Built to Win
THE CENTER GROVE ROOTS BEHIND INDIANA FOOTBALL’S PERFECT SEASON
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
AUTO
FITNESS
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
AUTOMOTIVE
GREENWOOD (317) 740-1883 cbac.com/greenwood
KOPETSKY AUTO WASH (844) 927-4386 CG (844) 529-2833 GW kwash.com
MY BABY DETAILING (317) 360-9222 mybabydetailing.com
BANKING
EVERWISE CREDIT UNION everwisecu.com
JCBANK (317) 884-8817 jcbank.com
COUNSELING
SERENITY COUNSELING COACHING CONSULTING (317) 210-0662 serenitynowllc.com
DENTAL
SAUER DENTISTRY (317) 865-1234 sauerdentistry.com
EVENT CENTERS
BARN AT BAY HORSE INN (317) 760-8778 barnatbayhorse.com
CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (317) 527-6417 churchonjefferson.com
EXTRACURRICULAR
CODE NINJAS (317) 360-9732 codeninjas.com/inindianapolis
VICTORY STRENGTH & FITNESS (317) 721-2821 victorystrengthandfitness. net
FOOT
& ANKLE
CARROLL FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC (317) 799-9000 carrollfootdoc.com
FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE
HEALTH
ELEVATE HEALTH (317) 708-0798 elevatehealthcg.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK ecommunity.com
JOHNSON MEMORIAL HEALTH (317) 736-3300 johnsonmemorial.org
ORTHOINDY (317) 802-2000 orthoindy.com
FRANCISCAN (317) 528-5000 franciscanhealth.org
HOME BUILDERS
D.R. HORTON HOMES Lone Pine Farms & Meadows at Belleview drhorton.com/Indiana/ indianapolis
HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS
COOL INTERIORS, LLC DECORATE • DECLUTTER • UNPACK • ORGANIZE (317) 223-3042 facebook.com/ coolinteriorsllc
CLOSETS BY DESIGN (317) 779-3212 closetsbydesign.com
FURNITURE FAIR (800) 966-3040 furniturefair.net/pages/ greenwood
HOME SERVICES
1-800-WATERDAMAGE (317) 399-9141 1800waterdamage.com
A PERFECT CLIMATE HEATING & COOLING (317) 868-7274 indianapolis-hvac.com
BLUE KANGAROO PACKOUTZ (463) 263-9114 bluekangaroopackoutz. com/greater-indianapolis
RAPTOR ROOFING (317) 886-0696 raptorroofing.com
VIP HOME SOLUTIONS & RESTORATION (317) 883-4847 vip-homesolutions.com
WINTERS PLUMBING (317) 696-5844 wintersplumbers.com
INSURANCE
INDIANA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE/ NEER AGENCY (317) 360-7500 x3321 infarmbureau.com/ agency/owner/BryanNeer-JohnsonGreenwood-IN
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JCBANK (812) 524-7965 jcbank.com
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JCBANK (317) 506-7235 jcbank.com
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PICKLEBALL (317) 922-5354 picklegrovepickleball.life
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ARNI’S (317) 881-0500 meetyouatarnis.com
VERDE FLAVORS OF MEXICO (317) 893-4084 verdeflavorsofmexico.com
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BAYBERRY SPA (317) 893-5370 bayberryspa.com
SPORTS
CG SPORTS NETWORK @cgsportsnetwork
WEDDING SERVICES
JUST THE TWO OF US WEDDING SERVICES LLC (317) 416-7777 justthetwoofus weddingservices.com
Contact Fredda Kovacs at Fredda@TownePost.com for information on how to be included in the Business & Services Directory.
