Caleb Gottry attends Chandler Preparatory Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

The Chandler Prep Varsity football team graduates twelve men this year. These twelve men have bonded in many ways, on and off the field. Some of them have played since freshman year, another only started this year. Regardless of the differences, the fact remains that they are skilled leaders on the field and a caring cohort off the field. I am proud to call these twelve my friends and I’m sure many feel the same way. Each and every one of them has contributed in their own way to the football program at Chandler Prep and each and every one of them will be greatly missed by the coaches, their teammates, and the school. Head Coach Peake said this about the group:

“My Senior Class is just an amazing group of outstanding young men and I look forward to hearing about all their future successes.”

On October 29th, following the game against Veritas Prep, the parents, fans, and team rallied around and celebrated the Titan seniors. Read were comments on their favorite memories, any advice they would want to give to their teammates, and a message to parents. The following are some of the responses to the questions that stood out. Titan Up.

Question: What is your favorite memory or moment as a part of Chandler Prep football?

Ian Pelczarski (#69): My favorite memory was our first preseason game my sophomore year, the first game of football that I ever played in my life. After working all season to be able to play for the team, I was able to get a chance in our first game. I was put in at right guard and lined up across from this tall 6’6” defensive tackle. He jokingly asked me how much I weighed and I responded back with 225. He laughed and responded that he weighed 340. The first play was belly right and despite the difference in size between us, I knocked him over onto his butt and pancaked him in my first play of football. I knew from there that this was my sport.

Zach Romesburg (#55): One of my favorite memories from football was when we beat Tonopah Valley 7-6. It was our homecoming game sophomore year and we came out with a close win after losing to them by a lot my freshman year. It was also the first game that I ever started on varsity and I will cherish that memory forever (Titans defeat Tonopah with strong defense | AZPreps365).

Ben Nelson (#65): My favorite memory would have to be our first week of this season at Tonopah. The week before was pretty tough with a complete change of coaching. However, we were able to turn things around with seven hours of practice and classroom work that weekend before the game. I know we felt ready to beat them, but before the game, you could tell that Tonopah had already decided that we were an easy win. That made crushing them by 27 points even better.

Sebastian Pastrana (#8): The bus ride back from San Manuel with the stop at the pizza place and singing Riptide at the top of our lungs after blowing them out was a memory that I will never forget.

Question: What do you want to say to your team?

Marcello Borromeo (#50): To the team, I offer a simple piece of advice that I’ve learned from my experiences that many of you have already applied: belief aligned with intention produces a desired action. This means that believing in yourself put together with a good plan will certainly result in the tackle, catch, or touchdown. Remember this formula, and don’t forget that most, if not all, great feats start with believing you can do something.

Noah LoBue (#10): I would be lying if I said that football isn’t a sport made for the bigger boys. If you couldn’t tell, I am not one of those bigger boys. I am 5’6” on a good day…. But I say this to the smaller athletes who might think football isn’t for them: what we lack in size, we can absolutely make up for in speed, agility, and precision. We don’t have time to care about the things out of our control. Part of being a dawg is perfecting what you CAN control, like your work ethic, muscle memory, and attention to detail. I want to thank my team, including those who have graduated, those below me, and also those who sadly couldn’t play this year, especially Conner Mason, who has contributed so much to the football team over these past years, as well as Caleb Yeung. You guys immediately accepted me and gave me a home in freshman year, never ever discouraging me. I want to urge my team to continue to pick each other up when they make mistakes, because you guys are brothers, and brothers take care of each other on and off the field. I love you guys.  

Joshua VanOrdt (#11): Yes, our senior class is huge and it’s scary to have half your team leave, but you guys have the tools, talent, and time to carry on the culture. This team is full of brotherhood and that will take you far in life, on and off the field. Never take your time on the field for granted. I leave you with some famous words from Vince Lombardi: “Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.

Sam Davis (#27): To my brothers, I would tell you that when faced with challenges and adversity, stick together. We are family and you have to stay by each other at all times, through highs and lows. Fight for one another and pick each other up. Remember these times because when you become a senior and graduate, they will be what you have left. Love your brothers and trust in each other. Also, be early to morning weights.

Question: What do you want to say to the parents?

Luke Padgett (#4): Thank you all for being adaptable to this crazy season we had and helping us every step of the way at every practice, workout, Saturday film, and game. We appreciate you all and it wouldn’t be the same without you. And to all my coaches, thank you so much for welcoming a new kid like me to the program and immediately making me feel a part of the team.

Grant Peake (#14): I want to thank my mom and dad for always reminding me to make the most out of practice. Although I’ve gotten used to it, my dad has coached me most of my life and has helped build my character and skills. My mom hasn’t always been able to come to my games, but the moment she could, she did. I cannot thank you both enough for the love and encouragement you have given me.

Eli Britton (#33): I’d like to thank my parents for loving me, supporting me, having to deal with me eating up all their food, and making me a better person every day.

Langston Harris (#67): Thank you parents for always supporting the team. Whether it be Mrs. VanOrdt bringing us Subway for the game or parents volunteering to make or bring food for the team dinners, I thank every one of you. I especially thank my mom and dad for always being there—even going to the Tombstone game. I could hear my mom complaining to my dad about the gigantic bugs every time I went to the sideline. Thank you for raising me to be the man I am. Love y’all.