School News | atFishers.com

Posted May 6, 2013 - No Comment

How Will You Vote?

Although this May 7 isn’t a Presidential Primary Election year, registered voters living in the Hamilton Southeastern School District have an important reason to get out to the polls in high numbers. The HSE School District is seeking voter approval for $95,000,000 necessary to increase classroom space at both Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School for 2,000 more students. The majority of these additional 2,000 students are already enrolled in the school district in the elementary, middle school, and junior high grades.

District leaders studied various solutions and gathered feedback from the community, parents, students, and educators. These combined factors resulted in a proposed plan that would elevate the need for up to 84 portable classroom trailers as the younger students move through the lower grades and enter high school. Rather than build a third high school in the HSE District, the proposed plan asks for $95,000,000 to expand the two current high school campuses as a cost savings measure. According to the district, this proposal would save $30,000,000 off the cost of building a third high school and save another $750,000 each year in operating costs by avoiding duplicate administration, extra-curricular facilities, and activities.

Unlike previous referendum questions, this question is much simpler to understand. Following is a sample of the question as it will appear on the ballot: Local Public Question: “Shall Hamilton Southeastern Schools issue bonds or enter into a lease to finance the expansion and related improvements of Fishers High School and HSE High School, which are estimated to cost not more than $95,000,000 and are estimated to increase the property tax rate for debt service by a maximum of $0.1353 per $100 of assessed value?”

The property tax impact for voters has added a complexity to this referendum due to the confusing State of Indiana property tax structure. Although all residents of the HSE School District who pay property taxes will contribute to the proposed additions, only homeowners who own property at or above the property tax cap will see an increase in tax bills. Because the district will be paying off old debt, those owners below the tax cap could see a decrease in property taxes. If the referendum passes, those same owners experiencing a tax decrease may return to current tax amounts due to the new debt replacing the old debt, essentially experiencing little or no change to their tax bills.

The district attempts to simplify the resulting property tax impact by offering homeowners the following examples for homes assessed at three levels. A home assessed at $195,000 would have no increase, a $230,000 home would come with a $12-per-month increase, and a $370,000 home would come with a $23-per-month increase. However, the exact impact will vary based on the assessed value of a home, the tax district where the property is located, and whether or not it is valued under the property tax cap.

If passed, the referendum will allow the Hamilton Southeastern School District to build the space necessary to house 1,000 additional students at each high school. Therefore, HSE and Fishers High Schools could avoid the need for 84 new portable classroom trailers. This additional space will provide the district an opportunity to have space that will support the shift in instruction to include more 21st century learning. While the new space will not cost any more money than traditional classroom space, it will solve the space issue of growing enrollment and offer senior academies at each location. All seniors will utilize this new instructional space in addition to classes and activities in other parts of the buildings. Underclassmen will also have opportunities to take classes in the academy and use the new facilities. The plan also includes the expansion of other areas to accommodate the increased volume by expanding fine arts, performing arts, and physical education areas.

Additional information regarding the high school additions and referendum information can be found on the district website at www.hse.k12.in.us or call the administration office at 317-594-4100. Voting and elections information can be found on the Hamilton County Government website at http://www.hamiltoncountry.in.gov.

Posted April 11, 2013 - No Comment

Silver Anniversary Coach Dave Cook

David Cook never played fast pitch softball. He played baseball.

He did help coach a girls traveling softball team in Pendleton. Two of the girls on that team had a lot to do with Cook becoming a varsity softball coach. They helped plant the seed, so to speak.

They told him that there would be an opening at HSE. He said he really hadn’t thought about coaching high school softball until they mentioned such a possibility.

“I’ve truly enjoyed coaching girls softball, and I really thought that the sport was close to really taking off,” he said. “Back then, there was only the ASA (American Softball Association), but the sport exploded statewide (it’s been under the IHSAA umbrella since 1985). When I decided to apply at HSE, winning a state championship never entered my mind, or that maybe it could happen at Southeastern. I so enjoyed coaching and working with the girls, and I was just happy to have a chance to coach at Southeastern.”

Cook enters his Silver Anniversary season coaching the Lady Royals this spring. He’s already a legend. He’s won two state championships (2007 and 2010), something no other coach in Hamilton County has accomplished, and he needs only 21 victories to reach the 500-win milestone. Not only is he likely to get No. 500 this season, you can’t help but wonder when the school’s softball diamond will be named after David Cook.

Cook also has come a long way in the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association, where he is an active member. He’s a regular voter on the Top 15 Voting Panel for Region 3 and a member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

“A lot of memories?” Cook was asked. “Yes, many,” said Cook, a graduate of Pendleton Heights High School who earned a Physical Education degree from Ball State. “I’m blessed. I have great kids, strong parent involvement, tremendous facilities here, and a very supportive administration.

“And as far as coaching and winning, the fire still burns. I look forward to every season. This is what I do, what I love. I never have any thoughts of retirement. Winning never gets old, and helping prepare these kids for when they leave high school is important. I’m not just talking about whether they excel at the next level in softball; I mean helping them prepare, excel in life is what really is important.”

When he talks about his team, coaches, and everyone involved, he likes to think of it as one big family. He said that parents host some dinners during the season, and that the girls will go to breakfast as a team on occasion.

“We go to breakfast every prom, for sure. They love it. They need to do and think about something other than softball on that day. Certainly we don’t practice on prom day. You know, the girls need to do their nails and hair and get ready for their big night,” he said with a chuckle.

But getting back to his Silver Anniversary moment or season, here’s what Noblesville’s Mike Ramsey said about Cook: “Dave is a great competitor! I absolutely enjoy playing his teams as they are always well prepared and, year in year out, among the best in the state. Twenty-five years is a long time to do anything. The impact Dave has had on our sport and all the young lives he has mentored is really overwhelming. I think if there were a template for what a Hall of Fame coach looks like in any sport, Dave represents it. He has been as successful as any fast pitch coach in Indiana history in the win-loss column and holds 2 state championship titles. If his actions ended there, the story would be very impressive; but I don’t think many people realize how active coach Cook is behind the scenes as an advocate for his girls and our sport.”

