Vol.Vol. 14, 15, No. No. 2 //1 Summer// Winter 20202021 RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’ IS 2021 GOAL HONORS DINNER CELEBRATING OUR LEGENDS XVII – JUNE 27 the other chapter awards (see awards and nomination form on adjoining TYLER TRENT GOLF OUTING – JULY, AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER pages). AUCTION/SALE – JULY or AUGUST High school coaches, athletic directors, academic counselors and NFF HONORS RECEPTION – TBD principals provide the nominations of the high school scholar-athletes while anyone associated with our chapter, whether members or not, may With all the trials, tribulations and travails of 2020 now behind us, nominate candidates for the chapter’s community awards. our goal for the National Football Foundation’s Joe Tiller Chapter of Along with the NFF awards, the annual Honors Dinner will also Northwest is a “return to normal.” include awards and recognition for athletes selected by the Lafayette With all of our events either rescheduled, postponed or cancelled in Journal & Courier sports staff based on nominations by coaches and 2020 due to COVID-19, we are crossing our fingers that the distribu- athletic directors within the J&C coverage area. tion and injection of the vaccine will have the virus in steady remission within a few months so that we can return to our regular slate of events HONORS DINNER/RECEPTION BECOMING 2 EVENTS and activities by late spring and summer. The chapter’s primary function each year is to recognize accomplish- We are pleased to move our next Honors Dinner back into the Purdue ments of our scholar-athletes and award winners. For the first 15 years of Memorial Union Ballrooms. Our 17th NFF Honors Dinner will be held this chapter, we held the NFF Honors Dinner “Celebrating Our Legends” on Sunday afternoon, June 27, assuming the virus is under control and in early to mid-June, prior to last year’s event being moved to late July. the event can be held safely. The plan last year was to divide that event into two separate functions That said, we are grateful to our friends at Arni’s Catering and the – one to focus on high school athletes and coaches and the other to focus Northend Community Center for allowing us to reschedule our one “sur- on college and professional athletes, coaches and community members. viving” event of 2020 – the 16th annual NFF Honors Dinner – into their The later event was intended to be an evening reception and program, outstanding facility in Lafayette last July 26 (after Purdue cancelled all probably in September, in conjunction with the Tyler Trent Golf Outing, on-campus events due to the pandemic, forcing us to abandon our plans but those events were cancelled for 2020 and postponed into this year. at the PMU Ballrooms). Dates have not yet been set for those events, but our intentions are to continue with that plan. Some of the awards that were intended for IMPORTANT DEADLINES presentation last year had to be diverted to 2021, including the induction Something that will not change is our goal of putting on first class of Marshall Overley and into the Indiana Football Hall of events and honoring individuals for their accomplishments. Details are Fame. We are also hoping to have and in still evolving, but we are hoping to have at least four important events attendance to receive their awards, the Distinguished American Award involving our chapter as we roll through our 17th year of existence. and the Mental Toughness Award, respectively, which they were unable Prior to any events, however, are two key deadlines for the NFF to receive in person last year due to the rescheduling of the dinner. awards process. Nominations are due Feb. 1 from the high schools in the Additional details will be announced in early spring. 17-county area of Northwest Indiana for the judging of the Scholar-Ath- lete of the Year Award. Also, Mar. 31 is the deadline for nominations for Continued on pg. 6

TWO YOUNG MEN NAMED INDIANA’S CO-NFF SCHOLAR-ATHLETES OF YEAR For the first time in the eight-year history of the award, co-winners have been named for the National Football Foundation’s State of Indiana Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. The co-winners for 2020 are Carroll High School’s Ayden Ayres, representing the Joe Tiller Chapter, and John Glenn High School’s Sam Carson, representing the Moose Krause Chapter. The announcement was made at the Tiller Chapter’s NFF Honors Dinner on July 26 at the Northend Community Center in Lafayette with both Ayres and Carson among the 225 attendees. Two other finalists, who were unable to attend, were Dawson Hurley of Evansville Reitz Memorial High School, representing the Southern Indiana Chapter, and Brett Wethington of Western Boone High School, representing the Central Indiana Chapter. The judging process, which included equal representation from each chapter, resulted in the closest voting ever for the annual award. Judging is based 40% on academics accomplishments, 40% on athletics accomplishments and 20% on char- acter and citizenship. “On behalf of the NFF chapters in Indiana, I want to congratulate SURPRISE! – Sam Carson (left) and Ayden Ayres (right) express surprise when announcement is made at NFF Honors Dinner last July that they are co-winners Continued on pg. 5 of the State of Indiana Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. Awards for Joe Tiller Chapter of Northwest Indiana HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD ficulty OR who has assisted someone else in doing the same. The award-winner This annual award is intended to provide recognition to a graduating high must be a high school, college or professional athlete, coach, administrator or avid school senior football player who exemplifies excellence as a student, an athlete supporter. The award is sponsored by Franciscan Health Sports Medicine. and a citizen. Scholarship money from the National Football Foundation is Selection process: Nominations are accepted in early winter from members of provided to the winner as long as he is not receiving full athletic aid to attend the this chapter. Nominations are evaluated by the awards committee, which recom- college of his choice. He is not required to continue his career as a football player. mends no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified Selection process: Nominations are accepted in early winter from high school by the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at annual Honors coaches and/or administrators in the counties covered by this NFF chapter. Nomi- Dinner. nations are evaluated by the Scholar-Athlete Committee, which recommends at 2012 Honoree: Danny Anthrop of Lafayette Central Catholic H.S. least one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by the Board of 2013 Honorees: Cooper Fulmer of Winamac/Patrick Mackey of Lafayette Directors and the presentation should be made at the annual Honors Dinner. Other Central Catholic H.S. nominees will also be recognized at the Honors Dinner. 