1st Row: W. McNutt, A. Smith, B. McNutt, J. McClain, E. Parson, J. Peden, J. Ragon, B. Everhart, M. Conner.

2nd Row: C. Adams, Ku. Whitling, E. Brown, J. Bracken, G. Weisen, K. Wolf, N. Lee, L. Poulson, T. Fishley, J. Deubner, Ky. Whitling, N. Ady

3rd Row: S. McCartney, R. Argento, M. Lester, M. Ginther, A. Betts, M. Valot, R. Hamilton, S. Evens, S. Witham, A. Teeple, E. Shuman, M. Hamilton, S. Green

4th Row: D. Blackwell, R. Houze, S. Sanner, E. Weber, M. Martini, J. Deubner, N. Stotzer, K. Himes, S. Parker, K. Slutz, C. Gegenheimer, D. Martini, C. Taylor, R. LAke, A. Wertz, R. Lampe, M. Chiurco

Below is an excerpt from the Yearbook

The Tusky Valley Trojan football team had another successful season. Under Head Coach Dale Martini, the gridders were 8-2 overall and 4-2 in the PAC earning them a third place finish. Strong senior leadership and strong support from underclassmen allowed for a winning season. "The seniors picked up the underclassmen when they needed help, and it paid off," said junior Kurt Wolf. The Trojans rolled over competition until hitting roadblocks against playoff-bound Manchester and Coventry. " Against Manchester we jumped out into an early lead, but we were emotionally drained and made some big mistakes in the second half," commented senior Webber McNutt. The gridders had huge victories against Doylestown Chippewa, Sandy Valley, and East Canton. The Trojans also had an important triumph at Tuslaw in a game dubbed the "Mud Bowl". "Beating Tuslaw in the 'Mud Bowl' by holding them to twelve offensive plays in the second half was definitely the highlight of my season," stated Nate Ady, junior. With strong showings against state-ranked teams and decisive victories against area foes, the gridders made the 1996 season a successful one.

Underclassmen proved to be a positive asset to the gridders' 8-2 season. Not only did they assist the upperclassmen, but at times they also carried the team as well. "My most memorable moment of the season was when I returned an interception for a touchdown because I helped the team win", said sophomore Eric Shuman. With underclassmen making strides, the gridders showed promise for the future. On a team with junior and senior stars, it was surprising when sophomores and freshmen made big plays. Underclassmen also helped keep the tradition of a hard-hitting, successful Trojan team alive by posting a 5-4 reserve record while contributing to big variety victories. "I think the underclassmen stepped up when we needed them and showed great potential for the future," said Ben Everhart, senior. Fortunately, good coaching will allow the gridders to have great years to come. Sophomore Mark Ginther agreed, "The coaches helped my game by teaching me strategies and helping me in the weight room." With good coaching and continued determination, the underclassmen hope to keep Tusky Valley's winning tradition in football alive.

Jock Talk

How did the coaches improve your individual game?

"Coach Chiurco pushed me on defense, and I started making plays against the varsity I never thought I could make."- Matt Lester

"The coaches kept me working my hardest which allowed me to improve everyday."- Aaron Teeple

"The coaches kept me focused at practiced at practice and taught me techniques that paid off during games."- Eric Shuman

How did the underclassmen contribute to the team?

"They made scrimmaging fun and useful."- Larry Poulson

"They forced us to work hard which made us better as the season went on."- Nate Ady

"They helped the varisty by playing well on special teams and contributing when starters were hurt."- Kyle Whitling

Season Results