Cook just smiles and shrugs his shoulders whenever Hall of Fame talk is mentioned. He’s not there yet, but he will be. His teams have won 20 or more games the past six years. The Lady Royals were 25-5 last year. He could also go over 500 career victories this season. He ranks fifth on the all-time list with 479 wins; he’s lost 178. He needs 1 more set championship to move into a second-place tie with New Palestine’s Ed Marcum.

“Not a goal – not something I spend time thinking about,” he said matter of factly about the Hall of Fame. “I don’t know what the criteria is, but I’m guessing you have to be nominated.”

One of Cook’s goals, though, is to keep on winning and doing things the right way when it comes to teaching, preparing, and leading his Lady Royals.

Said Center Grove’s Russ Milligan, a four-time state champion whose 590-74 won-loss record ranks atop the state coaching list: “Dave is a great coach and always has his girls well prepared. His love for the game and his love and commitment to the girls he coaches is evident in both his accomplishments and in his demeanor on the diamond.”

Cook is also the only coach to produce an unbeaten season en route to a state title when the tournament was single class, and now that feat still stands in Class 4A of Class Softball. His 2007 team, led by Miss Softball Morgan Melloh, went 31-0.

“Would we love to win another one this season? Yeah, that would be awesome,” he said. “But getting out of our sectional is not easy. This is just really a difficult sectional. That’s the first and most important. After that, we’d like to think the rest of the way might not always be as a difficult. Our conference (Hoosier Crossroads) and sectional, we feel, really does prepare you to advance in the state tournament.”

As far as the sectional goes, certainly Carmel, Noblesville, and Fishers, in particular, have been formidable foes; and Zionsville and Westfield should be stronger this season. Cook’s Lady Royals beat then-No. 1 Noblesville two years ago in the sectional, then lost to Fishers in a semifinal game, and Carmel went on to win state. Last year, the Lady Royals went extra innings, losing to Carmel 1-0 in 8 innings in the sectional final. “Like I said, nothing easy about our sectional,” he motioned with his hands while shaking his head with a sigh.

This year’s team could be very good. All three pitchers return in seniors Alyssa Buchanan and Amanda Winthrow and sophomore Maggie Armstrong, who’s coming off a tremendous freshman season where she posted a 2.08 ERA. She also plays shortstop. Winthrow was sort of thrown into the fire last year when Buchanan could not play because of elbow surgery in the offseason. Winthrow responded brilliantly by recording 150 strikeouts. Buchanan also pitched extremely well on the 2010 state championship team. Catching those three is Roni Patterson, a hard-nosed competitor with good speed and a strong arm who is a power-hitting lead-off batter.

“Our pitchers are good, very good. I won’t say they are the best, but I can’t believe there’s any team with three pitchers any better,” Cook said.

His competitive nature takes over off the field once in awhile when talking about the sport he loves – especially when he sees teams or hears of a team pop up on the internet that he might know nothing about yet that seems to have all these great statistics (oft times unrealistic numbers). “I’m not saying we can beat them; but if they’re that good, come on. I want to play them, and we’ll see what happens,” he said with a slight grin.

Cook’s conversation always comes back to his girls. “My assistants might say I’ve softened up over the years, but there’s still a lot of discipline in our program. At the same time kids need to have fun, and they need to know you are there for them and that you’ll always be there for them,” Cook said.

“Like I said, we’re trying to create a family atmosphere. As important as winning is, well, it’s not all about winning. We have a lot of smart, really smart, ladies. They have high GPA’s, some even over 4.0. We play a lot of games in a very short time, and it’s important that we provide balance in their daily schedules. That could mean ending practice early on occasion to give them time to hit the books. I can’t stress enough how important grades are.”

Assistant Coach Alison Strole said, “Back in the ‘90s when I played for him, his nickname was Mad Bear. Back then, he was very vocal, but it was also the way to motivate athletes. If he would yell at me, it got me fired up and I would pitch the ball harder. Now my nickname for him is Teddy Bear. It’s our running joke. I keep telling him he has become a big softy. However, though his coaching style may have changed over the years, one thing that has not changed is his passion for the game and his dedication to his players. He goes above and beyond to help kids who want to play at the next level get there. He then makes sure that he goes and sees them. I still remember when we (IU) were playing at Arizona in a tourney and my parents weren’t able to make the trip. I looked up in the stands and there was Coach Cook. It meant the world to me. I also think it says a lot that most of his coaching staff over the years are former players like myself who, after playing college ball, want to come back to the program. It is truly one big family!”

Asked how he would like to be remembered when his coaching days end, Cook leaned back in his chair, folded his arms, and paused a moment as if he was in deep thought. “That I’ve always been for our girls – and we’ve had some great ones come through this program as athletes and just really fine people,” he said. “And that I want those involved with our program to like what we’ve done and to know we’ve always tried to do things the right way.”

OK, coach, enjoy your Silver Anniversary season.

Posted April 8, 2013 - No Comment

Preschools

Have you chosen a preschool yet for this coming fall? Were you aware that numerous preschools already have a wait list for new attendees? When sifting through the names of all the programs offered in Fishers, do you wonder “how do I pick one?” We mostly know the rules for choosing a preschool for our child such as looking for student/teacher ratio, cleanliness, and those sorts of situations. However, are you aware that there are several different formats of preschools? These varying formats are great, as it seems there is a school to meet most everyone’s needs.

Preschool Picture - New Hope The first school that I will mention is located at 12550 Brooks School Road in Fishers, Indiana, on the corner of Brooks School Road and 126th Street. Come take a tour of New Hope Presbyterian Preschool and Parents Day Out (PDO). This school offers a program that you can build on so it meets your needs as they change. It offers a PDO program for ages 15-23 months once a week from 9:15-1:15. The parent brings the child’s lunch, and the child learns to play and interact with others while the parent can go enjoy some down time by running errands or having a cup of coffee with a friend. The child does not have to be potty trained for this program.