2014 Honoree: Jack Folkers of West Lafayette H.S, 2005 Honoree: William Bowman of Lafayette Jefferson H.S. 2016 Honoree: Josh Turanchick of Oak Hill H.S. 2006 Honoree: Brett Courtney of West Lafayette Harrison H.S. 2017 Honoree: Riley Lowder of Delphi H.S. 2007 Honoree: James Wodicka of West Lafayette H.S. 2018 Honoree: Tyler Trent of 2008 Honoree: Griffin Richeson of Lafayette Central Catholic H.S. 2019 Honorees: Cody Payne/Drew DeBoer of Lafayette Jefferson H.S. 2009 Honoree: *Matt Lancaster of West Lafayette H.S. 2020 Honoree: Isaiah Harris of Bowman Leadership Academy 2010 Honoree: *Daniel Wodicka of West Lafayette H.S. 2011 Honoree: Alex Hegg of Seeger Memorial H.S. TYLER TRENT COURAGE & RESILIENCE AWARD 2012 Honoree: Dayton Snyder of West Lafayette H.S. This award is a tribute to Tyler Trent, a former Purdue student who valiently 2013 Honoree: #Ryan Spesard of Carroll H.S. battled cancer while fervently supporting “his” Boilermakers until the very 2014 Honoree: *Andrew Ralph of Chesterton H.S. end. He died Jan. 1, 2019, at age 19. The recipient receives a full scholarship at 2015 Honoree: Joshua Brune of Bellmont H.S. Purdue, funded through a combination of gifts. It is awarded to undergraduate stu- 2015 Honoree: Cody Colbert of Tri-Central H.S. dents at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus who have encountered serious physical 2017 Honoree: Jack DeGroot of Winamac H.S. or similarly daunting adversity in their pursuit of higher education. 2018 Honoree: #August Schott of West Lafayette H.S. Selection process: Nominations/applications are accepted by the President’s 2019 Honoree: #Jack Kiser of Pioneer H.S. Office throughout the year from Purdue students. The decision is made by the 2020 Honoree: #Ayden Ayres of Carroll H.S. president and announced in the spring with possible recognition provided at the * Midwest Region S-A of Year; # State of Indiana S-A of Year annual NFF Honors Dinner or Honors Reception. 2019 Honoree: Sean English of Northville, Mich. IMPACT AWARD 2020 Honoree: Kamryn Dehn of Frankfort, Ind. This award, originally named “Purdue is Proud of You” Award, has been repurposed to provide recognition to a person from Purdue who has made a BERNIE FLOWERS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING major impact on the game of football and who has provided positive exposure for CONTRIBUTION TO AMATEUR SPORTS Purdue through his or her efforts. The recipient will have maintained a lifetime of This annual award is intended to provide recognition to an individual whose interest in the football while exhibiting exceptional qualities in his or her profes- efforts and activities support the goals of the National Football Foundation on the sion or activity even beyond that game. local level. The award identifies an individual who works tirelessly out of love Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF for sports and a desire to help children play the game. The award winner can be a chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee, which recommends league organizer, administrator, fundraiser, coach, doctor, athletic trainer, official no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by or anyone who excels in representing and supporting the foundation’s fundamen- the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at the annual Honors tal creed. The award is sponsored by Genre Hotels. Dinner. Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF 2011 Honoree: Drew Brees, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee. This recommendation 2012 Honoree: Otis Armstrong, College Football Hall of Fame Selectee must be ratified by the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at 2013 Honoree: MerrieBeth Cox, Miss Indiana and Purdue’s Golden Girl the annual Honors Dinner. 2019 Honoree: , Purdue’s first Consensus All-American as a 2005 Honoree: Kay Hunt of West Lafayette Little Gridiron Football League Freshman 2006 Honoree: John Robinson of Lafayette 56ers Youth Football League 2020 Honoree: George Karlaftis, Purdue’s Freshman All-American Defensive 2007 Honoree: Dr. Bob Hagen of Lafayette Orthopaedic and Sportsmedicine End Clinic 2008 Honoree: Brad Smith of Attica and Indiana Football Coaches Association ARNETTE TILLER “SERVICE TO FOOTBALL” AWARD 2009 Honoree: Tom Kubat of Lafayette Journal & Courier Sports Department This award, which is sponsored and funded by the IFCA, is intended to 2010 Honoree: Joe McConnell of Learfield Sports and Purdue Radio Network provide recognition to a woman closely related to the game of football who has 2011 Honorees: Lane Custer and Jon Speaker of West Side Flag Football given tirelessly and effectively for the betterment of the game and its participants. 2012 Honorees: Clay and Chris Oppy of Dream Season The recipient will have exhibited exceptional service and dedication to a football 2013 Honoree: Mark Ebelhar of West Lafayette Little Gridiron program or programs covered by this NFF chapter. 2014 Honoree: Linda Rohrman of Lafayette Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF 2015 Honoree: David M. Williams of Lafayette Area Little Gridiron chapter members and IFCA members and considered by the IFCA Awards Com- 2016 Honorees: Larry Leverenz, Eric Nauman and Tom Talavage of Purdue mittee in conjunction with Mrs. Tiller and the NFF chapter, which recommends Neurotrauma Group no more than one recipient per year. The presentation should be made at the 2017 Honoree: Darren Hicks of Lafayette Central Catholic Little Gridiron annual Honors Dinner in the appropriate IFCA Region. It is recommended that 2018 Honorees: Brad Cohen of Arni’s and Orlando Itin of Bruno’s this award be rotated between Region 1 (odd numbered years) and Region 4 (even 2019 Honoree: Tracy Brown of Harrison Youth Football numbered years). 