor

If you are your opponent, then YOU control the outcome of any contest you attempt to win. The optimist in me, the Mom in me, and the life-long hard worker in me has only one thing left to say and that is:

OUR TIME IS COMING!!! KEEP YOUR HEADS UP AND YOUR NOSES TO THE GRINDSTONE CADETS AND NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP....HARD WORK ALWAYS BUT ALWAYS PAYS OFF!!!

Cadet FAN-tastic....Justin and the Crunk Cadets

The Cadet FANtastic Fans of the Week for the DeSmet game are pictured above. The mascot is my nine year old nephew Justin [who seems to have become an honorary Cadet] pictured here with his newfound friends the Crunk Cadets. Following the Hazelwood game which he attended with his Mom (my sister), I promised Justin he could attend the remaining games this season with me. He tagged quietly along with me during the Mehlville game, but the DeSmet game featured an entirely new Justin.

Beginning with the pre-game tailgate parties, Justin struck out on his own to make new friends. Once inside the stadium, he continued along this path spending the entire game on the track with the Crunk Cadets and the band. Before long, he had donned the Cadet Head, and created a dance sensation which can be viewed below. Following the game, Justin made it completely clear that he now considers himself to be a Cadet and plans to follow in the footsteps of his Crunk Cadet friends and his cousin Ryan by attending CBC himself when the time comes.

As for Justin's new friends, the Crunk Cadets, they are the very definition of CADET FAN-TASTIC! From the incessant cheering to the body paint, these guys kept the fans revved up all night. Additionally, many of these Crunk Cadets showed their solidarity with members of the team as demonstrated by the messages in their body paint. On behalf of these Crunk Cadets, a shout-out goes to Matt Happe, for being the "Crunkest Cadet Ever"!!!!

To Justin and the Crunk Cadets I say "Way to show your CBC Cadet Spirit out loud! Keep it up and keep the crowd pumped up!"

Push the play button twice on the video below to witness the new dance sensation known now, henceforth, and forever as the CADET CRAWL!

KMOV's HS Game Time Player of the Week....RAYON SIMMONS!

We at CBC know that Rayon Simmons is without a doubt ready for prime time, even if that information does not always seem to be public knowledge. Well folks, things are achangin'....

Even though our Cadets were defeated by those Spartans from DeSmet last Friday, it was not enough to overshadow the spectacular show that is Rayon on the football field.

We fans "get it". If Rayon's selection as the most recent player of the week by KMOV's HS Game Time is any indication, they "GET IT" too!

Congratulations Rayon on yet another well-deserved honor!!!

Most Improved Player....JOSIAH STANFIELD #25!

When I received the email from the Varsity coaching staff containing the name of the week's Most Improved Player from the Mehlville game, I must admit it brought a smile to my face. Mehlville was such a hard loss, which could have made it difficult to see the individual flashes of brilliance that are always present if one takes the time to look for them; so when the coaching staff's selection mirrored my own thoughts about the stand-out Cadet in this game, it was a very pleasant surprise. This week's Most Improved Player is FRESHMAN CADET, JOSIAH STANFIELD!!!

Having only recently become a member of the CBC community, Josiah has already begun to use the football field to contribute in a very big way to the community to which he now belongs. As the second leading rusher in the Mehlville game, Josiah proves the fact that ANYONE AT ANYTIME can make the difference. Though CBC lost the game, Josiah's entrance in the second half seemed to provide a second wind to all of our spirits as he gained significant yardage, and made a very real touchdown threat, rejuvenating the crowd as well as the team! Josiah, on behalf of the CBC Varsity Cadet Football fans, thank you for the difference you make on the field and the excitement three more years of watching your development promises to be!

Continue reading to discover more about one of the future leaders of our team!

Name: Josiah Stanfield
Nickname: JoJo
Ht: 5'7" Wt: 165
Position: Running Back/Safety
Activities: Football, Basketball, track
Parents: Jerry & Latasha Stanfield

QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES:

Are you surprised to receive this honor? Why or why not?

-Yes I am surprised because I know some other players who have also worked hard.

What are your personal football goals for this year?

-My goal is just to get the chance to play or dress out for varsity.

Do you have a football “HERO”? Who is it and why is he your hero?

-(No response received).

Other than you, who on the team do you feel deserved this honor for the game in which you earned it and why?

-I think each player on my line should get this award because they are the ones who help me get my touchdowns and yards. (Note: Josiah also plays on the JV team and has scored touchdowns and earned additional yardage on that team as well.)

Would you like to give a special someone a “shout-out”? Here’s your chance….

-I would like to give my Dad a shout-out because he is the one who makes me the person you see before you today. No matter if it is making me a better athlete or just showing me how to be a man. He is also there for me as well as for my family. I also want to give a shout out to Coach Bob Shannon for giving me a chance to improve my athletic skills and display my talent, and last but not least, to all the people that support the CBC Football team.

**Cadet Carpe Diem Most Improved Players are selected by the Varsity Football Coaching Staff based on noted improvement from week to week**

The Longest Two Minutes Ever....Well Almost!

The 35 to 26 loss last Friday night to the DeSmet Spartans definitely occurred following the longest two minutes ever....well almost if you forget about those same two minutes which happened about a year ago while our Varsity Cadets battled the same team on their turf. These two minutes of which I speak have occurred during the last two minutes of clock during each of the last two CBC verses DeSmet Varsity football games.

These two minutes [which actually seem to evolve over a period more equivalent to about two years] tick away as if the world will wait willingly for as long as they wish to take to happen. These two minutes drag an individual across the gamut of their personal emotional landscape from extreme joy, to devastation, to exquisite hope, to clinical depression. These two minutes I am sure have cost some of us a couple years of life each time they have occurred.

HOWEVER, these two minutes also have their own advantages irregardless of how the final score turns out. This year during these two minutes, we all got to see our Cadets demonstrate their "sticktoitiveness" [ translation....their ability to stay the course]. Based on what happened during last year's two minutes, we all hoped and prayed that a repeat could happen. The funny thing is, that a repeat actually could have happened and even the DeSmet coaching staff was aware of it as they so graciously admitted in several post-game interviews. As the seconds ticked away and our Cadets continued to try to create a miracle similar to that we witnessed last year, I had an epiphany. As much as I prayed and hoped for our team to win, I realized once again that no one wins everytime and the fact that in the face of almost certain defeat our Cadets were still focused and performing at their maximum levels, I felt that indeed we had won!

So CONGRATS CADETS....Winning is about more than being the team with the highest final score, and if you all didn't already know this, I believe you all know this to be a fact now! Keep up the hard work, we appreciate all that you are giving!