This school also offers a preschool program for ages 2-preK. Your child does not need to be potty trained for the 2s class but does for any higher classes. A unique feature of this school is it offers both morning and afternoon classes for your child. Each class is 2.5 hours long (9:15-11:45 and 12:30-3:00) with the option to extend the day with Lunch Bunch, where your child eats in a staffed room with other children. Once in the 3s and up programs, you can add to your child’s day by picking an enrichment class for your child to attend. This is a very budget-friendly way to pick and choose your child’s learning path and work around naps – if you should be so lucky to have a child that still naps! If you would like more information on New Hope, contact Karen Sutcliffe at 317-598-8485 or go to newhopefishers.org and click on the preschool tab on the site.

Preschool Picture - Geist Christian Next up is a preschool called Geist Christian Preschool. This school has two campuses. The north campus is located at 12756 Promise Road (where Promise Road meets 126th Street), and the south campus is located at 8550 Mudcreek Road in Indianapolis, Indiana. They offer a Child’s Day Out program for ages 18 months-3 years. This can be chosen as a once-a-week or a twice-a-week program. Your child does not need to be potty trained for this program.

This preschool offers a preschool-preK program for children ages 3-5 years. The child must be potty trained for these levels of the program. The hours for this program are set from 9:30—1:30. You choose if you send your child two or three times a week. Also offered at this school are before-hours care and after-hours care which could come in handy at times. For more information on this preschool, call 317-578-4591.

Preschool Picture - Fishers Pointe Co-op The last preschool I will highlight is a co-op school. Fishers Pointe Cooperative Preschool is located at 1399 Greenfield Avenue, Noblesville, Indiana, and is inside the Noblesville First Church of the Nazarene. Yes, I know their address is Noblesville, but they are very close to Fishers; and the format is so unique that I had to highlight it. A co-op school offers a more gradual transition from home to school as the parents are involved in the child’s school experience. Families are assigned jobs to keep the school operating efficiently. However, a parent’s main responsibility is to help in the classroom a couple times a month. This is a great option for parents who want to be actively involved in their children’s learning. Your assigned job could be working on the board of directors to making play-doh. Classes are offered Monday through Friday mornings. For more information, call and leave a message at 317-721-3727 or log onto fisherspointecoop.org and read about how the school can help you or your little one adjust to separation.

I highlighted three very different preschools. Although they differ, they believe our children’s education is important. For a more thorough list of preschools in the area, go to the Fishers Community Newsletter Facebook page and look under the notes section. If there is a school you would like to add, please private message the Fishers Community Newsletter and it will be added.

Posted March 7, 2013 - No Comment

For The Love of Baseball

First-year Hamilton Southeastern varsity baseball coach Scott Henson has big goals, and he’s already started taking steps to get the Royals headed in the right direction. He implemented a strenuous drill in the off season. He calls it the Royals Baseball Victory Challenge 2012. It is somewhat of a “baseball boot camp” if you will.

“The last two years in the HSE system I noticed a lack of toughness, and I knew that we had to get stronger and be tougher both physically and mentally,” said Henson. “I didn’t take lifting weights and becoming physically stronger as I should have years ago. Now, I know how important it is, and I want these kids to be as fit as they possibly can.”

Henson said his goal is to get the Southeastern program back – back to prominence, to where it was in the days he played against the Royals.
“Hamilton County baseball has always been good and tough, and I used to marvel at how structured the HSE program was and how well they performed,” he said. “In college, you have the Omaha Challenge where everyone is trying to reach the College Baseball World Series” said Henson. “Our Victory Challenge is something we want to accomplish – to get to Victory Field in Indianapolis for the state finals.” That’s a road HSE baseball has yet to follow.

The program has produced 11 sectional championships, the last coming in the 2003-04 season. The trophy case includes 4 regional crowns, the last also coming in the 2003-04 campaign. Henson believes he knows what it takes to win, be a constant winner, and help prepare kids for college and a chance to play baseball at the next level.

“One thing I want to impress on our kids is that when a scout calls or comes to see them play, the kids need to be sure they make time for them and to always be respectful. If they don’t like the school or might be waiting for another offer, then they need to be up front with the scouts and not waste their time.”

The Royals return with a strong pitching staff. One returning familiar face is Steven Curry, who threw a no-hitter in the 2010-11 season but missed last season because of knee surgery. Senior Mitch Roman, son of Dan Roman, the new baseball coach at Carmel, is a three-year starter in the infield and a solid hitter; and junior outfielder Tre Gantt has already made a verbal commitment to Cincinnati.

Henson also is high on pitcher/first-baseman Brendan Burns, a lanky 6-foot-5 southpaw hitter; pitcher Nathan Upchurch; and Roman, who moves from second to shortstop (replacing Wes Edrington, who decided to graduate early in December, passing up his senior season of baseball to report to Nebraska). He thinks all could have a chance to play at the Division I level in college.

Henson, who grew up in Pendleton, graduated in 1991, and was a catcher on the Pendleton Heights baseball team wants to know how it feels to reach Victory Field, home of the Triple-A Indians. “I was on a regional championship team at Pendleton, and we came close to winning a semi-state; we just never fulfilled our dream,” said Henson, who went on to play collegiately at the University of Indianapolis and IUPUI. “I think more than anything, more than individual glory, that I wanted us to do it for our coach, Bill Stoudt, an Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame coach.”

He’ll also have another Hall of Fame coach to impress (only this one will be sitting next to him), former Hamilton SE coach Ken Seitz, who along with son Kory Seitz will serve as assistants again this season. “When you have a chance to learn from two Hall of Fame coaches, it doesn’t get much better than that,” said Henson, who pointed out he looks forward to bouncing ideas off coach Seitz.

Henson, who had a couple workouts with the Chicago Cubs and spent a lot of time working out with former Indianapolis minor-league great Razor Shines, said he hurt his back during his final year of college. He eventually signed a contract and spent some time with a Single-A Independent team. Henson spent a few years as the hitting coach in North Carolina at Northern Nash (Rocky Mountain HS), has coached catchers, and has gone to the final 4 twice in five seasons.

