Football Season 2015

In August, led by a talented group of seniors (including 5 who are likely to be playing at the next level), this team gathered together to prepare for the season with very positive expectations. Injuries, a number of bad bounces, one or two bad plays in a game otherwise very well played and an unusually high level of IAC talent blocked the goal of a great year. Though the record was below their hopes and hard work, the boys won the respect of all who watched.

As Coach Padalino explained during the team banquet, this team learned important lessons in life—the values

• of being a leader through pain, against tough opponents and without recognition,

• of the hours spent in the weight room,

• of time spent watching film,

• of bonding in a common effort ,

• of giving their best against adverse conditions and

• of contributing from any position (on the sideline or at the line of scrimmage) to team goals.

For the opportunity to be with and lead this group of Bears, the Coach was most grateful. He specifically thanked the Captains’ parents, his coaches, the training staff and Mac Jacoby plus he added his appreciation of the wider football team community.

Coach Harley, as the newest member of the staff, eloquently spoke about his experience with Landon, his fellow coaches and the players. Having been a head coach at a school which played at a high level, he was amazed at the level of dedication and time which his Bear peers and boys devoted to their game.

As a sort of annual rite of passage, Coach P recognized the Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors and acknowledged their collective contributions to the 2015 season. The prospects of these Bears and the successful JV team are quite bright.

With a good deal of humor, a detailed knowledge of each Senior’s ability and a great deal of sincerity, Coach Padalino talked about each of the 19 Members of the Class of 2016. All but a few of these guys played their last game against StA in a nice win. All of the parents looked a little wistful hearing the Coach’s description of their son’s efforts and contribution. Captains Brown, Hunter and Simms received high marks for their leadership and years of excellent play.

The next segment of the evening was devoted to two sets of awards—league honors and internal.

All IAC (note: league rules require that a player must play against the IAC teams; Keith Simms was injured for all of those games)

2^nd team

• Steven Gee

• John Slowinski

• Brian Menendez

• Joey Epstein

1^st team

• Mark Ebo

• Griffin Brown

All State and All Met will be announced later.

Team

Lunch Pail —presented by Coach Mullholland – based on the hard work of Paul Adkins; many, many candidates on this team, narrowed to 2

• Joe Gagnon

• Derek Hankim

Landon Football Award

• Josh Hunter

Coach Hanker

• Justin Conner

Special Team Player of the Year

• Keith Simms

Linemen of the Year Award

• Mark Ebo

• John Slowinski

Most Valuable Player

• Griffin Brown

Captains of the 2016 Team

• Maanik Lol ‘17

• Jack Porter ‘17

• Joey Epstein ‘18

• John Geppert ‘18

The Captains then handed out gifts to all of their Moms (Stephanie Brown, Jacqui Hunter and Pamela Simms), coaches and support staff.

The evening was made special by the food and tremendous decorations. Thanks to all for a very pleasant event , season to remember and a very much appreciated gift.