By Sam Elliott
Several businesses around town are sporting some new décor to show their support for the Eagles this football season.
A group of senior football players and cheerleaders from Zionsville Community High School visited local business owners July 31 to hand out schedule posters, just one of the ways the team is working to boost its presence in the community this season, which kicks off Aug. 21.
“The focus is certainly to bolster community support and excitement about the upcoming season,” said Amy Hodge, Zionsville Varsity Football Parent Club member and senior mom representative.
The idea for team posters first planted itself in Hodge’s head after a flat tire left her in the waiting room of a Westfield tire shop, where she saw an eye-catching poster advertising Westfield’s football season.
“The senior football moms decided to join forces with the cheerleading moms this year and I brought up this thing about the posters,” Hodge said. “One mom said, ‘Oh my husband’s a photographer’ and another mom was like, ‘Oh my daughter does graphic design.’ It was perfect.”
Scott Clark, owner of Brick Street Photography and father of senior cheerleader Katie Clark, volunteered to take the photos of the Eagles’ coaches, senior players and cheerleaders. Then he sent them to Grace Keller, another senior cheerleader who worked them into four different designs now on display around town.
“She’s a self-taught graphic artist, so she designed them and they turned out great,” Hodge said.
Zionsville’s football players and cheerleaders have been busy in the community this summer, hosting a blood drive with the Colts Leadership Challenge and volunteering with the Zionsville Youth Football League.
The team is also planning an improved Zionsville Football Military Appreciation Night on Sept. 4 when the Eagles take on rival Westfield. The event will include cannons, special jerseys, Humvees and more.
“We’re inviting all current and former men and women in all branches of the military with free admission and a pre-game ceremony honoring them on the field,” Hodge said.
2015-2016 ZCHS Football Schedule
Aug. 21 vs. McCutcheon
Aug. 28 at Lebanon
Sept. 4 vs. Westfield
Sept. 11 at Brebeuf
Sept. 18 at Noblesville
Sept. 25 vs. Hamilton Southeastern
Oct. 2 at Brownsburg
Oct. 9 vs. Avon
Oct. 16 at Fishers
*All games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.