2020 Honoree: Rod Kochon of West Lafayette Little League 2012 Honoree: Arnette Tiller, wife of Coach Joe Tiller, Purdue U. 2013 Honoree: Jamie Marsh, wife of Coach Leroy Marsh, Munster H.S. TODD CLARK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING GAME OFFICIAL 2015 Honoree: Sarah Lim, 7-yr. student manager, West Lafayette HS & Purdue This award is intended to become an annual award to provide recognition to an 2018 Honoree: Jan O’Shea, wife of coach Frank O’Shea, mother of Kevin individual game official in our region as identified by the Western Indiana Offi- O’Shea cials Association. The award recognizes an individual who works tirelessly out of love for sports and the demands for fairness. The award winner can be an official PATRICK MACKEY COURAGE AWARD of any sport who shares the values and goals of the National Football Foundation. This award is given to provide recognition to an individual in our region who Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from WIOA has exemplified great courage by surviving extreme personal hardship or dif- members coordinator by NFF board member Max Bales, who also officiates.The 2 WIOA’s award recommendation must be ratified by the Board of Directors and 2017 Honorees: Rosevelt Barnes, Caleb Swanigan of the the presentation should be made at the annual Honors Dinner. 2018 Honoree: Elijah Sindelar of the Purdue Boilermakers 2018 Honoree: Dr. Todd Clark of West Lafayette, Ind. 2019 Honoree: David Blough of the Purdue Boilermakers 2019 Honoree: Todd Ransom of Frankfort, Ind. 2020 Honoree: Raheem Mostert of the San Francisco 49ers 2020 Honoree: Darren Haas of Crawfordsville, Ind. “HE PLAYED FOOTBALL” AWARD CITIZENSHIP AWARD This award is intended to provide recognition to a former football player in the This award, which is sponsored by the Lafayette Journal & Courier, pro- geographic region of Northwest Indiana who went on to become highly successful vides recognition to an individual who has consistently excelled in three areas in life-after-football. Emphasis is placed on individuals who were not necessarily paramount to the National Football Foundation - academics, athletics and service stars of their teams but who built their later successes on their skills instead of - while maintaining an exemplary record of citizenship in his school and/or local their “football names.” community. The award-winner can be a high school, college or professional Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF athlete. chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee, which recommends Selection process: Nominations are accepted in early winter from members no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by of this chapter. Nominations are evaluated by the awards committee, which the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at the annual Honors recommends at no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must Dinner. be ratified by the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at either 2014 Honoree: Froncie Gutman, former Purdue player and director of Cleve- Scholar-Athlete Banquet or the annual Honors Dinner. land Eye Clinic 2011 Honoree: Kyle Adams of Purdue University 2015 Honoree: Carl Buergler, former Purdue walk-on, now COO of Jimmy 2012 Honoree: Kurt Lichtenberg of Purdue University Johns 2014 Honoree: Rob Henry of Purdue University 2016 Honoree: Doug DeVos, former Purdue walk-on, now President of Amway 2018 Honoree: David Blough of Purdue University Corp. 2019 Honoree: Aaron Lai of Purdue University 2017 Honoree: Mike Berghoff, former Purdue walk-on, now President of Lenon Steel and Chairman of Purdue’s Board of Trustees LEGENDS AWARD This award is sponsored by the Purdue Alumni Association to provide recogni- DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN AWARD tion to a person closely related to the game of football who has given tirelessly This award is intended to provide recognition to a citizen who has maintained a and effectively throughout his or her career for the betterment of the game and its lifetime of interest in the game of football and who has exhibited enviable leader- participants, without being a player or coach. The recipient will have maintained a ship qualities and patriotism while making a significant contribution to the better- lifetime of interest in the football while exhibiting exceptional leadership qualities ment of amateur football or sports in general in the while bringing in his or her profession and bringing recognition to the local area covered by this recognition to the local area covered by this NFF chapter. NFF chapter. Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee, which recommends chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee, which recommends no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at the annual Honors the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at the annual Honors Dinner. Dinner. 2005 Honoree: , emeritus coach of Purdue University 2012 Honoree: Denny Miller, former head athletic trainer of Purdue University 2006 Honoree: Bob DeMoss, former football coach/administrator at Purdue 2014 Honoree: Joe Rudolph, former executive director of Purdue Alumni As- University sociation 2007 Honoree: Henry Rosenthal, former play-by-play announcer/owner of 2015 Honoree: John Friend, former coach, athletics director, administrator in WASK Radio NW Indiana 2008 Honoree: Bernie Flowers, former Purdue All-American, salesman ex- 2016 Honoree: Tom Spurgeon, former student manager, supporter, Trustee of traordinaire Purdue U. 2009 Honoree: Joe Tiller, emeritus football coach of Purdue University 2017 Honoree: Roy Johnson, former “Voice of the Band” at Purdue for 43 2011 Honoree: , former Purdue All-American/administrator years 2013 Honorees: and Noble Kizer, Jr., former football coach and 2018 Honoree: Jeff Washburn, former sportswriter in Lafayette community for athletic director at Purdue University and his son, Lafayette businessman 40 years 2020 Honoree: Drew Brees, former Boilermaker/current Saints QB 2019 Honoree: Larry Clisby, play-by-play announcer for Purdue and local high schools GOLD MEDALLION AWARD This award is given on rare occasion and in special circumstances to recognize DREW BREES MENTAL TOUGHNESS AWARD the career of a highly-successful person in this region. It recognizes an outstand- This annual award is intended to provide recognition to a college or profes- ing American and/or loyal Hoosier who has achieved significant career success sional athlete who exemplified exceptional mental attitude or toughness while while demonstrating integrity and honesty and bringing recognition to the local competing within the counties covered by this NFF chapter. Exceptional mental area covered by this NFF chapter. attitude includes