New Lenox honors youth football champions
By Erin Gallagher Correspondent December 14, 2012 11:26AM
The New Lenox Mustangs Heavyweight Football Team is honored for an undefeated season and national championship by the New Lenox Village Board. | Erin Gallagher ~ For Sun-Times Media
Updated: January 20, 2013 6:07AM
The New Lenox Mustangs Heavyweight Football Team was the first unbeaten team in the program’s 48-year history.
The New Lenox Village Board congratulated the team and cheerleaders recently for winning the National Youth Football Championship.
The team finished with a perfect 18-0 season. Coach Bob Schaper, the son of the organization’s founder, the late Papa Schaper, choked up as he described the team’s commitment.
“That’s amazing to go 18 and 0 like that,” the coach said as the packed boardroom erupted in applause. “What we accomplished this year was because of their hard work and dedication.”
The team volunteers in the community, Mayor Tim Baldermann said. It collected items for the food pantry, and held several fundraisers to fund the trip to Florida.
The coach introduced his mother, Janice, crediting her for helping the organization grow over the 48 years.
The other coaches include Sean Plarski, Kyle Plarski, Bill Nowak, Matt Warren and Neal Dahlman. Team moms were Lara Mitchel and Kelly Koscinski.
Team members include Connor Lowman, Deven Miller, Jimmie Olds, Kody Waxweiler, Zion Alexander, Nick Barker, Copnor Rybarczyk, Rex Stengele, Jake Malone, Jeremiah Lindell, Camaron Harvey, Nick Barton, Asim Williams, Will Bauyknect, Mario Rodrigues, Jake McShane, Hunter Dauparas, Justin Uthe, Alex Diaz, Rian Nealon, Michael McKinney, Nicholas Haney, Victor Schnayer, Cam Post, Dakota Jerman, Alekos Mitchel, Griffin Lawrence, Luke Garwood, Ryan Burggren, Nicholas Skentzos, Connor Watson, Michael Cepolski and Laddie Skarecky.
Cheerleaders are Monique Howe, Rachel Paniak, Emma Tums, Kiley Bourg, Kelcie Burdiak, Amanda DeVito, Alyte Katilius and Katelyn McGuire.
Cheerleader coaches are Bre Van Eck and Bre Mohan. Team moms are Ericka Howe and Meryl Paniak.