“My wife and I just wanted to get back home to be with family and friends,” he said. “I told my wife that my goal was to be a head baseball coach in Indiana in two seasons. “When I finished high school, I had a chance to go out of state and play college ball, but my family came first,” said Henson. His sister, Jessica, passed away at age 13 during his senior year. “I just couldn’t leave mom and dad. It was hard later on to move away, too. Now, I’m just happy we’re back home.”

Henson calls the HSE job one of the top in Indiana. “I plan to stay here. This is where I want to be,” he said.

Welcome home, Coach!

Posted March 7, 2013 - No Comment

Carrie’s Contribution

Greg Davidson and Jim Self

When you speak to people who knew Carrie Colglazier, you encounter a recurring theme…she was a person of remarkable character. Carrie attended HSE and was involved in a variety of activities including soccer, track, the FFA and the National Honor Society. She excelled in all these areas and won many accolades including All State student athlete honors in both soccer and track in addition to being recognized on the HSE wall of fame.

At first glance this could describe thousands of high school students across the country, but what really set Carrie apart was her work ethic and sense of community. When most high school students are naturally living in a more self-centered stage of their life, Carrie was thinking about service and community. This nature was reflected by her chosen course of study at Butler University which was the physician assistant program. She had a driving force and a maturity beyond her years that allowed her to gain satisfaction and a sense of purpose through helping others.

On June 6, 2003 the summer after her freshman year at Butler University, Carrie was at a stoplight when circumstances turned for the worst. An intoxicated driver turned into the path of Carrie and another Butler student which unfortunately ended their lives. Greg Davidson, a trusted family friend and mentor to Carrie, remembers the call he received at 3am that morning. As he describes the conversation, which is a little too personal to share, I experience a tingling in my spine due to the gravity of his description. This involuntary response happens again minutes later as he describes the honor of being asked to speak at her funeral which simultaneously he describes as one of the most difficult tasks in his life.

As you can imagine, a tragedy like this has a lasting effect on the entire community. In an effort to manage grief and develop something positive out of this extremely difficult situation a few things started to occur:

Carrie’s parents made a simple request that in lieu of flowers that people donate to a scholarship fund in Carrie’s name.
The Hamilton Southeastern School Foundation offered assistance with the development of what is now called the Carrie Colglazier Memorial Scholarship.
Jim Self, co athletic director at Hamilton Southeastern, called a meeting in his office that included Greg Davidson, Jennifer Jacobs, Julie Alano, Jennifer Hill and Tom Younts. It was in this meeting that the idea of a workday was conceived.

In honor of Carrie’s defining commitment to service, each year the students at HSE participate in a work day that helps generate money to fund Carrie’s scholarship. The students volunteer to work the better part of a Saturday (8:00am – 4:00pm) in the local community. This year the workday will take place on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013. Community residents and businesses are asked to “hire” these workers for a minimum donation of $25 per worker for the day with all funds going directly to the scholarship. In the past, students have completed a variety of tasks including: mulching, cleaning houses, painting, babysitting etc.

The annual meeting for soccer call outs in February always includes time dedicated to inform players about the program. “We intentionally have a light off season but I specifically ask every girl to reserve one day to put aside all other activities and commitments and participate in this event” said Greg Davidson, head girls varsity soccer coach for the past 14 years. That is why the activity typically gets a 99% participation rate from the current students. If you or your business would like to participate in this program, please email Jennifer Jacobs at jjacobs@hse.k12.in.us or Leah Ann Self at self4royals@aol.com . In the interest of safety, it is recommended that you “hire” at least 2 students so that they can complete the work in pairs. For more information you can visit Carrie’s website at www.carriecolglazier.org.

The current amount of the scholarship equates to $12,000 over a four year period. In order to be considered for the scholarship, the applicant is required to participate in the workday. In a tradition that has developed over the years, previous scholarship winners participate in the workday by visiting the Colgalzier’s house and assisting Bud and Karen Colglazier with various tasks.

Although this particular scholarship is only available to current students that show the same interest in activities that Carrie enjoyed (specifically soccer, track, the FFA and the National Honors Society), the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation does offer various other scholarships. The deadline for Carrie’s scholarship and many others offered by HSSF is quickly approaching in late March or early April. You can find information on all HSSF scholarships (click here).

The Carrie Colglazier Memorial Scholarship is currently in its 10th year of existence and has helped nine deserving winners fund the next stage of their learning. This year’s recipient will be announced at the Senior Awards Night in May.

To The Parents of Carrie Colglazier: Most of us cannot begin to understand your loss but we are thankful for your strength and helping something positive develop from this situation.

To The Community: You have an opportunity to become part of something truly good in nature…send your request for workers today or donate directly by mailing a check to the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation with “Carrie Colglazier Scholarship” in the memo line.

Previous Winners Highlighted in a box somewhere:

2003/2004: Emily Ax
2004/2005: Auna Murphy
2005/2006: Chad Zagar
2006/2007: Erin Duffey
2007/2008: Christina Cook
2008/2009: Maria Lunik
2009/2010: Patrick Robinson
2010/2011: Emily Wikle
2011/2012: Jordan Tatom

Posted January 26, 2013 - No Comment

Grinning and Winning: HSE Standout Zak Irvin

Zak Irvin is a leading contender for the Indiana Mr. Basketball title in 2013. (Photos by Steve Risley)

At 6-foot-8, Hamilton Southeastern High School senior basketball standout Zak Irvin is easy to pick out in a crowd. He’s usually the tallest player on the floor. he scores – and ofttimes he scores in bunches – and some of his dunks are downright spectacular.

He also has this contagious smile every time he takes out his mouthpiece. For some reason, the way he takes it out and the way that white mouthpiece even seems a tad big for his mouth really stands out. “I guess I really don’t notice it,” he said, nodding his head after a practice session. “I just usually have something to say so I take it out as I run over to my guys to talk to them. I guess maybe I’ve heard someone mention that before (about the mouthpiece), but I’ve been doing that for so long that the mouthpiece must be second nature to me.”