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scan here to schedule online Locally Operated by Jeremy & Casey Forsyth 317-740-1883 Christian Brothers Automotive Greenwood 317-740-1883 • cbac.com/greenwood 4985 W Smith Valley Rd • Greenwood, IN 46142
2 DIRECTORY
6 MARCH EVENTS
8 STARK MARKET CLUB
Teaching Center Grove Students That a Dollar is More Than Just Pocket Change
12 HOT FLASHES & BELLY LAUGHS
Local Author Proves Laughter is Great Hormone Therapy by Writing a Humor Book About Perimenopause
15 LET’S TALK
Two Local Men Launch Those AshHoles Podcast
18 TRANSITIONING TO SENIOR LIVING? Let’s Talk About It
21 BUILT TO WIN The Center Grove Roots Behind Indiana Football’s Perfect
31 MARCH CROSSWORD
PUBLISHER
FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
TYLER CHERRY CHRISTINA COCHRAN
LAUREN COOLEY
CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING GRANT LONG ADALYNN LYON
KADEN MCCONNELL
KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
EDITOR JOSH BROWN
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER ERIC NEER
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
MARCH
4
PUPPY PALS LIVE
The Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin 7 p.m.
As seen on “America’s Got Talent”, Puppy Pals Live is a family-fun, action-packed show in which adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Purchase tickets in advance at historicartcrafttheatre.org
11 SIP & CREATE CHARCUTERIE BOARD
The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
11
AUTHOR EVENT WITH MARKUS ZUSAK
The Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening with #1 New York Times bestselling author Markus Zusak in conversation with Eric Jenkins. Markus and Eric will discuss the 20th anniversary edition of The Book Thief. Your ticket includes a hardcover 20th anniversary edition of The Book Thief. wildgeesebookshop.com
15 HEART
Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St., Fishers
17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY
17 - 28
MARCH MADNESS
First, Second and Regional Rounds at various locations across the country, with Men’s Finals in Indianapolis, April 6, and Women’s Finals in Phoenix, April 5.
19
RODEO QUEEN LINE DANCING PARTY
The Barn at Bay Horse Inn, 1468 W. Stones Crossing Rd., Greenwood 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of creating a beautiful and inviting Charcuterie Board. Enjoy a glass of wine while you learn how to slice, fold and arrange meats, cheese, fruits and accompaniments. Visit Mallowrun.com/events for more information and to purchase a ticket.
7:30 p.m.
Heart is bringing the band’s “Royal Flush Tour” to Indiana. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will be joined by special guest Lucinda Williams. Heart, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide featuring hits such as “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You” and “These Dreams.” fisherseventcenter.com
Round up your posse and enjoy a fun evening of line dancing. Beginners to Rodeo Queens –everyone is welcome. Tickets available at Eventbrite.
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STARK MARKET CLUB
TEACHING CENTER GROVE STUDENTS THAT A DOLLAR IS MORE THAN JUST POCKET CHANGE
Writer / Christina Cochran
On Wednesday evenings at Maple Grove Elementary and early mornings at Middle School Central, the conversation sounds more Wall Street than playground.
Third graders debate profit margins. Middle schoolers analyze market trends. Students talk confidently about diversification, mutual funds and longterm investing.
At the center of it all is Mika Stark, a third-grade High Ability (Extended Learning) teacher at Maple Grove Elementary and the founder of Stark Market Club—an enrichment program introducing Center Grove students in grades 3–12 to financial literacy and the stock market.
Since launching in 2022, more than 300 students in grades 3–8 have participated. What began as a classroom experiment has grown into a respected, statewiderecognized program that is shaping how young people—and their families—think about money.
FROM CURIOSITY TO COMPETITION
The idea took root six years ago when Center Grove native Julie Gasper reached out to Stark about a state-funded stock market simulation she had seen mentioned in a gifted educators group.
Each team in the simulation receives $100,000 to invest, with portfolios rising and falling based on real-time market performance.
“I had never taken a business or finance class in my life,” Stark says. “I went to college knowing very little about money, credit cards or financial management. But I was intrigued by the idea that students this young could understand complex, real-world concepts.”
That first year, Stark and her third graders learned side by side. They placed in the top five statewide. Her students were discussing quarterly reports with confidence. Families became invested too—grandparents sent handwritten ticker symbols, and students checked the
market before school and again before bed.
When those third graders moved on, they asked her to keep teaching it. “So I did,” she says with a smile.
MAKING BIG CONCEPTS KID-FRIENDLY
Stark’s strength lies in making intimidating financial concepts accessible—and even fun.
She starts with lemonade stands.