displays of high academic achievement, superior leadership, Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF dogged determination, tenacity, moral character, bravery, humility and concern for chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee, which recommends others, in addition to remarkable athletic accomplishments. The award is named no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by in honor of its first recipient, who also assists in the selection process. the Board of Directors and the presentation should be made at the annual Honors Selection process: Nominations are accepted throughout the year from NFF Dinner. chapter members and considered by the Awards Committee, which recommends 2007 Honoree: Dr. Martin Jischke, President of Purdue University no more than one recipient per year. This recommendation must be ratified by the 2010 Honorees: Drew Brees, and - Purdue’s Super Board of Directors and Drew Brees and the presentation should be made at the Bowl Champion QB’s annual Honors Dinner. 2011 Honorees: Neil Armstrong, Eugene Cernan and Jerry Ross – Purdue 2005 Honoree: Drew Brees of the San Diego Chargers Astronauts 2006 Honoree: Rob Ninkovich of the Purdue Boilermakers 2013 Honoree: David Boudia, Olympic Gold and Bronze Medalist in diving 2007 Honoree: Rosevelt Colvin of the New England Patriots 2017 Honoree: Morgan Burke, Purdue’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, 2008 Honoree: Nick Hardwick of the San Diego Chargers 23 years 2009 Honoree: Akin Ayodele of the Miami Dolphins 2011 Honoree: Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Redskins 2012 Honoree: Robbie Hummel of the Purdue Boilermakers SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD NOMINEES DUE 2013 Honoree: Ryan Grigson of the FROM COACHES FEB. 1, 2021... 2014 Honoree: Cliff Avril of the Seattle Seahawks 2015 Honoree: of the Buffalo Bills FOR OTHER NOMINEES SEE NEXT PAGE 2016 Honoree: Danny Anthrop of the Indianapolis Colts 3 Executive Director’s 2020 Report: CHAPTER FINDS NEW SOURCE OF FUNDING THANKS TO YOUNG LEE As we “close the books” on another year of activities for the NFF’s Joe Tiller and many effective committee Chapter of Northwest Indiana, I want to call out special attention and appreciation members. Please contact me for one of our Advisory Council members, Young Lee of West Lafayette. (via email jvruggink@purdue. During a year when almost nothing was normal and fund-raising was an ex- edu or phone 765-427-3303), if treme challenge for all charity organizations and 501 c-3 foundations (as the NFF you would like to help. Tiller Chapter is), we had one important goal. That was to balance the budget and A year ago in this Executive generate enough income to offset our expenses and HOPE there would be some Director’s Report, I mentioned money left over at the end of the year to contribute a few dollars to our qualified that since I am now fully re- student-athletes in the form of scholarship stipends … and to direct some money tired from Purdue, it is time for toward the Tiller Endowment to assure our on-going success. me to develop a transition plan After cancelling or postponing all but one of our events and trimming back our for myself to step away from NFF Honors Dinner to a “smaller than normal” event, we accomplished the first this position and turn it over part of the goal and managed to cover our costs of that lone event (more details to the next generation. I had below), but we had few dollars left for scholarships. said I would work at least one Enter Young Lee … with an idea of ramping up our online memorabilia more year as executive director auctions and sales via eBay. Young worked hard to collect and organize items to as we determine who will step supplement the remaining inventory of items donated by Arnette Tiller. Young forward to take my place. We even purchased items from other sources for higher resale to Purdue fans who have made some progress in became very active in the memorabilia market during the last four months of that regard, but a detailed plan YOUNG LEE 2020. Young ran multiple sales and netted more than $12,500 (after expenses) for is still months … perhaps a our scholarship and endowment funds. year or more away. But, I want you to know that I AM working on it. For his efforts, the chapter has nominated Mr. Lee as a candidate for the Mazda I appreciate the fact that it is important to the board to continue honoring and Heroes Award, a national award promoted by the National Football Foundation, to recognizing scholar-athletes, former athletes and coaches and to continue to sup- recognize individuals for their heroic efforts during the pandemic. port charitable causes (including our own leadership/scholarship programs) in this Thanks in part to Lee’s work, our chapter closed out 2020 by providing $6,600 region, especially within Tippecanoe County, where most of the fund-raising takes for college student assistance and honorariums and $1,300 for Purdue’s Center place. for Cancer Research while transferring $8,000 into the Joe Tiller Endowment for A list of all our donors, sponsors, advertisers and partners is available for future scholarships. public viewing on our website: www.nfftillerchapter.org. The 16th annual NFF Honors Dinner “Celebrating Our Legends” was our On behalf of our President Kelly Kitchel and our Advisory Council, we greatly lone actual event of 2020 even though it was postponed six weeks, moved to a appreciate your continued support … And Happy New Year! new location and scaled-back due to COVID restrictions. Several awards were SUBMITTED BY: Jim Vruggink, Executive Director presented and nearly 45 scholar-athletes were honored. Our annual Silent Auction, the Tyler Trent Golf Outing and two potential “road trips” to see Drew Brees play in Midwest cities were cancelled for 2020. And, the proposed NFF Honors Recep- NOMINATION FORM FOR 2021 AWARDS tion were postponed to 2021. (Submit by March 31, 2021, to Jim Vruggink via phone at 765-427-3303, email Donations in the form of trade-outs and gifts-in-kind totaled $9,470 this year at [email protected] or mail at 3672 Farnsworth Drive, West Lafayette, IN while the all-important cash payments for tickets, sponsorships, advertising and 47906) donations totaled $23,685.38. In 16 years, we have given $318,000 to charity causes with $252,000 going to college students as stipends, honorariums and Name of nominee ______awards while honoring 504 individuals for their accomplishments, including 324 qualified scholar-athletes. We