Crediting those who have helped him along the way, such as former teammate Gary Harris, the 2012 Indiana Mr. Basketball, Irvin comes across as just natural when he talks about his development. “I knew I had the potential to be good, but Gary helped me in so many ways in my improvement as a player. I saw how he used his body to drive to the basket and how to get to the free-throw line for one thing. He just really helped me get better in a lot of ways. Off the court, he was very humble and respectable; I’m very much the same way. He led by example, and that’s what I try to do.”

Irvin’s development has been quite impressive for those who’ve watched him grow as player and person the past two seasons.“The biggest thing about Zak Irvin today compared to his younger days is his maturity. As a freshman, he didn’t get to play varsity – he had to learn what it takes. He may not have liked not being on the varsity then, but I think he’s benefitted from it,” said his coach, Brian Satterfield. “As a sophomore he was just in a crowd, sort of a follower, though obviously a good player who has gotten even better. He’s embraced getting others involved,” said his coach.

“Sure, we want him to take the last-second shot, and I’m glad he wants the ball, but he’s willing to make an extra pass to help someone else who might be open. Zak is stronger, and he’s going to the boards much more this season and attacking off the dribble. He’s gained a great deal of confidence in himself and he has taken the next step.” Zak Irvin has gone from being good to becoming an impact player, and he is arguably the best high school senior basketball player in the state.

Is he Mr. Basketball this season? Well, he certainly would appear to be the leading candidate. “I’ve heard that talk and I hope it happens, but that’s not where my focus is,” he said. “I want to do my best and to help the other guys. For us to win the sectional, I have to be a team player, get everyone involved, and lead by example. When I’m double teamed, I need to get the ball to someone else. I’m double-teamed a lot, and I know it’s going to continue to happen.”

“In my opinion, Zak Irvin is the most complete player in Indiana. I really believe he will be Mr. Basketball,” said Zionsville coach Shaun Busick. “He’s very tall, long, and skillful. He is also a great defender. His ability to shoot the 3, drive and finish, as well as post up, makes him virtually unstoppable. “I also believe he will have an immediate impact at Michigan next year. It is also not out of the realm of possibility to believe that he will play in the NBA in a few years. The sky is the limit for the young man.”

Busick also said that what makes Irvin so impressive is the fact that he is an unselfish team player and a very respectful young man. Said Noblesville coach David McCollough on watching his development the past few years: “I have watched the development of Zak the past four years. He was the perfect sidekick to Gary Harris, the Pippin to Jordan! I was curious to see how he would be as the lead player. He has been great! He has developed his game from an outside shooter to a hard-to-defend scorer. Everyone knew he could shoot; but he has taken his game up a couple levels with his ability to get to the rim, his rebounding, and his presence on defense. He has lead his team the way All Star players lead their teams. He is in charge, and his teammates know he is in charge. The traits he has developed will take him to the next level, as they did Gary Harris. He should be an impact player immediately at the next level. He is a player you have to respect and wish you had on your team.”

Irvin averages 25-plus points and 9.6 rebounds, and he’s an excellent 3-point shooter.

“He’s so hard to defend. He’s so long. With his length and the way he can get his shot off it’s really hard to defend him,” Satterfield said. “There have been times that, when I thought he had taken some bad shots, I just remind him that he can get his shot off whenever he wants because of his length.”

Irvin said that everything he does is about winning, that he has a deep, burning desire to win. He also credits his parents James and Marcia Irvin, both good athletes in their own right. “They’ve been a great influence on me since I was little,” said Zak, who passed the 1,000-point career milestone in early January, becoming the sixth male student-athlete to reach that plateau in HSE history.

His dad, known as Big Irv, is 6-5. He played collegiate ball at Texas Pan American. His mom was a standout at Lawrence North High School, and played basketball at Southern Indiana University. His uncle, Charlie (Merriweather), his mom’s brother, and a basketball player at Lawrence North, also played at North Idaho College. And, oh yes, there’s another Irvin coming up. Zak’s sister, Tayah, is a sixth grader. Zak says she’s pretty good.

Zak is emphatic about where his focus is this season. “I want to win the sectional (Sectional 8 is February 26, March 1-2 at Carmel). That has to be be our focus. We were ranked No. 1 last year and not only did we lose to Carmel, but we were humiliated,” he said, matter of factly. “We lost three starters from that team, and I try and convey my disappointment to my teammates and what it’ll take to win this year. We all know – believe me.” The leader of the team isn’t about to let anyone lose sight of the goal.
That’s a given.

You see, keeping focused isn’t a problem for Zak Irvin. He said he has that final sectional score (82-63) locked into his cell phone, so each time he opens it, he’s reminded. “That game was such a low point because of the talent we had and the possibility of winning the state. We thought we’d win it all. I was just sick. I still am sick about what happened. I look at that score before every game. That really motivates me. If we keep winning and win the sectional, then good things can happen. We’re working on depth, but our five starters are pretty good.” And could one of those good things be a Mr. Basketball award? “Yeah,” he said. “If we keep winning, then it could be a great opportunity.”

Zak said he’ll be a 2 guard at Michigan next season. He’s working on his dribbling and ball handling, and he realizes he’ll need to bulk up before heading to Ann Arbor.
He’ll also be reunited with Michigan State’s Gary Harris at least for 2 games each of the next three seasons – unless both end up as early entries in the NBA draft. “Yep, l look forward to seeing him and, of course, I want to beat him,” Zak said with a basketball-size smile.

When asked if he had any superstitions, Zak said he wasn’t big in such things. But in one breath he also said he always listens to music and wears head phones while relaxing before games, and in another breath he said he always has a Subway sandwich before each game.

When asked how he would like to be remembered after his playing days, he said, “I’m really just a down-to-earth kid. I’ve always loved the game of basketball. I’ve always wanted to win, and I always played hard and left it all on the floor.”

