Ken Lantzy 2017

[Coach]

Back in the winter I was asked by Justin Wheeler to help coach in the Ken Lantzy game. This week has been great and I wanted to share some of my experiences with you guys.

First off, it should be known that the Lantzy game is run very, very well and is one of the most organized things I've been part of. Ralph Demarco and Eber Verhosek do a great job with this game.

Through the week I have met some great coaches from BG, Blairsville, and Homer-Center as part of the North Coaching staff. These guys are great guys and are wonderful to work with. It is easy to see why they've all been successful coaches. Seeing Coach Wheeler and Coach Pena going back and forth this week has been hilarious.

The kids coaching in this game are great. I've seen it several times...

1. On the football field, these kids are great. They love the game if football. They have worked really hard to prepare for tomorrow.

2. There are some unreal intelligent kids playing this week. When I first met with the OL/DL we talked about future plans. Over 90% of them were going to college and plan to study some grammar majors: Chemistry, Pre-Law, Business, Bio/Pre Med, and engineering were examples of what many of these young men are going into.

3. It is great seeing rivals become friends. We have players from Township, Portage, and Berlin on the team and they have become good friends through the week now that they are out of the high school setting. TM, Eve, CR, and NB guys are all on our team. We also have a lot of kids from the Heritage Conference that are rivals...Blairsville, N Cam, Saltsburg, and Penns Manor are all on our side. It's great seeing these guys become friends so quickly. Kids that thought they couldn't stand each other have quickly grown into friends because of this game.

4. The Lantzy players were awesome the night of the clinic. Watching them work with young children including my son was a great experience. Pat Barron organized a lot of the event and did a GREAT job making sure these elementary aged players had FUN! That's what it's all about and he was great. The kids running events from both schools were so fun to watch as well. They made sure the children there had a memorable experience.


We eat like kings and my waistline shows it, lol. Some local restaurants who work with the Lantzy Committee include The Italian Oven, The Haven, Boulevard Bar and Grill (I think that was it....great BBQ Rub Chicken), Rizzo's, and Anthony's are some of the great places we went to.

The game is Friday night at 7. I hope to see you there. Hopefully the north can pull it out!

[Manfred]

I for one have attended dozens of times, but unfortunately, this year won't be one of them. It's disappointing, but there is just SOOOO much going on this year, I can't be 4 or 5 different places at the same time. Going to miss it!

[sasquatch260]

Curious as to why LV's Parrish or Smith aren't playing in any all star games. At least I didn't see them on the rosters.

[dadw/2sons]

Where is the game being played?

[12HankQB]

Curious as to why LV's Parrish or Smith aren't playing in any all star games. At least I didn't see them on the rosters.

I believe they're both playing in college correct? I don't think an all-star game is always worth the extra injury risk if you have a free ride on the line.

[Coach]

Game is tonight at 7 in JTown.

Lots of talented kids playing D1 of any kind aren't playing in games. Their schools don't want them getting hurt

[Crimson's Ghost]

I think I read Smith was trying to get down to Morgantown in June, so he may already be in college.  

[billmurray]

WV didn't allow kids to play in all star games. Parrish didn't want to from what I understand. This was, without a doubt, to best most well played all star game I ever saw. The staffs did a great job with the players, and from the opening kick both teams played like they had a whole season under their belts. Amazing job.

[DragonsDoExist]

I don't blame any of the kids that are going on to play college ball for sitting these games out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Manfred]

What a class act, the kid from Ligonier. Already having a couple full ride scholly's locked up, and earning a $1K bonus from Lantzy, paying it forward to THREE other NEEDY kids to aid their future schooling. Standing O for Trent Stewart!