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The
State of
the State
9/26/2006
The MHSAA State
All-Star Football game is played every July at Michigan
Stadium, otherwise known as the ‘Big House.’
It pits East vs. West,
and to be picked for this game is an incredible honor.
There are over 700 High Schools in the State of Michigan
and over 30,000 young men that play football, but less
than 55 comprise the East squad, of which Novi High
School represents.
So, when you have (4)
players selected in four consecutive years, that means
you have a highly visible, successful program that has
been a perennial conference champion, a force in the
playoffs, and you’ve featured athletes that have gone on
to compete on the next level.
In 2002, Novi’s Matt
Gorman was a safety for the East Squad. A two-way
player, Matt also starred at quarterback and was a real
threat from the option. There has perhaps been no one
better at making the quick read over tackle and turning
it into another long gainer. He also played at Central
Michigan
In 2003, Chase Chandler
represented Novi in the All-Star game, and has since
continued his playing at Albion College. A 3-year
starter, he has made a name for himself as a defensive
back, having been Player-of-the-week, and earning
recognition as one of the best in the conference.
In 2004, All-State
linebacker Josh Buck made his presence felt early in the
game that day, hauling in a screen pass and taking it
down the field for 15 yards. You may recall that Buck
was also a terrific fullback for the Hometown Cats. And
next time you see him, take a look at his National
Championship ring. As a member of the Grand Valley State
Lakers, he was part of a team that captured the Division
II National Championship in 2005.
Earlier that year, in
July 2005, Kevin Cislo was also a well-deserving
recipient, and was named to the East squad of the MHSAA
All-Star game. Ironically, Kevin would devote his focus
on baseball to Ray Fisher Stadium, also on the campus of
the University of Michigan. As a freshman infielder on
the Big-Ten Champ Wolverines of 2006, Cislo saw
significant time and coach Rich Maloney feels he is
perhaps their best defensive infielder.
Given their leadership
abilities and their dedicated approach, Gorman,
Chandler, Buck, and Cislo will forever live the annals
of Novi Football for their significant contributions.
MHSAA State All-Stars…
right here, in Wildcat Country.
(C) 2006 Novi Information
Network
All rights reserved.
Bernie
Fratto's
column appears right here each
week during the football season.
Bernie is a member of the Minor League Baseball Alumni Association
and in his former life, he spent time in the Cincinnati Reds Farm
System. He is an accomplished Freelance writer, and sought after keynote
speaker, appearing often at Award Ceremonies, Athletic Banquets, and
Company functions.
He is passionate about sports and the life-lessons
they teach. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real
human beings," Fratto said..."And these athletic endeavors often serve
as a metaphor for the game we call life."
Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a
frequent
co-host on the popular "Parker &
The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from
7-11pm.
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