“You sold lemonade for fifty cents,” she’ll tell her students. “But who bought the cups? Who paid for the sugar? Did you make a profit?”
When students realize their parents may have spent more than they earned, the concept clicks. She connects investing to video game purchases, chore money and
even their closets.
“Does your closet only have red clothes?” she asks. “No? Then why would you put all your money in one stock?”
From there, students grasp diversification and the idea of not putting all their eggs in one basket. A portfolio becomes an expandable school folder—holding multiple subjects, not just one.
Stark also brings in real-world examples. Novelty candy shaped like celebrities sparks discussions about branding and consumer behavior. A simple yellow pencil becomes a lesson in innovation and growth.
“Warren Buffett and Elon Musk sat in elementary classrooms just like you,” she tells students. “The difference is they understood early that a dollar is a dollar. Don’t waste it.”
CONFIDENCE THAT EXTENDS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
As the club expanded, middle school students asked for more. Stark partnered with Middle School Central teacher Sarah Pironello to continue the program on Friday mornings.
Today, some of her middle schoolers have parent-guided investment accounts funded by chore money, birthday gifts and small businesses—mowing lawns, 3D printing or clearing driveways.
“They’re having conversations at the dinner table about interest rates and market trends,” Stark says. “Those aren’t typical middle school topics.”
The club has consistently placed in the top tiers of statewide competition, with Center Grove students competing against high schools such as Fishers, Westfield and Crown Point. One middle school group achieved the highest total investment growth in the yearlong program across all participating schools.
As students progress, they explore more advanced strategies, including mutual funds, short selling and day trading.
“It’s comparable to a video game in terms of engagement,” Stark says. “But the skills are real.”
BUILDING SOMETHING BIGGER
When a student suggested naming the program “Stark Market Club,” the name stuck—though Stark admits it still tongue-twists her when she says “stock market.”
She eventually formed an LLC and developed her own Stark Market curriculum, believing financial literacy will become an essential component of education in the next decade. She has
even written her own book.
“I was shy about using my name,” she says. “But it makes me smile.”
A single mom of five, Stark says her personal journey deeply shaped the club’s creation. After returning to school to earn her building principal and administration license and navigating major life changes during COVID, she began focusing on her own financial education.
“I realized how expensive life was,” she says. “As I learned and made changes in my own habits, everything aligned.”
Running up to six clubs a week while raising five children required grit and long-term thinking—the same mindset she now instills in her students.
A LASTING LEGACY
Stark has trained three additional
teachers—Sarah Pironello, Kiersey Denief and Will Booker—to expand the club’s reach and ensure its sustainability. “If something is truly valuable, it shouldn’t depend on one person,” she says.
Looking ahead, Stark hopes her students leave Center Grove with more than investment knowledge.
“I want them to have confidence,” she adds. “Confidence to ask questions, to make informed decisions and to see money as a tool—not something to fear.”
Her bigger vision is generational: students who model smart financial habits, strengthen their families and contribute to a resilient community.
“When students understand how systems work,” Stark says, “they’re empowered to lead and create opportunities—not just for themselves, but for others.”
THINGS CHANGE.
HOT FLASHES & BELLY LAUGHS
LOCAL AUTHOR PROVES LAUGHTER IS GREAT HORMONE THERAPY BY WRITING A HUMOR BOOK ABOUT PERIMENOPAUSE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
When women reach a certain age (usually 40s), we start having conversations with other females that often begin like this: “So, I’ve been dealing with this weird thing lately…”
That “weird thing” could be anything from itchy ears and dry eyes to a racing mind and unquenchable thirst. It could be facial hair, dizziness, dry skin, acne, excessive clumsiness, inability to focus, sudden fear of driving, or an impending sense of doom.
If you find yourself questioning the cause of these symptoms, I’ll save you some time by letting you know that all this nonsense is due to perimenopause, which is that stretch of time prior to menopause when your body produces less estrogen. I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you, but this transition period can last up to ten years. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 55 (perhaps even younger) and are experiencing annoying, odd, or surprising physical or mental symptoms, it’s likely perimenopause.