Yep, a pretty good way to be remembered.

Posted December 30, 2012 - No Comment

Lapped: Fishers High’s Chris Cutter

Chris Cutter is the Fishers Tigers swim team captain and has signed a letter of intent to swim for Eastern Michigan.

Chris Cutter can joke about being accident prone. That’s only because it was just a big part of life for him for quite a while.

“I’m just a normal guy, but at one time I wasn’t all so sure. It seemed like if something could happen to me, then it probably would,” the Fishers High School senior said while toweling off after a practice session.

It all started with having seven concussions from playing football as an eighth grader and freshman. Then after sudden numbness in his legs struck, Cutter was told he had micro fractures in his lower back.

“Basically, I was swimming with a broken back,” said Cutter, who later missed a month of water time because of a hip flexer.

He finished seventh in the 500-yard freestyle as a sophomore, and had a great summer of training and competing, and just missed Junior National cuts in the backstroke events and the distance freestyle.

About midway through his junior season, Cutter started complaining of numbness in his legs. This was affecting his turns and breakouts, and subsequently, his times. Before the state meet that year, a doctor discovered that he was swimming with micro fractures in his lower back, causing nerve problems. Amazingly, he still placed seventh in the 500 and 15th in the 100 Back at State, despite the devastating news.

“After months of therapy, he is back to training hard, tough, again; we are eager to see how he performs this season,” said his coach Jay Chambers. “Chris is a tough kid, quite a competitor.”

Cutter, team captain for the Tigers who has signed a letter of intent to attend Eastern Michigan, was told by his doctor that those micro fractures were years old – probably football related. So Cutter quit football to swim because of concussion issues. “I had played lacrosse and football, but I really liked football and wanted to follow in my dad’s shoes,” said Chris. His dad, Rob Cutter, was a standout quarterback at Noblesville High School and Butler University. He posted a 132-49 record in 12 years coaching Hamilton Southeastern football. He also led the Royals to state runner-up finishes in 1997 (Class 4A) and 2007 (Class 5A). “That was tough for me, since I grew up around football. But my parents were supportive of me turning to swimming.

“It’s ironic that football actually drove me to swimming,” he added with a slight chuckle. “I had always liked swimming, and when the Fishers coach suggested I give it a try, I discovered I could handle the training, and I did pretty well. It’s a grueling sport, but it came pretty easy for me.”

Cutter missed two months of training because of the micro fractures.
“I really can’t say I’ve had any problems recently, but the biggest thing after rehab was the mental aspect of returning to the sport,” Cutter said. “Mentally, it really was hard. When I was diagnosed with a broken back, well, that was the darkest moment in my athletic career. There was the uncertainty of not knowing for sure if I’d ever be able to swim competitively again. Or if I could, would I be where I was before the injuries? And then there was the mental part. Mentally, it was tough to overcome what I’ve gone through. The biggest thing was just getting myself prepared, mentally.”

Now, Cutter says he doesn’t think about what happened. He just thinks about competing and winning. His toughness and competitiveness were at their best last year in the state meet. He had to undergo a three-way swim off in the 100 backstroke after he already had swum the 100, 500, medley relay, and 400 relay. “I knew I was back after that,” Cutter said. “That was grueling. But I kept pushing myself. That’s what’s great about swimming – you can push yourself. I mean it’s like no other sport I’ve been involved in.”

Cutter, whose 100 backstroke time of 52.16 ranks 6th best in the state, thinks he can do better in what he says is his best event, even though his 500 free time of 4:38.45 was third best in the state last year. “I can get my time under 50….that’s what it’ll take,” he said.

“Can you win state this year?” he was asked. “Absolutely. That’s a goal, of course, and I think I’m capable,” he said. “But I don’t set placing goals as much as I do improvement goals. My main thinking is that I want to beat the guys next to me. If I do, then I’ll like the outcome. I’ve overcome a lot of adversity, and I want to finish on a high note.”

Cutter is pretty busy and successful out of the pool, too. He’s a member of the National Honor Society; a Student Athletic Council representative; and is involved with Best Buddies, a national organization that focuses on enhancing the lives of those with intellectual disabilities by pairing them in one-on-one relationships. “I’m in our school’s Best Buddies chapter but am not paired with anyone this year. My buddy graduated two years ago,” Chris said.

He’s also been the junior, senior, and at-large rep for the Indiana Swimming Board of Directors. And he just recently was named to the USA Swimming Age Group Development Committee.

It would appear that a lot of good things are within reach for Chris Cutter – state, college, and life in general. Mentally, he seems ready, and he’s certainly got a good perspective. And, of course, he’ll continue to push himself to be the best he can be.

Posted December 2, 2012 - No Comment

Fishers HS Duo Spearheads Pasta Bowl Win

Katie Lipke and Erin Lattimer rallied students at Fishers High School to bring pasta to the October 12 football game, netting 1,000 pounds of pasta and a first place trophy from Second Helpings.

Two Fishers high school students were honored by “Second Helpings” this month for spearheading a school campaign that beat out 7 other schools to raise the most pasta in the first ever Pasta Bowl!

Katie Lipke and Erin Lattimer, both 17, rallied students through daily announcements and a homemade video at Fishers High School to bring pasta to the October 12 football game. They wound up with a whopping 1,000 pounds of pasta!

“It was a lot of fun, and it just feels good to give back,” says Katie. Erin agreed. “The video was a lot of fun and once the students jumped on board, they did great!” Fishers High School beat out Brownsburg, Jay County, Guerin Catholic, Avon, Zionsville, Terre Haute North, and North Central to win the Pasta Bowl 2012.

Katie and Erin were taken on a private tour and presented a trophy at a small ceremony at Second Helping’s downtown community kitchen. Also in attendance for the ceremony was Fishers co-athletic director Jon Miles, John DeLucia of PNC Bank who helped offset some of the campaign costs, and race car driver Graham Rahal whose foundation helped by distributing pasta donation boxes to each school and volunteering during the drive at the football games. “They pulled it together quickly, and what they raised is just impressive!” says Graham.

