Earlier this week, I had the privilege of going to a Warsaw football practice and speaking with four of the team’s five captains. With so much having been written in recent weeks about their performance on the field, and rightfully so, I wanted to peel back the curtain a bit and ask them some questions about themselves. Each of the four players were asked the same eight questions. Below are each of their answers.
What is your favorite moment as a member of Tiger Football?
LB Cohen Heady: Honestly, it was last week when I had the Pick Six against Merrillville
DL Mason Gabrich: I’d probably say winning the sectional championship. We got to right our wrongs against Concord.
QB Drew Sullivan: Probably just the team dinners at each other's houses and the breakfasts after our wins.
OL/DL Kameron Kauffman: There’s so many moments. Every time we’d finish our early morning practices in the summer we’d get McDonalds breakfast which was awesome. I’d say every time we score too because we’re always super excited for each other and it’s fantastic.
Who is the funniest player on the team?
Heady: Hunter Dippon. He doesn’t care who’s around and he speaks his mind.
Gabrich: I’d probably say Ivan Ponce.
Sullivan: Ivan Ponce
Kauffman: Probably Ivan Ponce.
Outside of the game on Saturday, what are you most looking forward to this week?
Heady: I’m looking forward to getting that state experience with my guys. Going down to Indy as a team. I know we were already down there for the Warren Central game but being able to have that memory of all of us going down there is going to be pretty sweet.
Gabrich: Just the whole experience. There are so many teams that will never get the chance we’re getting right now. Getting to watch the younger guys cherish what we’ve worked so hard for is pretty cool.
Sullivan: The support from my family and friends. Just seeing how much they support me is really exciting and I’m thankful.
Kauffman: One more chance to hang out with my boys. I love hanging out with them and that’s probably what I’m going to miss most about football is that close team atmosphere.
What is one fact about yourself that you are proud of?
Heady: I’m okay at golf *laughs*
Gabrich: I’m proud of my faith in Christ.
Sullivan: I want to say that I want to play the piano but I’m not very good at it. I’m a big food guy. I love critiquing food, ranking fast foods and talking about it.
Kauffman: Last year I was All-Conference in all three sports I played. That’s my biggest achievement to date.
What are your post high school plans?
Heady: I’m going to Huntington University to play baseball.
Gabrich: I plan on becoming an electrician at GM.
Sullivan: I’m not sure yet. I’m trying to see if there’s an opportunity for me to play football somewhere. I’m actually interning at Parkview right now doing occupational therapy.
Kauffman: I want to go to college to study Sports Management to become an athletic director.
What is your favorite non-football activity to do in your free time?
Heady: Lifting weights. I like hunting and fishing too.
Gabrich: Hanging out with the guys on the team. We go out to dinner all the time and things get pretty crazy. Some of the conversations we’ve had are some of the best memories ever.
Sullivan: I love hanging out with my friends, playing video games, going out to the lake.
Kauffman: Going out to eat with my teammates.
What’s your favorite place to get a bite to eat in Warsaw?
Heady: Any of the Mexican restaurants, El Arriero is probably my favorite.
Gabrich: I’d have to go with Mex Express
Sullivan: Can’t go wrong with Culvers when it comes to fast food. All of the Mexican spots are really good but El Arriero is probably my favorite.
Kauffman: If it’s a sit down restaurant I’d probably say Steuby’s buy if it’s fast food I’m going with Panda Express.
What is your favorite movie?
Heady: Either Greater or The Waterboy
Gabrich: The Blind Side
Sullivan: I’d probably go with Like Mike
Kauffman: I’d have to go with one of the Austin Powers movies. Any of them will do.