Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NAPPANEE -ÊAny high school football fan who has not heard of Charlie Roeder by now must have lived in a cave for the past three years.
Roeder's list of accomplishments could fill a book. In his three years at NorthWood, Roeder broke the career passing record as well as the career rushing record set by Aaron Huber, his teammate last year. He also was named to the All-Northern Lakes Conference team three years running and made the All-State team two years in a row.
This year alone, Roeder was voted team captain and named NorthWood's Most Valuable Player. Roeder earned those honors by passing for 2,218 yard, rushing for 973 yards and having a part in 38 Panther touchdowns.
The list of credits by Roeder's name could go on, but something else sticks out about him: his attitude.
Although Roeder is one of the most decorated football players in the area this season, he is quick to give credit to his teammates. In fact, he mentions that as one of the most important lessons he has learned while playing high school football.
"Not just one player makes a team," said Roeder. "No one can do it all, it is always a team effort. If someone is off one game, the rest of the team can pick him up. Everyone is important on the team."
Another characteristic many will remember when they think of Roeder is his composure on the field.
"I guess I knew I had to stay calm," said Roeder. "If I didn't, it could hurt the team. I knew if I made a mistake, it could cause the team to lose. I knew I had to stay calm."
In his three-year career at NorthWood, Roeder led the Panthers to a share of the Northern Lakes Conference title in 1999, three sectional championships, a regional championship, and a semistate championship.
"Winning the semistate game is probably my most memorable moment," said Roeder. "Knowing we were going to the dome to have a chance at the state championship was great."
When Roeder and the Panthers traveled to the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, the NorthWood signal caller got to play where his favorite current NFL player, Peyton Manning, plays.
"Peyton Manning is a great young quarterback," said Roeder, "and he is dominating the NFL."
Although Roeder's favorite player is Manning, he feels he is more like another professional quarterback.
"I am probably most like Mark Brunell," said Roeder. "He doesn't always have to throw the ball. He likes to run the ball sometimes, too."
After making decisions on the high school football field for three years, Roeder now faces a bigger decision: where to go to college. He has been courted by several Big Ten and MAC schools, along with several others.
"I haven't made a decision yet," said Roeder. "But I have been looking at Central Michigan quite a bit."