now have about $75,000 in the Tiller Endowment For which award? ______as we work toward our goal of $500,000 in order to secure the on-going future of the chapter. Phone/address of nominee ______Unfortunately, our membership numbers decreased during this COVID-ridden year by 22 to 162 since a year ago – which now ranks us fourth largest in the Reasons for nomination ______country among 120 chapters and we are still the largest in Indiana among the four chapters. Your name ______Please consider how you can help make this chapter better. Become a sponsor or an advertiser (if you aren’t already), renew your membership, or invite a friend Phone or email ______or relative to become a member. A membership form is on the last page of this newsletter … Hopefully, you can use it or pass it on. We have a terrific board NFF ADVISORY COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2021 PRESIDENT – Kelly Kitchel MEMBERSHIP CHAIR – David McGaughey; AT-LARGE – Orlando Itin, Matt Lancaster, Jeff EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Jim Vruggink assistant Leroy Marsh Love, Keith Schwingendorf and Rex Trautman EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SELECT – TBD AWARDS PROGRAM CHAIR – Jim Vruggink DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and WEB- (*); college assistant Tom Schott; high school as- MEMBERS SERVING ON COMMITTEES: MASTER – Travis Baugh sistant Jon Speaker Erika Austin, Paul Branham, Drew Brees, Don NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION MANAGER – EVENTS CHAIR – Brooke Kitchel; assistants Coller, Dwayne Greer, Tim House, Ryan Isaac, Jonathan Gandolf Nate Barrett and Austin Hoefling Leroy Keyes, Sam King, John Langenkamp, John PHOTOGRAPHERS – Sandra Dukes and Chad ENDOWMENT CHAIR – Kelly Kitchel; assis- Shelbourne, Dakota Simon, Ryan Spesard, Craig Voll Krockover tants Max Bales, Bob Hagen and David R. Williams and George Wodicka SPONSORSHIPS & ADVERTISING CHAIR – Tim BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Voting Members, * Bobillo; assistant Trent Johnson INTERNS: except for executive director) – COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR – Alan Karpick; as- Corey Adams, Nick Schutkovske and Dylan Spesard PRESIDENT – Kelly Kitchel sistant Andrew Pogar PAST PRESIDENT – Bart Burrell ONLINE SALES & AUCTIONS CHAIR – Young CONTACT US: Via phone at 765-427-3303, via TREASURER – Janet Schweikher; assistant Lee email at [email protected], or via postal at NFF, Elisheba VanWinkle SPECIAL PROJECTS CHAIR – Brad Smith (IFCA) 3672 Farnsworth Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906 and Jim MacDonald (DGC) 4 2020 HONORS DINNER SURVIVED COVID Continued from pg. 1 all the scholar-athletes who were nominated and all the coaches and principals who nominated them this year as we advanced the NFF’s rec- ognition and scholarship program to all football-playing high schools in Indiana,” said Jim Vruggink, the executive director for the Tiller Chapter, who coordinated the judging process for this award. Here are the four finalists for the State of Indiana Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, one representing each chapter.

AYDEN AYRES (Carroll H.S. – Northwest Indiana Chapter) Ayden, the son of Liz Ayres, is studying engineering at Rose- Hulman. He earned a 4.2 GPA and a 1480 on the SAT. Ayden was the valedictorian at Carroll and was named the school’s top scholar all four years of high school. He was named a Lilly Scholar, an IFCA academic all-stater in both football and track, was an Indianapolis Colts academic all-state selection and was recently selected as the Lafayette Journal & NFF HONORS DINNER 2020 will be Courier’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year. remembered as one of our most unique events. Held at the Northend Community Center in Ayden was named Carroll’s offensive player of the year and an Lafayette after Purdue University cancelled all all-Hoosier Heartland Conference performer in 2019 as he played both on-campus events due to COVID-19, the event running back and safety for the Cougars. His athletic prowess was also became an exercise in adaptability, flexibility and survival. Photos from top to bottom left to on display at Carroll on the and track teams. right show (1) Emcee Andrew Pogar of WLFI- Ayden’s extracurricular activities also included 10 years of 4-H, TV under the NFF banner; (2) Rob Kochon church youth group, National Honor Society and Carroll’s mentor of West Lafayette Little League at mic after program. He served as the treasurer of both 4-H and National Honor receiving Bernie Flowers Award; (3) Team captain Kyle Onken and Head Coach Brian Society. Ayden is the oldest of six children in a home where he had to Nay of Lafayette Central Catholic with state assume the “father-figure” role due to the absence of his father. title trophy presented by Jeff Love of Purdue Federal Credit Union and Chapter President Kelly Kitchel. SAM CARSON (John Glenn H.S. – Moose Krause Chapter) Sam, the son of Mike and Chris Carson, studying pre-med at Notre Dame. He ranked first in his class of 136 to earn valedictorian honors. Sam was named IFCA Academic All-State, Jr. Academic All-State for and was a four-time SSRF/NRA All-Scholastic Team selection. A team captain as a senior, Sam was a two-year letterman as a defen- sive lineman for the Falcons, totaling 25 tackles and six tackles for loss. His other athletic endeavors included three varsity seasons on the wres- tling team and two national championships and six state championships in clay target shooting. He was accepted at all three military academies (Army, Navy and Air Force) and had decided to go to Air Force, but had to change plans when he was diagnosed with a health condition that disqualified him from the military. Sam participated in several activities at John Glenn including Na- tional Honor Society, student council, peer tutoring, John Glenn Theater Company and the rhythm express show choir. He served as junior class NFF HONORS DINNER 2020 featured “social distancing” during the meal (lower left) and president and was on the senior class board. His community involvement presentations including Purdue assistant coach Anthony Poindexter (below) who was selected consisted of Hoosier Boys State Delegate, Halloween Fundraiser and for induction into College Football Hall of Fame and McCutcheon H.S.’s Bailey Burton (lower center) who was named Journal & Courier Female Student Athlete of the Year by J&C Continued on pg. 6 Sports Writer Sam King (lower right).

