I have to say though that calling this team’s run to the state finals an accomplishment would understate the work, dedication and heart that this program put into getting to play in THE game. What they accomplished was a dream and vision and for that, they should be proud. When those who started this program in 1966, they too could only dream something like this would ever happen. But it did.
While watching so many one win seasons, I as a fan could only hope to experience making the trip to Louisville. I would spend many Fridays and Saturdays around Thanksgiving time in the barn working in tobacco and listening to high school playoff games on the radio with my father-in-law. We would root through the radio for the Northern Kentucky teams but I never really thought that I would see the day that SK would make it to the state finals.
Chances are that the majority of these boys will never play football beyond high school but look what was gained from this experience. These boys developed a bond with each other through their season that will last for a long time. Some of them will be friends forever. Coach Marksberry credits the seniors on the team for turning around a season that seemed on the brink of disappointment. The senior boys on the team that took hold of their last chance to play football and lead it on this course of destiny, learned lessons about leadership that they will be able to use again and again in their collegiate and vocational lives.
Standing on the sidelines taking pictures, I was able to get a really strong feel about all of the pieces of this team coming together for this playoff run. There are some kids on the team that are superstars but there were kids standing on the sideline that were there cheering and supporting those coming off of the field after every series even though I never saw them get their uniforms dirty. They stood there in short sleeves in the frigid temperatures even though they knew there was probably not a chance they were going to go in the game. There were kids who didn’t get to play as much as they would have liked but made their biggest plays of their high school careers on special teams. All of these kids learned a lifetime of teamwork, dedication and hard work in this one glorious season. Congratulations boys. You should be proud and should know from what you experienced this season that you can accomplish anything.
I want to commend and thank the entire coaching staff for their outstanding job. There were people in the community that didn’t think that this staff had what it took to get this team not only into the state championship but even to the playoffs. It was neat for me to watch the leadership of the coaches and the way they worked together. They congratulated each other, challenged each other and got on each other when it was necessary yet you could tell they always understood their goals and vision.
The bond between the kids and the coaches was awesome. They all genuinely cared deeply for each other. In the crazy world of high school sports, this was refreshing. I think the leadership of the coaching staff is best demonstrated by Coach Marksberry and his relationship to Patrick Bustle. Here’s a kid who gives up his starting spot as the team’s quarterback yet it was Marksberry giving the first hug to Bustle after every big win. Coach Marksberry was emotional addressing his team after the game but it was a demonstration of his care for the players.
I really hate that the team had to lose but I can also say that this team has as much reason to be proud as any football team in our state. The team showed so much class and this is recognized by anybody who saw them this season whether you were an opponent or supporter.
You might have noticed that I put a scripture reference on the Blog several weeks back before the playoffs. It is from 1Corinthians 9:24 and it says,
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Boys, you ran and trained to get the prize and crown. It was obvious to me that this team’s faith played a big role in helping you accomplish everything you did this year and for that I commend you. Your faith is more important than the trophies handed out last and will last you forever.
This was definitely a fun time for the community to rally around. If someone would have told me that Independence would have put more fans in the seats for a state final than a local program, I would have said you were crazy. I sincerely thank the football program for what they accomplished for the school, the athletics program, the football program, each other and maybe most importantly, the Independence Community.
The pictures below focus more on the championship experience than the action. Enjoy
Fun time for the SK faithful tailgating in the parking lot. Sid with his 1979 SK scarf and ah, hat.
This had to be cool.
When is next year's first game?
They were faithful until the end.
Defense
Offense found tough sledding.
The sign made it to every playoff game.
Pat Bustle violates a rule and sits on his hat. It looks like he really cares.
Grant does the leap to hug momma.
Genuine walnut.
T-E-A-M
Hey Indy, we made it.
Can you guess who this is?
One of the sideline leaders all day season long.
One Last time addressing the team following a game.