For five years, I grappled with terrible insomnia, thinning hair, intense anxiety, regular headaches, restless legs, dry mouth, painful hip, achy shoulder, throbbing joints, and brutally heavy periods. In addition to being hot, itchy, anxious, and overwhelmed, I felt like I was losing my mind as I struggled to recall certain words. Plus, I’d forget passcodes and people’s names. I’d space where I’d placed my keys, shoes, purse, or phone. I’d be in the middle of a task and get sidetracked by some random thought like ‘If a cat’s fur goes up its own nose, does it tickle?’
Focus, Christy! Focus!
As if all of this wasn’t bad enough, stray hairs began sprouting above my upper lip, and pimples began forming on my chin. WTH? I looked like a cross between my husband and my teenager with facial hair and zits. And every day, regardless of how much rest I got the night before, I was dog tired.
Finally, after talking to other women, I put the puzzle pieces together to determine I was in perimenopause, and it was kicking my a**.
When I met with a functional wellness doctor who specialized in hormone optimization, I felt seen, heard, and validated as she listened, took notes, drew my blood, and built a plan. She was able to offer evidence-based, practical strategies to get me back to the land of the living. Woo hoo!
Did you know that during perimenopause you may suffer anywhere from 10 to 100 symptoms that range from mildly irritating to beyond aggravating? You may experience vertigo, rage, nausea, panic, frequent UTIs, heart palpitations, acid reflux, tendonitis, sore breasts, and phantom smells. Sadly, this is not a comprehensive list. However, I found an upside. You get to blame everything on perimenopause! If you forget what you were saying mid-sentence, that’s perimenopause’s fault. If you put your husband’s underwear in your kid’s drawer or your dog’s food in your cat’s dish, perimenopause is the culprit. If you want to claw your spouse’s eyes
“Christy Heitger-Ewing’s book ‘Why Did I Walk into This Room?’ is drop-dead hilarious. She writes about everything we talk about with our BFFs, splaying taboos in her uniquely amusing way. This is a book for every single one of us.”
Wendy Liebman, comedian and semifinalist on “America’s Got Talent”
out for breathing or chewing loudly— perimenopause. You get the idea.
It really is ridiculous how hormones have rewired my mind and reconstructed my body. At a certain point, you have to laugh. When I found myself Googling, “tips for tolerating people,” I knew I must write a humor book about the experience. “Why Did I Walk into This Room? Finding the Humor When Perimenopause is Kicking Your Ass” is for any woman who feels isolated,
stuck, exhausted, and misunderstood in mid-life. This book offers hope for the hopeless, clarity for the confused, enthusiasm for the apathetic, and laughter for the lethargic. If perimenopause has commandeered your brain, wiped you of energy & motivation, and wreaked havoc on your sleep, this book is just what the functional wellness doctor ordered! For more information or to purchase a copy of “Why Did I Walk into This Room?,” visit christyheitger-ewing.com.
LET’S TALK
TWO LOCAL MEN LAUNCH THOSE ASHHOLES PODCAST
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Have you ever been entertained by listening to two buddies banter back and forth? This is precisely how best friends Jerry Lopez and Brian Alvey spent their time — ribbing each other and talking current events as they smoked cigars and drank whiskey. They were so engaging that people often told them they should have their own show.
Although the pair have only been friends for six years, they feel like they’ve known each other forever. Lopez’s parents moved from Cuba to Indianapolis in 1980. Lopez, who was born a year later, grew up with a keen appreciation for the American dream.
“It’s not lost on me that I’m one boat ride away from communism,” says Lopez, who joined the United States Army to become a counter terrorism analyst in 2000. A year later, following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, counter terrorism analysts were highly sought after.
In 2014, Lopez started a social media account called IndySpanglish as a play on the way his mom combined English and Spanish when she talks. A conservative influencer who speaks his mind, Lopez feels he has a unique perspective in today’s culture, being a first-generation American whose family came from communism, was raised on food stamps, and is a veteran. His social media presence took off around the time that George Floyd was murdered.
“Everyone was scared to have their opinion, but I gave mine freely,” Lopez says. “People started following me, almost like, ‘Jerry’s going to say it for us.’ I ended up being the hot take guy.”