5 RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’ IS 2021 GOAL Continued from pg. 1 perhaps in conjunction with the Honors Reception mentioned on page MEMORABILIA AUCTIONS AND SALES one in the summer or early fall. A year ago this time, we were planning to launch a raffle for Arnette Tiller’s 2013 Winnebago Rally Vista recreational vehicle, which she TYLER TRENT GOLF OUTING had asked our chapter to try to sell after it was redecorated honoring the The Tiller Chapter’s annual golf outing has taking on a different former Purdue head coach. Plans were to sell raffle tickets in person at look and direction. After several years as the Ryan Kerrigan/12th Boiler events as well as online until late fall and then draw the winner in con- Golf Outing as a combined effort between the NFF Tiller Chapter and junction with Purdue’s final home game. Then COVID came along and Purdue’s Trademarks Licensing Office, a new partnership became neces- dramatically changed our plans. The RV was eventually sold on consign- sary when Jim Vruggink retired from Purdue. Last spring we agreed to ment through an RV dealer in Greenwood. join forces with the Tyler Trent Family, the Elks Club of West Lafayette However, the online sales idea evolved into a grand plan, thanks to and Purdue’s Center for Cancer Research and began making plans for an the efforts of board member Young Lee, who planned and organized event at the West Lafayette Golf Club on Sept. 18, but as COVID spiked online sales through eBay and PayPal connecting through our chapter in mid-summer, that event was postponed to 2021. Then in December, website. Young ran several sales in the fall, utilizing Purdue and Tiller the Elks Club voted to disband itself, so we are now looking for another memorabilia collected from several sources. co-sponsor. Those sales netted more than $12,500 (after expenses) that helped to After determining an appropriate date for the golf outing, we will fund the 2020 scholarship stipends for students and a transfer of $8,000 hope to lock in Ryan Kerrigan again as our celebrity, if the date works in to the Tiller Endowment for which we have a goal of raising $500,000. Ryan’s schedule. Primarily, the revised event will raise funds for cancer Once that goal is achieved, it is expected that the interest from the research and will honor the legacy of Purdue “super-fan” Tyler Trent endowment will provide the resources to cover the chapter’s financial who passed away on the first day of 2019 after a news-making battle commitments (for scholarship stipends and expenses) forever. with osteosarcoma cancer. The online sales effort will continue throughout 2021 as we accumu- Costs for participating in the golf outing will not exceed 2019 prices late more memorabilia items. A live auction is also being considered, and will cover the cost of lunch, golf cart and 18 holes of golf.

41 PREP STARS HONORED AT DINNER Continued from pg. 5 tion were 16 J&C sport-by-sport players of the year selected by the J&C sports KOSKO Shotgun Sporting non-profit club. staff and 63 Indiana Football Coaches Association North All-Star nominees from Regions 1 and 4. Personalized certificates were presented to each of the 41 prep DAWSON HURLEY athletes who attended the Honors Dinner. (Reitz Memorial H.S. – Southern Indiana Chapter) In addition, Coach Brian Nay and team captain Kyle Onken of the Lafayette Dawson, the son of John and Darby Hurley, is attending the United States Central Catholic football team received its State Championship Trophy from the Naval Academy and was unable to attend the Honors Dinner because he already NFF for its Class 1A title of 2019, in keeping with a tradition started by the Tiller started his Naval appointment at the end of June. He held a 3.94 GPA in high Chapter last year. school. Along with the awards and recognition for high school athletes, the Til- Dawson was a three-year letterwinner as a wide receiver for Memorial, helping ler Chapter presented seven other awards, nominated and selected by chapter the Tigers win state championships his sophomore and senior seasons. As a senior, members and various entities, to recognize outstanding accomplishments in our he earned All-Metro and All-Conference honors while serving as a team captain. communities. Some of these presentations took place July 26 while others, includ- An accomplished athlete, Dawson also played basketball, baseball and track for ing two Hall of Fame recognitions and two awards involving Drew Brees, will Memorial. happen during future events. Dawson served in many leadership capacities at Memorial. He was a class The entire list of awards are as follows: official all four years, junior class president and a member of the Senior Class Leadership team. He also spent his time in peer mentoring and service organiza- State Championship Trophy – Lafayette Central Catholic H.S. tions such as Snowflake, Key Club, Teen Advisory Council and Link Crink. At J&C Female Student-Athletes of the Year – Bailey Burton his parish, St. Benedict, he is an usher. He volunteered for a plethora of activities J&C Male Student-Athletes of the Year – Ayden Ayres including Special Olympics, Memorial Feeder League Football, Reitz Memorial NFF Chapter Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Ayden Ayres Dance Marathon, Teen Court and Challenger League Baseball. NFF State Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Ayden Ayres & Sam Carson Patrick Mackey Courage Award – Isaiah Harris BRETT WETHINGTON Citizenship Award – Aaron Lai (Western Boone H.S. – Central Indiana Chapter) Tyler Trent Courage and Resilience Award – Kamryn Dehn Brett, the son of Jeff and Jessica Wethington, is now attending Indiana Univer- Bernie Flowers Contribution to Amateur Sports Award – Rob sity as he pursues a career in the medical field. He is joining the Hoosier football Kochon team as a preferred walk-on as well. Brett earned a 4.