Indians in the Mud Bowl
Mackenzie Schuessler
Regardless of the rainy weather last Friday, the varsity football team took on Civic Memorial and beat the Eagles 21-20. It was a close game, but we made sure to be the first on the scoreboard. The wet field made it challenging to run as precisely or catch the ball but the boys adjusted and played the game. Touchdowns were made by Misikei Thompson, Barry Richardson, and Larry Jackson.
This game was also important because we were able to honor a few Mascoutah Football alumni. Kris Jenner and Julius Grantham previously had their jersey numbers retired and hanging in the gym, but Friday we got to call them onto the field and recognize them for their achievements. Now, their jersey are being hung in the football stadium so everyone can see them on game days. Both Jenner and Grantham were All American athletes and each of them went on to play at Division 1 schools. Kris Jenner was at University of Illinois and Julius Grantham competed at Duke. The third person to be recognized was retired coach Fred Vonderlinden. He led the varsity Mascoutah team to winning the 1979 state championship game. Vonderlinden is now in the Coaches Hall of Fame and his coach’s polo is retired and hanging by Jenner and Grantham’s jerseys. Our current coach, Mr. Battas, says, “It is a great honor for them to have their numbers and jerseys retired. It took lots of hard work and dedication and they all deserved it.” It’s not every day that we get to pay tribute like this and it was amazing being there to see it all happen.