Soon he had radio execs asking him to co-
Brian Alvey
Jerry Lopez
host shows, including WIBC’s Hammer & Nigel where he regularly co-hosted with Jason Hammer.
“The first day I was on the radio, I wasn’t being [my authentic self], but I’ve been Jerry Lopez ever since, and I guess it’s working out,” he says. “A whole radio career has come out of this [personality].”
In 2000, Lopez met Brian Alvey via the radio show. The two immediately hit it off as they were both Army veterans. Alvey served in Afghanistan as both a soldier and defense contractor. For the last 30 years, Alvey has been an entrepreneur, working in sales, leadership, and management. Twentyfive years ago, he became a commercial mechanical contractor where he got to know a number of different business owners across various industries.
“I joke that I can’t light your pilot light, I’m scared to death of electrical, and I don’t do poop so I won’t go near plumbing, yet with my company I created a lot of work for guys who have the skillset to do those things,” says Alvey, who has long since sold that company and has served as a business consultant for nearly three decades.
Through the years, Alvey has owned several bars and restaurants, owned a bourbon line with a buddy, and owns a private investigations firm with his brother.
“I’m very active in this business,” Alvey says. “I was the investigator for the Delphi murders State vs. Richard Alan for over two years, culminating at his trial.”
Alvey also co-founded The Warrior 110, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for veterans suffering from emotional and physical issues such as posttraumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Alvey is passionate about getting the most out of his time here on Earth. When he turned 50, he even stepped it up a notch by participating in a 50K extreme ultramarathon, competing in Jiu Jitsu competitions, and riding a live bull in Morgan County (which lasted 2.2 seconds, in case you’re wondering) to raise awareness for The Warrior 110.
“Life is to be lived!” he says.
Like Lopez, Alvey speaks his mind and doesn’t shy away from political conversations. He, too, has a strong social
media following so when the opportunity presented itself for the pair to start a podcast, they went for it. They agree that it’s their executive producer, Aaron Garner, who has really leveled up the podcast and made it what it is.
“Aaron brings us the beautiful production value. He makes us look good and allows us to do our thing,” Alvey says. “Otherwise, we’d just be two jack asses on an iPhone.” They kicked around a few possible names for the podcast before deciding
on Those AshHoles, which launched in November 2025.
“We smoke cigars [that drop ash],” Alvey says. “Also in the political world, Jerry and I call BS on BS and sometimes we get called a-holes for it so the name is a double entendre.”
They purposefully invite guests from all walks of life. Their inaugural podcast, which quickly went viral, featured Indianapolis’ own heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster, who talked about his upbringing, becoming the world champ, and his current work with youth. They already have a diverse assortment of future guests booked through May, including elected officials, local legendary restaurant owners, a retired general, cigar bar owners, sports figures, and more. They plan to record at least one podcast a week in addition to doing some long-form interviews. The podcast will be released every Friday.
“Jerry and I are still trying to find our rhythm as we work out the kinks, but we could not be more pleased with how well the podcast has been received,” Alvey says.
Although both Lopez and Alvey are known for their political opinions, the main point of the podcast is to get all kinds of conversations going.
“We’ll have political guests on the show who
absolutely disagree with us. We’re not going to be an echo chamber,” Alvey says. “We’re not going to have a softball conversation. We’re going to have guests who wing some speedballs at us.”
They maintain that opinions are just that so there’s really no need to get all bent out of shape sharing them.
“When you look at the current state of media, it’s so far left and so far right, but the reality is that if we just get out here and
talk to one another, we only disagree on two or three things, and those two or three things are not reasons to hate each other,” Lopez says. “This is why it’s important to have those conversations.”
For more information, check out @ ThoseAshHoles on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Email them .at ThoseAshHoles@gmail.com.
Savor the NEW YEAR
Carmel | Greenwood | Ironworks | Zionsville | Fishers
TRANSITIONING TO SENIOR LIVING?
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.
Our life paths are lined with many milestones — from saying our first words to being called “Grandma” and “Grandpa.” While some life changes are exciting, they can also be hard. Moving into senior living can be particularly daunting to older loved ones, as it can bring up a myriad of emotions.
The smoothness of this transition often lies in the initial approach to it. Here are some tips on how to broach the sensitive subject of senior living.