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale, gradu- Todd Clark Outstanding Game Official Award – Darren Harris ated ninth in his class and earned IFCA Academic-All State honors. Impact Award – George Karlaftis Brett was a two-year starter on offense and defense for Western Boone, leading Distinguished American Award – Drew Brees the Stars to a 29-1 record and back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019 Drew Brees Mental Toughness Award – Raheem Mostert as a running back and linebacker. A three-sport athlete, Brett also played varsity Indiana Football Hall of Fame Inductees – Jim Everett & Marshall baseball and basketball for the Stars. He served as a team captain for both the Overley football and basketball teams. College Football Hall of Fame Inductee – Anthony Poindexter Brett served both his school and community through Athletic Ambassadors, Spanish Club and National Honor Society. He volunteered at football and basket- The individual awards, beside the team trophy for Central Catholic and the ball youth camps. scholar-athlete of the year trophies, presented July 26 included: Patrick Mackey Courage Award to Isaiah Harris, for his courage and hard HONORS DINNER AWARDS work in developing into a standout football player at Bowman Academy; Bernie The July 26 event focused on 15 NFF scholar-athletes who were nominated by Flowers Contribution to Amateur Sports Award to Rob Kochon, the long-time their schools throughout Northwest Indiana for the annual Scholar-Athlete of the West Lafayette Little League President who survived the Covid-19 Virus after Year Award and 35 Lafayette Journal & Courier student-athletes nominated by 29 days on a ventilator; Todd Clark Outstanding Game Official Award to Darren high school athletics directors in the J&C coverage area. Also invited for recogni- Haas, a veteran high school and college football and baseball official with 21 6 41 PREP STARS HONORED AT DINNER Continued from pg. 6 years of experience; Tyler Trent Courage & Resilience Award to Kamryn Dehn, From Bowman Leadership Academy - George Johnson III, who was an NFF a Purdue student for overcoming her health issue and disabilities; Citizenship Scholar-Athlete nominee and was chosen Academic All-State and a Region 1 All- Award to Aaron Lai, a Purdue student who walked 100 miles from West Lafayette Star. He is attending Saint Xavier, where he plays football. to Bloomington to raise money for the Tyler Trent Scholarship Fund, and Impact From Attica High School - Eli Kirkpatrick, who was a J&C Student-Athlete Award to George Karlaftis, Purdue’s defensive end from West Lafayette who of the Year nominee and is continuing his studies at Purdue University. earned first-team freshman All-American status last fall. From Fountain Central High School - Paityn Krout, who was a J&C Student- Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the 2020 Honors Dinner is that we Athlete of the Year nominee. She is continuing her education at Valparaiso pulled it off - rescheduled, relocated and survived the COVID restrictions to host University. the largest event in Tippecanoe County in a four-month stretch and nobody got From Clinton Prairie High School - Rebekah Lloyd, who was a J&C Student- sick. Athlete of the Year nominee. She attends Spalding University. Each high school athlete was introduced separately and received his or her From Delphi High School - Jayden McClain, who was an NFF Scholar-Ath- certificates of recognition from Matt Lancaster, our 2009 NFF Scholar-Athlete of lete nominee. He attends IUPUI. the Year from West Lafayette High School, who played college football at Butler From Lafayette Jeff High School - Marquis Munoz, who was a J&C Student- and is now a dentist in Lafayette. Athlete of the Year nominee. He was named a Region 4 All-Star and chosen to Each honoree then stepped on to the stage to pose for a photo with Kelly play in the North-South All Star game, which was cancelled. He is a freshman at Kitchel, President of the Joe Tiller Chapter, Sam King, sports writer for the J&C Purdue University where he walked on to football team. and Brad Smith, a board member for both the NFF and the Indiana Football From West Lafayette High School - Alaina Omonode, who was a J&C Coaches Association. Here’s the list of athletes, along with their high schools, Student-Athlete of the Year nominee. She is continuing her education and compet- reason for their honor and their colleges plans as of last summer: ing in the track & field team at Grand Valley State University. From Seeger High School - PJ Amble, who was selected as a Region 4 All- From Central Catholic High School - Kyle Onken, who was a J&C Student- Star. He is attending Franklin University and playing football. Athlete of the Year nominee and an NFF Scholar-Athlete nominee. He attends From McCutcheon High School - Conner Ayers, who was selected as the J&C Indiana University. Big School Player of the Year for baseball in 2019 and is now a sophomore at From Attica High School - Abby Pattengale, who was a J&C Student-Athlete Purdue, where he is a pitcher on the baseball team. of the Year nominee. She is continuing her education at Purdue University. From Carroll High School - Ayden Ayres, who was named the NFF Scholar- From Rensselaer Central High School - Hannah Redlin, who was a J&C Athlete of the Year for the Joe Tiller Chapter of the NFF and the co-winner of Student-Athlete of the Year nominee. She attends Indiana State University where the same award for the State of Indiana. He also earned the distinction of being she participates in track & field. named the J&C Student-Athlete of the Year. Additionally, he was selected as a From Clinton Prairie High School - Blake Richardson, who was a NFF Schol- Region 4 All-Star. Ayden attends Rose-Hulman, where he plays football. ar-Athlete nominee. He is continuing his education at Purdue University. From Central Catholic High School - Carson Barrett, who was selected as From Central Catholic High School - Daniel Roach, who was named the the J&C Small School Player of the Year for boys basketball. Purdue University is J&C Small School Offensive Player of the Year in football. He was selected as a Carson’s college choice. Region 4 All-Star and chosen to play in the North-South all-star game, which was From Covington High School - Colton Brown, who was an NFF Scholar- cancelled. He attends Purdue University as a preferred walk-on for the football Athlete nominee. He was selected as a Region 4 All-Star and is continuing his team. education at DePauw University to play football. From Frontier High School - Brooks Sailors, who was an NFF Scholar- From McCutcheon High School - Bailey Burton, who was named the J&C Athlete nominee and is continuing his education at Purdue-Fort Wayne, where he Female Student-Athlete of the Year. She is continuing her academic career at will play baseball. Purdue University. From North Montgomery High School - Emily Sennett, who was a J&C From Harrison High School - Jacob Cain, who was a NFF Scholar-Athlete Student-Athlete of the Year nominee. She is continuing her studies at the St. nominee. He was selected as a Region 4 All-Star and chosen