March 19, 2024

Follow the boys on this one

Newton High School football fans, and NHS athletic fans in general, follow the lead of the Cardinal players. We all know Newton football has been placed in Class 4A competition by the Iowa High School Athletic Association for at least the next two years. Nothing can be done about it.

The Cardinal football players and coaches are stepping up to the challenges and the new opportunities in front of the team. Focus on the student-athletes at Newton. Cheer them on.

It has been said, tradition does not graduate. Stand by these athletes as they carry the traditions of Cardinal football forward — to work hard on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom; be competitive in practices and games; to be the best they can be no matter the competition; and to strive to be victorious each and every time they compete.

Newton’s football players made their decision in January when it was learned the Cardinals were bumped back up into 4A. They did not sit back and say “woe is us.” They cinched up their belts and went to work to improve themselves individually and collectively.

I don’t know what is going to happen in the nine football games in 2016. I do know looking into the eyes of the senior leaders on the Cardinal team and hearing their words — they are ready. They believe in each other, they trust each other and they believe in the team as a whole.

Yes, Newton is the smallest of the 48 4A football schools according to the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Yes, it doesn’t seem fair, but it’s just like life, sometimes it isn’t fair. Yes, the Cardinals struggled through a tough 1-8 season last fall in 3A action. Yes, there’s no changing it for the next two seasons.

Also there’s no going back to the days when Maytag was in Newton. We cannot dwell on the fact — “Newton used to be...” Newton is now. Embrace these young athletes who give their time to represent Newton High School in every sport it has and represent the community of Newton.

The athletes have made the commitment. They have the positive attitudes. As fans, we need to support them no matter what. We’re here to help them carry the proud tradition of Newton High athletics forward each season.

There is a strong football tradition at Newton High. I know that. You respect and honor the tradition and those who went before you in a program. You move forward together taking on the challenges you have to face now. Use the tradition to inspire current athletes.

Speaking of support, it was great to see students — a lot of football players among them — come to Tuesday’s opening volleyball matches. I know the Cardinal volleyball players appreciated having the group there.

Just a word or two on the situation involving the Newton football helmets and the “TB 52” decals the Cardinals wanted to wear on those helmets all season. With the June death of senior lineman Trenton Brady, who wore the No. 52 jersey for Newton, the Cardinals decided on several things to honor their teammates memory. One was the large “TB” initials with a small number 52 on the “T” placed on the right side of the Newton helmets with the traditional NHS Cardinal on the left side.

Newton had the decals on the helmets throughout preseason practices and for last week’s intrasquad scrimmage. Newton head coach Ed Ergenbright said the school asked the Iowa High School Activities Association if the decals could be worn on the helmets during the season’s games. The IHSAA said no — it was a violation of the association’s uniform rules.

It’s really too bad. There has to be uniform rules, but common sense needs to be applied for tributes such as Newton’s. The Cardinals will be allowed to have a smaller decal on the back of the helmets with TB52.

Newton High senior linemen and senior defensive players each will honor their late teammate by wearing Brady’s No. 52 jersey in a game during the 2016 season.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at

jsheets@newtondailynews.com