Start the conversation early: Of course, it’s helpful to stay mindful of age-related changes, such as home isolation, memory issues, injuries, etc. Ideally, though, moving into a senior living community should be an act of prevention rather than an emergency response. So, talk to your loved ones sooner rather than later — preferably in person for a more comforting discussion than digital communication can provide.
Bring up the topic organically: Gently plant seeds so the idea of senior living grows positively in their mind. If they’re cooking dinner, for example, mention the dining room and socialization they could enjoy at the nearby senior living community. Talking over time will make the conversation feel less like an intervention and more like a natural, supportive dialogue.
Lead with empathy: If we’re not careful, talking to loved ones about moving may make them feel like we’re judging their current lifestyle. Remind them that you understand their needs and concerns. While moving can be overwhelming, you can help them realize the worries they’ll be able to let go of in the process.
Listen in a loving manner: This helps your loved one feel like they’re not just following you but walking hand in hand with you toward a new way of life. You’re a team.
Reframe senior living as alternative independence: It’s important to emphasize that this move isn’t a matter of closing one door but rather opening another one. For instance, instead of doing household chores, your loved one could devote more time to a hobby. Instead of driving across town for a hair appointment, they could find a salon just down the hall. Remind them how their choices are expanding and their level of independence is increasing.
For more information, check out the CarDon Senior Resource Hub at www.CarDon.us or scan the QR code, where you will find in-depth video discussions featuring industry experts speaking on a variety of age-related topics, including senior living options, financial aid, memory care and more.
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Our 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS and “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group means you can feel confident you’re getting exceptional care, right here in Johnson County.
Built to Win
THE CENTER GROVE ROOTS BEHIND INDIANA FOOTBALL’S PERFECT SEASON
Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network
When Indiana football completed its historic season, the achievement resonated far beyond Bloomington. A perfect 16 - 0 record, a Big Ten Championship, a Rose Bowl victory, a Peach Bowl win, and a national title marked one of the most remarkable runs in college football history.
For longtime Hoosier fans, it was a moment years in the making. For former players, it was validation. And for the small, but deeply connected community of Center Grove, just under an hour north of Memorial Stadium, it felt personal.
Because woven throughout Indiana University’s championship season were graduates of Center Grove High School, former Trojans whose paths eventually led them to Bloomington. Players, student managers, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, alumni, and a head coach watching from afar all shared a common foundation shaped long before this season unfolded. This was not just a story about wins or trophies.
It was a story about connection.
It was a story about roles.
The
Standard That Connects It All
No one understands the power of roles better than Eric Moore, Center Grove High School’s Varsity Football coach.
Moore was a player at Indiana University long before Indiana football tasted success. For the last 27 years, he’s built one of the nation’s most respected high school programs, teaching young men that success
is rooted in hard work and dedication. So when the Hoosiers finally broke through and finished a perfect 16–0 season, it struck Moore on a deeply personal level.
“I gave my body to that place,” Moore says. “The Rose Bowl was it for me.”
Moore watched as Indiana dismantled Alabama, a program long viewed as the gold standard of college football, on one of the sport’s most iconic stages. For him, the moment carried decades of meaning.
“Getting to play a team like Alabama, the big bully of the South for the last 25 years,
and beating them the way they did, that was so gratifying,” Moore says. “That was so emotional.”
Even amid an undefeated season and a national championship, Moore admits the Rose Bowl stood apart.
“The undefeated season was great. The national championship was phenomenal,” he says. “But the Rose Bowl, that was my national championship.”
Those emotions were layered with pride, not just for IU Football, but for the Center Grove graduates who were part of the journey.
“They were great practice players,” Moore says of Center Grove alumni Tyler Cherry and Kaden McConnell. “I’m really proud of them and their efforts.”
Cherry, a former Center Grove quarterback, spent the season as a player-coach after suffering a season-ending knee injury. McConnell, a linebacker, embraced his role on special teams and as a dependable presence in practice. Neither role came with headlines, but both came with responsibility.
Those are the kinds of players Moore has built his program around at Center Grove.