Second Helpings is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit community kitchen specializing in food rescue from unused food in area restaurants and hotels to fight hunger. Communications Director Betsy Whitmore says they take in only safe and edible food that would otherwise be thrown out and then provide meals for organizations such as senior centers, homeless shelters, and many children’s groups. “Forty-nine percent of our recipients are children,” says Whitmore, who adds that pasta was a great idea because it is easy to make and it doesn’t spoil. She also says more drives such as Pasta Bowl are planned for the months ahead.

Second Helpings also offers a unique culinary job-training program which not only helps fight hunger but helps people transform their lives by learning the skills they need to be successful culinary professionals. Some of the chefs were on hand to prepare lunch at the ceremony.

So congratulations to Fishers High School for winning Pasta Bowl 2012. Look for more “bowl” games ahead!

Posted November 15, 2012 - No Comment

Net Literacy Program at Fishers Junior High Making a Difference

This Net Literacy Club meets every week under the guidance of Faculty Advisor, Deborah Kletch (left center).

Students at Fishers Junior High School (FJHS) are busy refurbishing old computers and loaning them to families in need. This is just one example of how these students are reaching out to others not only in Hamilton County but also around the world. These student volunteers represent the driving force behind the nonprofit organization Net Literacy.

“My students’ goal is to connect with not-for-profits in order to make a difference in the community,” says Deborah Kletch, faculty advisor and science teacher at Fishers Junior High. Kletch serves as the faculty Net Literacy board member and works alongside two middle school student board members. Here is what these two middle school students have to say about their involvement as student board members:

“I feel like I’m doing something for the community that can really impact people. Also, I feel smarter about computers since I’ve been volunteering.” (Liza Fortozo, 8th grade)

“I like to help people that are in need of computers. Many schools don’t have them, and this program is really helping education.” (Daniel Schiele, 8th grade)

The students at FJHS’s Net Literacy chapter have included four phases in their 2012-2013 goal of community service. They are as follows:

Providing Computers for Those in Need at School: The students of the Net Literacy Program have recently completed refurbishing over 70 computers that were donated by businesses and private citizens. They will not only provide 20 computers to qualifying families of FJHS students that do not have a computer at home, but they will also train both students and their families on how to use the computers and the programs affiliated with the school, such as Skyward and Angel.
Implementing Community Lab for Underserved: The students will donate computers so that a local nonprofit organization can build or expand its computer lab. Nonprofits interested in learning more should contact Deborah Kletch (dKletch@hse.k12.in.us) for more information.
Teaching Internet Safety for Elementary Students: The Net Literacy students will continue to educate the youth and their parents about internet safety. They will visit Cub Scout meetings and cover topics such as appropriate identification and user names, keeping information private in social media/ game sites, and cyber bullying.
Providing Computers for Medical Purposes in Third World Countries: Net Literacy will support IU Global Medical Brigades by providing computers that will be used by an American mission. As a result, the hope is for IU medical students to track patient demographic information and medical records data for established clinics in Haiti and other third world countries.

“We do more than just fix computers,” says Antonio Baltzell, youngest co-chair of Net Literacy and freshman at Fishers High School. “We work on promoting youth philanthropy, problem solving, and teamwork.” Antonio was responsible for starting the Net Literacy chapter at FJHS and is trying to implement a new one at FHS. Speaking from the heart, he says, “I find it motivating to do something to benefit society. I like the feeling of helping others. Most people think kids can’t make a difference; but when they put their minds to it, they can accomplish a lot.”

Net Literacy Began in Hamilton County and Carries International Impact

What began as a middle school student talking to a senior citizen about the need for computer access in his independent living facility has grown into an organization that has received national and international recognition. Net Literacy has been honored by two American presidents.

Sam Estrada (left) and Kasey Schoeff of FJHS are working hard to make a difference.

In 2003, a middle school student, Dan Kent, was teaching internet skills at the Carmel Clay Public Library to elementary students and senior citizens. One of the seniors explained to Dan the need for his neighbors, who were mobility impaired, to communicate to their grandchildren via email. As a result, Dan and his friends cultivated a plan to connect others in need. Not long after, Dan incorporated Net Literacy as a nonprofit. The first officers and board members were all middle school students, volunteering their time.

Today, this organization has provided over 20,000 donated computers to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and families and has developed an integrated series of digital literacy programs. (www.netliteracy.org) What’s more, its board of directors is 50% comprised of students.

“In 2003, Net Literacy was founded by middle school students and ten years later, the student volunteers at Fishers Junior High continue this community service initiative as they learn STEM, leadership, and social entrepreneurial skills,” says Dan Kent, president & executive director of Net Literacy. “I am proud of them for the contributions they are making for their classmates and community.”

Incidentally, Dan just recently presented the Net Literacy model to the United Nations Broadband Commissions in New York City. Net Literacy has established relationships with internet associations representing 270,000 internet companies on six continents, illustrating how engaged youth could help increase digital inclusion around the world.

Donating Your Old Computers to a Worthy Cause

If you are an individual or a business who may be upgrading your computer system, student volunteers would appreciate your contribution to Net Literacy as opposed to recycling them.

“The HSE schools donated equipment that was no longer of value to them but is making a huge difference to everyone in the community,” says Kletch. “We are in need of anything in Windows XP or newer, like CPU’s, monitors (which are hard to find), keyboards, and mice.” Please contact dKletch@hse.k12.in.us to make a donation.

You can trust that the students at FJHS will put any donated hardware to positive use as they continue to work diligently in utilizing and restoring technology. Together, these teens exemplify true leadership as they remain committed to making both their community and their world a better place.

Posted November 10, 2012 - No Comment

Conquering the World: Fishers High School’s Mitch Sliga

Fishers High School senior wrestler Mitch Sliga, a state and national champion and a member of the USA wrestling team that competed in Baku, Azerbaijan, this past summer.

