We’re Going to the Dome!
Reed Cleland
On Friday, October 28th, Homer’s varsity football team scored an inspiring victory against Mexico. The final score tallied at 31 for Homer and 22 for Mexico.
With the semi-finals behind them, the Trojans have their eyes set on an old rival, the Cazenovia Lakers, for the Class B Football title game at the Carrier Dome this Sunday, November 5th.
Homer is no stranger to success in varsity football. With every great team comes a great coach, and the Trojans are blessed to have Mr. Gary Podsiedlik at their helm. As Homer’s varsity head coach, Mr. Podsiedlik has dedicated untold amounts of time and effort to Homer’s successes for the past twenty-seven years.
This year has been no exception. The varsity team had a shaky start to the 2016 season, actually losing to Marcellus earlier in the year. Unquestionably, however, the team has dramatically improved since the beginning of the season. Mr. Podsiedlik commented that some of the team was like “a deer in the headlights” for the first few games. Some of the younger players, especially the large numbers of the juniors and two sophomores, were nervous about performing together.
When asked about how the players have evolved, Mr. Podsiedlik answered that they have learned to trust each other beyond the athletic field. In other words, they trust that every player will individually put forth improvement and preparation for each game. While they may not be the most skilled team in the league, Mr. Podsiedlik sees his team’s newfound trust as its defining quality.
For thirty-four years, Mr. Podsiedlik has served in a dual career at Homer, as a math teacher and the football coach. Although he will continue to coach football in the foreseeable future, he will retire from his teaching position at the end of this school year. His enthusiastic passion about his teaching will be missed by students and staff alike.
Having served as a football coach and math teacher for so long, Mr. Podsiedlik was asked about any advice he has for younger coaches and teachers. He answered, “You’re never too old to keep learning!” and that continuing to learn allows a person to maintain a positive attitude when overcoming challenges.
Mr. Podsiedlik seemed to look forward to Sunday’s game. He does not expect any huge surprises from Cazenovia, but he does want his players to keep focused and strive for perfection. Tickets for the game are $7 pre-sale, $9 at the door, and parking tickets are $10. The game will begin at 3 pm.
Homer is indebted to Coach P for his years of teaching and coaching service, and it wishes good-luck to him and his team at the Carrier Dome this Sunday!