At CG, success has never been defined solely by rankings or recruiting stars. Moore’s philosophy mirrors what Indiana ultimately displayed on the national stage: a top-down commitment to culture, built on preparation, where every role matters.
Inside the Quarterback Room
That standard was perhaps most evident inside Indiana’s quarterback room.
For Tyler Cherry, CGHS class of 2024, the season became a study in leadership without the ball in his hands. A Center Grove graduate and former Trojan
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quarterback, Cherry’s year took an unexpected turn when a knee injury ended his playing season early. Instead of stepping away, he stepped deeper into the process.
“This football season was a full experience for me,” Cherry says. “I was focused on rehab, but I was also committed to the quarterback room.”
Cherry served as a player-coach, charting coverages, reading defenses, and listening closely to play calls from the offensive staff. On game days, he worked alongside the quarterbacks and coaches, offering insight from a different perspective.
“I learned so much this season,” Cherry says. “Working closely with our QB coach and offensive coordinator during games was awesome. I was able to see defenses on every play and go over what I was seeing with Fernando and the coaches.”
Cherry watched two elite quarterbacks lead in different ways over consecutive seasons and learned that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all.
“I learned a lot about leadership,” he says. “I saw two great quarterbacks lead in different ways and still be very successful.” Cherry credits his readiness for that role directly to Center Grove.
“Center Grove football thoroughly prepared me,” he says. “I played on three state championship teams in high school. The bar was already high.”
That foundation helped Cherry remain patient, committed, and engaged throughout a long rehabilitation process.
“I learned a lot about patience, hard work, and determination,” he says. “The support I received reminds me a lot of Center Grove.”
Cherry’s season may not have unfolded the way he envisioned physically, but it expanded his understanding of the game
and of leadership.
“I am so grateful to have been a part of this national championship team,” Cherry says. “I’ve grown as a person and a player through this experience.”
Embracing Every Role
For linebacker Kaden McConnell, CGHS class of 2024, success was defined by consistency and readiness.
McConnell embraced his role as a dependable linebacker and special teams player, even when the spotlight didn’t follow.
“My role was to be strong, dependable, and knowledgeable,” McConnell says. “Even though I didn’t see the field during the playoff run, I took pride in preparing every day.”
McConnell valued the daily work, the intensity of practice, meetings, and film sessions.
“I define success by how consistently I show up for my teammates,” he says. “Doing the little things helps the team win.”
That mindset was forged at Center Grove.
“Center Grove built the foundation for everything I’m doing now,” McConnell says. “The habits I built there continue to guide me.”
Being part of a national championship team raised McConnell’s expectations.
“I’ve seen what it takes to reach the top,” he says. “That motivates me in football and in life.”
Behind the Scenes
Another Center Grove graduate lived the championship run through tireless behindthe-scenes work.
Grant Long, CGHS class of 2024, experienced the season from the equipment room.
A student manager for IU football, Long’s role demanded long days, early mornings, and relentless attention to detail. During the postseason, the workload increased significantly.
“Throughout the postseason run, we definitely had more work on our hands than normal,” Long says. “On top of setting up practice and running practice, we were sorting, building, and passing out gear bags to all of the staff and players.”
Each new bag represented another destination.
“It was a lot of extra work,” Long says, “but every time we made a new bag, it meant we were heading to another bowl game.”
Long’s experience was unique. Assigned to the quarterback room, he worked closely with the Heisman Trophy winner and the rest of the QB group.
“Working with the quarterbacks is a special job,” he says. “Making sure they have everything they need, warming them up, throwing and catching, helping in drills, whatever the quarterbacks or coaches needed, it would get done.”
Winning the national championship still feels surreal.
“I still wake up and have to realize that we really did win it,” Long says. “It was so gratifying knowing how much went into the season.”
Center Grove’s impact on Long extended beyond football.
“Center Grove taught me what it means to
be hardworking and persistent,” he says.
“That resilience helped me grind through a season that started in July and didn’t end until January.”
Long hopes to return to Center Grove one day as an educator.
“The habits I learned this season, consistent behaviors leading to positive outcomes, are things I want to bring into
It’s what
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my classroom,” he says.
Energy That Traveled Nationwide Championships are won on the field, but they are fueled everywhere else.