As we headed down the hallway leading to the wrestling room at Fishers High School, Tigers boys varsity basketball coach Joe Leonard greeted us with his usual easy-going, glad-to-see-you approach. “Hey, you’re with the man. Really, I mean THE MAN,’’ Leonard blurted out with a loud chuckle and a big, appreciative smile top athletes everywhere usually receive.

Senior wrestler Mitch Sliga, a state and national champion and a member of the USA wrestling team that competed in Baku, Azerbaijan, this past summer, somewhat bashful, quietly acknowledged the warm reception. He just grinned. Fleas grin bigger.

But yes, indeed, he’s THE MAN. And a 2011 IHSAA state champion, the 2010 USA Wrestling Cadet Triple Crown winner (something that’s pretty rare for someone so young), the reigning national freestyle champion, and a five-star recruit headed for Northwestern University.

Sliga, who ranks No. 27 among the nation’s top 100 wrestlers, is a state champion and three-time state place winner in Indiana. He has a resume filled with national and even world credentials in the international styles. He earned a spot on this year’s Cadet World Team this year after winning FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle. He placed fifth at the FILA Cadet World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, at 85 kilos.

A member of Fishers High school’s 2010 Class 5A state football championship team, Sliga gave up football after his sophomore season to concentrate on wrestling. He’s the only Fishers High School student-athlete to win state championships competing in two different sports.

Sliga, who is a three-time Hoosier Crossroads Conference champion and a winner in the only two Hamilton County Championships contested so far, was ranked No. 1 by IndianaMat.com in the 2011-12 season. He was a perfect 49-0 en route to winning the 195-pound state championship.

He’ll be No. 1 again as he works to add to his marvelous junior season in pursuit of another state championship at 195 pounds when the high school season officially gets under way on November 12. He also needs only 15 more wins to reach No. 144 and break Brad Farrell’s school record of 143 for career wins.

He does pretty well in the classroom, too. He was a Junior Academic selection last season and is on course to be an Academic selection as a senior. He maintains a 3.98 grade-point average. One might think there’s not much left for him to do, right? No, wrong. He hopes someday that his resume also reads WORLD CHAMPION.

While getting ready for college, Sliga will try to qualify for the Junior World team (18-20 age group) next summer. He says experience is the key, and he certainly has the necessary experience.

With all his championships and records, Sliga says the one championship he’s most proud of is the freestyle at the 2012 FILA Nationals. “It got me on the USA team,‘’ said Sliga, who placed fifth individually in the Cadet Worlds. “I proved a lot to myself by making the USA team.’’

When talking about himself and his accomplishments, he’s pretty humble, and he has a pretty good perspective when it comes to the big picture.

He looked back on what has been a long, challenging road for him. He entered high school with a goal of winning four state championships. In his first two years, he placed third at 189 pounds, wrestling mostly bigger, stronger seniors. “I wasn’t as ready as I thought,‘’ Sliga said. “I did well, but I wasn’t strong enough to beat the elite wrestlers and I didn’t fulfill my dream of 4 state titles.’’

Sliga said there was a lot of build-up his junior year about his chance to win a state title. “It was a great feeling. I finally got the monkey off my back, and it was a big relief,’’ he said as if if he was still picturing it in his mind.

Sliga, who spends a lot of time in the weight room, said he felt like he was as strong as anyone last year, that he’s even stronger now, and that he plans to be much stronger by next summer. “One reason I feel like I’m much better now and much stronger is that last summer I beat a senior who beat me at state my freshman year. He’s now wrestling for Purdue,” Sliga said. “That was a good feeling. I wasn’t ready back then, but now I am. I feel like I can compete with some of the best. I just want to keep on winning. I hate losing…I really do.’’

He said he sees himself as pretty much being a normal teenager. “Nothing exciting about me or what I do, other than my wrestling,‘’ he said. “My spare time is also consumed by wrestling. That’s how you get better and be able to win. You have to stay focused on your sport. That’s what I do. I’m just doing what I love to do.’’

Sliga’s dedication, hard work, and overall effort may have best been on display last spring, when he held a camp for various-aged wrestlers, working with them on technique and moves in order to raise money to help send him to the competition at Baku, Azerbaijan. “When you want something bad enough, you do what it takes to make it happen. It was both a fun and rewarding experience,’’ he said.

When asked if he thinks of wrestling as destiny for him, he paused, tugged at his ear, and replied: “I’ve earned my way. I worked hard to become a high school champion, and I’ll work even harder to become a collegiate champion. So, no, I don’t see wrestling as my destiny, but I want to excel and do big things in the sport….and I’m driven to get done what I want to get done. We’ll see where it takes me; and whatever I do in wrestling and in the classroom in getting an education, I’m sure there won’t be any regrets. I’ll be fine.’’

When asked about his early years in wrestling, Sliga said he couldn’t remember much about what drew him to the sport, only that he was in kindergarten at the time when he went with his Dad (Chris) and mom (Michelle) to sign up his brother (Brad) for wrestling in the fourth grade. “My parents introduced me to it,‘’ he said. “They let me find my own way. They never pushed me, but they’ve always been there to encourage and to support me.’’

He said that basically his parents just thought he might like it. Obviously, they were right. Getting his first taste of mats and floor burns at such an early age has helped him learn and grow and leave an impressive mark on the sport.

“Obviously, I’m glad they did introduce me to the sport. I think things have worked out pretty well,’’ he said with a smile.

When asked how he wanted people in the wrestling circles to remember him, he said, “….that I did things the right way….worked hard….and never quit.’’

Sliga said he fought through a lot adversity along the way. “I might have gotten down a little early on when I lost at state those first two years. That was probably my biggest disappointment, ever, but I didn’t quit. Wrestling teaches many life lessons. I believe that things happen for a reason and that I’m a better person, wrestler, and competitor because of what I’ve gone through,’’ he said matter of factly.

And certainly more driven to succeed – if that’s possible. Most likely it is since there’s no mistaking that Mitch Sliga is driven to be the best!