to play in the North- Elizabeth School of Nursing. South all-star game, which was cancelled. He attends Butler University and is From Seeger High School - Emily Shrader, who was a J&C Student-Athlete playing football. of the Year nominee and is attending the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. From John Glenn High School - Sam Carson, who was the NFF Scholar- From Chesterton High School - Ben Slatcoff, who was an NFF Scholar- Athlete of the Year for the Moose Krause Chapter in South Bend and was named Athlete nominee. He was selected as a Region 1 All-Star. He attends Aurora co-winner of the Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the State of Indiana. He is a University, where he plays football. two-time national champion in clay shooting and now attends the University of From Faith Christian High School - Maria Smith, who was a J&C Student- Notre Dame. Athlete of the Year nominee. She attends Cedarville University in Ohio. From North Newton High School - Ashley Churchill, who was a J&C From Lafayette Jeff High School - Julie-Ann Stephany, who was a J&C Student-Athlete of the Year nominee and is attending Butler University. Student-Athlete of the Year nominee. She is continuing her education at Ivy Tech. From North White High School - Chase Connell, who was a J&C Student- From West Lafayette High School - Aidan Sturgeon, who was an NFF Athlete of the Year nominee, continuing his education at Indiana University. Scholar-Athlete nominee and was selected as a Region 4 all-star. He was chosen From West Lafayette High School - Carson Cooke, who was named the J&C to play in the North-South all-star game which was cancelled. He attends Rose- Player of the Year in boys soccer. He is now a senior at West Side. Hulman, where he plays football. From Clinton Prairie High School - Nolon Davis, who was selected as a Re- From Andrean High School - JJ Wadas, who was an NFF Scholar-Athlete gion 4 All-Star and is continuing his education at Indiana University. nominee and was selected as a Region 4 all-star. He was chosen to play in the From Rossville High School - Payton Dennison, who was selected as the J&C North-South all-star game, which was cancelled. He is continuing his education at Small School Player of the Year for baseball in 2019 and is now a sophomore at Butler University where he plays football. Olney Community College, where he plays baseball. From North Newton High School - Colin Wagner, who was a J&C Student- From Covington High School - Tanner Dreher, who was a J&C Student- Athlete of the Year nominee. He was selected as a Region 4 All-Star and chosen Athlete of the Year nominee, who is continuing his studies at Quincy University to play in the North-South All-Star game. He will continue his education at IUPUI while playing baseball. in the fall. From Harrison High School - Lexi Fraley, who was named the J&C Player of From North Montgomery High School - Drew Webster, who was a J&C the Year in girls soccer. Lexi is a senior at Harrison and plans to attend Ball State Student-Athlete of the Year nominee. He is continuing his education at Lakeland University next fall where she will play soccer. College. From Faith Christian High School - Brock Gasvoda, who was a J&C Student- From Harrison High School - Quinton Wood, who was selected as the J&C Athlete of the Year nominee and is continuing his education at Florida Gulf Coast Big School Defensive Player of the Year for football. He was also selected as a University. Region 4 All-Star. He is continuing his education at , where he From Clinton Prairie High School - Bailey Good, who was a J&C Student- plays football. Athlete of the Year nominee is attending Purdue University. From Carroll High School - Kelsey Hammond, who is a J&C Student-Athlete PLEASE REMEMBER TO RENEW of the Year nominee. She is continuing her education at IU-Kokomo where she is YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES playing . 7 Tiller Chapter President Kelly Kitchel (left) presents State of Indiana Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award to 2020 co-winners Sam Carson of John Glenn High School and Ayden Ayres of Carroll High School. Our Mission Benefits • Educating and protecting opportunities for the young people • Members receive a personalized membership card. who play the game. • All NFF members are eligible to vote each year on the Col- • Establishing the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 and lege Football Hall of Fame Ballot. utilizing the 94,256 square-foot state-of-art facility located in • Opportunity to nominate players and coaches for Hall of the heart of Atlanta. Fame consideration. • Bestowing the coveted William V. Campbell Trophy to the • Opportunity for chapter to nominate high school schol- nation’s top college football scholar-athlete. ar-athletes for local and national awards. • Distributing more than $1.3 million to high school and col- • Each paid membership provides a rebate back to the chapter. lege scholar-athletes, including the prestigious NFF National • Members receive exclusive discounts with Brooks Brother Scholar-Athlete Awards, presented by Fidelity Investments. and Enterprise/National Car Rental. • Recognizing the nation’s top student-athletes from all divi- • Members receive the NFF’s e-newsletter, “The Footballetter,” sions in The NFF Hampshire Honor Society. four times per year. • Inducting our nation’s most influential citizens into the NFF • Members also receive Chalktalk, This Week in College Foot- Leadership Hall of Fame. ball History and other NFF e-publications. • Energizing a nationwide network of 12,000 members and 120 chapters, reaching over 5,000 high schools and 500,000 young football players.

NFF’S JOE TILLER CHAPTER WILL PAY YOUR INITIAL NATIONAL DUES WITH SPECIFIC LEVELS OF SUPPORT WITHIN CALENDAR YEAR Membership Application

Prefix & Full Name: ______Chapter Name: Tiller Chapter of Northwest Indiana Address: ______E-mail: ______City: ______Phone: ______State: ______Zip: ______Membership Level VARSITY CLUB ALL-CONFERENCE CLUB HALL OF FAME CLUB $40 One-Year Membership $99 Three-Year Membership $1,000 Lifetime Membership (with purchase of tickets or memorabilia (with purchase or donation of $1,000 or (with purchase or donation of $10,000 or or donations valued at $100 or more) more) more)

Please Mail to: Jim Vruggink, Executive Director The National Football Foundation, NFF Joe Tiller Chapter 3672 Farnsworth Drive West Lafayette, IN 47906

OR Submit via Email: [email protected] Cell/Text: 765-427-3303