For Adalynn Lyon, a 2024 Center Grove graduate and IU cheerleader, the season meant representing Indiana University and Center Grove on the biggest stages in college football.
“Our job gets even bigger on the road,” Lyon says. “We’re not just cheering
during the game, we’re setting the tone all weekend.”
From fan events to pregame performances, Lyon and her teammates worked to keep the energy up.
“Our biggest job was making sure the energy stayed high no matter the moment,” she says.
Certain moments remain etched in her memory.
“The Peach Bowl, being about 90 percent IU fans, was unreal,” Lyon says. “Every time the school song ended with everyone shouting ‘I-U,’ it was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Representing Center Grove carried special meaning.
“I was truly blessed during my time cheering for the Trojans,” she says. “Those experiences prepared me for this.”
Care Behind the Curtain
While the spotlight shines on game day, championships are sustained in training rooms and treatment tables.
Lauren Cooley, a 2020 Center Grove graduate and IU graduate student athletic trainer, lived the grind daily.
“The pace of in-season football is demanding,” Cooley says. “We were there almost every day, providing care for the athletes.”
Her role included rehabilitation, taping, hydration, and injury care, often with long hours and little recognition.
“Seeing athletes return from injury is one of the most rewarding parts of this profession,” she says.
Singing the IU fight song after wins became a cherished tradition.
“The postseason wins were special because the fans joined us,” Cooley says. “Hearing thousands of voices singing together is something I’ll never forget.”
Cooley credits Center Grove for shaping her path.
“Center Grove taught me compassion and work ethic,” she says. “It made pursuing sports medicine feel natural.”
Waiting for This Moment
For former Center Grove and IU players, the championship carried a different weight.
“This season proved something,” Drew Conrad, CGHS class of 2016, says. “You don’t need top recruits. You need a culture of excellence.”
Eric McClurg, CGHS class of 2002, described disbelief.
“I’m still in shock,” he says. “Seeing longtime fans in tears was overwhelming.”
Nick Stoner, CGHS class of 2011, watched alongside his sons.
“These are core memories,” he says. “It made years of sacrifice feel worth it.”
Dan Thompson, CGHS class of 1989, felt a sense of fulfillment.
“It’s amazing what Hoosiers can do with the right people and the full support of the University,” he says.
Aaron Halterman, CGHS class of 2000, summed it up simply.
“Surreal,” he says. “It took belief, culture, and leadership.”
Full Circle
For Coach Eric Moore, the moment arrived quietly. No headset. No sideline. No play sheet in hand. Just a former Hoosier, sitting back and watching a program he once gave everything to, finally reach the top of college football.
It wasn’t just the win. It was the way it happened. The discipline. The togetherness. The belief that every role mattered.
That same shared belief is woven into the fabric of Center Grove football.
MARCH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1. Menu word
Cavities
Capacitate
Closing document
Castle dwellers
Pipe type
29. Clearly embarrassed
Kind of hour
31. Wasn’t straight
32. Palindromic turkey
33. Feature of some lions
34. Part of T.G.I.F.
35. Japanese bread?
36. Game played standing
37. Gas, to a Brit
39. Mention
40. Shade
41. Tied up
44. Bad driver’s shout
47. Mah-jongg piece
49. Time to look ahead
50. Bump from office
51. Abu Dhabi leader
52. Fall from grace
53. Pluck
54. To-do 55. Snaky
DOWN
1. Chinese gemstone
2. Aware of
3. Least shaky
4. Pie baker’s utensil
5. Went nowhere
6. Poetic contraction
7. Took the tiller
8. Tough
9. “That’s it!”
10. “___ so fast!”
11. Anil or woad
19. Bit of sweat
21. Doze
24. It may be heightened
25. Advanced
26. Understands
27. Radar screen image
28. Liturgy
29. Seek a seat
32. Strikes out
33. Better half
35. “___ rang?”
36. Sidetrack
38. Butler at Tara
39. Cuban singer Cruz
42. Like some grins
43. Disavow
44. Flight delayer, perhaps
45. Jointly owned, maybe
46. Industrial injury
48. Babysitter’s handful
