“Life is IN the journey….... All the cliches are true. Those are the things we will remember when we look back…..”

As the final moments ticked off the clock, the shock of losing our only game of the season began to set in. Celebrations erupted from across the stadium, and an eerie silence mounted behind me. It was a feeling we had not felt for 399 days; losing a game.

Every coach knows the feeling. A panic sets into the eyes of Seniors who are about to finish careers. You can see it. You can feel it. They go through the stages of grief right in front of you. They try to convince themselves that they can still win. They begin to get angry. A deep silence overwhelms them. Their eyes dialate. Tears fall. In the final moments, a lot of them turn away and can’t look. I’ve seen helmets ripped off in frustration. Dumb penalties and mistakes in desperation. 

Every football player will play their last game at some point. Sometimes it is sudden and abrupt. An injury, or an unexpected playoff loss. Sometimes you see it coming. In this situation, the 2019 State Championship, our guys knew it was their last game. But no matter how it happens, when it happens, it hits you like a ton of bricks.

I don’t even know where to begin with the 2019 Season. I am deeply proud of the work my staff and players put in EVERY season. So many great players have walked our halls and competed for the Knights with a dream of playing in Lucas Oil Stadium. But getting there is HARD and maybe it requires the ball to bounce your way once in a while. What set the 2019 team apart, was not necessarily just more talent. This team found a rare nexus of talent, hard work, offensive and defensive balance, leadership and team chemistry. When a team has ALL the parts like this one did; the ability to run, throw, defend, kick, as well as great leaders, and a willingness to be gritty and be in attack mode all the time, it is certainly going to find success.

This season, the 2019 Knights accepted the challenge from our Coaching staff to be RELENTLESS at all times. In the weightroom, in school, in practice, and on Friday nights. The results can be seen clearly. 

14-1 Record
3Peat NE8 Champions with a 21 Game NE8 Winning Streak
Sectional Champions, Regional Champions, Semi-State Champions
Nearly 6000 Yards of Total Offense, Countless School Records

That's the story ON the field. What many in this community will never see, know or understand, is the accomplishments of this group OFF the field. These guys have had great careers in the classroom, have great opportunities in their futures, and are constantly involved in their community, form coaching youth football camps, to school and community organizations. 

During this season, the support this program received has been something you cannot put into words properly. While this school is filled by students from many small communities; Kendallville, Laotto, Rome City, Avilla, Swan, Ege, Brimfield, Wawaka, and Wolcottville, no matter where they come from, they ALL become EAST NOBLE Knights. The people and businesses of these communities are incredible. From filling the stands on Friday Nights, to all the donations to our Booster Club, the willingness to help out at events, or to display East Noble gear or messages during the tournament, each and every person was a part of this run with our team.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some people and groups individually for all the support. 

First, on behalf of our Coaching Staff, I want to thank our families. Shay, Averi, Alexxa, and Maddox, I love you guys so much, and nothing makes me happier than seeing you all run on the field after a game. To all our wives, children, parents, friends and families, thank you for all the support.

Particularly this year, but the same could be said in any season, I want to thank the East Noble Administration. Ann Linson, Becca Lammon, and Brian Lietch, as well as the East Noble School Board members have done so much to create conditions in this district that allow for athletics to be a major part of the student experience at East Noble. Without that vision and understanding, seasons like this are not possible.

I won’t have space to include everyone, but the maintenance, grounds and custodial staff led by Bill Knox, and at the High School, Ryan Rowe, as well as Terry Sibert, have been instrumental for years in making sure East Noble is able to offer a 1st class experience to our athletes and our fans and visitors. I will never forget when we had 6 inches of snow before the regional, and these guys figured out a way for us to move the snow and practice.

The Transportation department led by Josh Buhro, was ALL IN this year, like they are every year. Thank you to all our drivers, especially Todd Harris and Nelson Smith, and particularly to Josh Buhro for being flexible with us, and even jumping in a bus and taking us to practice on a snow day!

At East Noble our Administration and Staff are the best. Thank you to all the Teachers, and Instructional aides who support our students, and support our program. It means the world to see you in the stands on Friday Nights, and encouraging our students every day in the classroom. Thanks to all the Elementary and Middle School Teachers and students for encouraging messages, pictures, letters, etc. Every one means more than you know.

To Kathy Longenbaugh, Jim Graham, Josh Schache, Jenny Ritchie, Holly Singleton, Cheryl Landgraff, and Donna Rahal: Thank you for the support of our students and for allowing coaches and teachers to feel the freedom to be creative and help these kids grow. You create conditions in our building that make it easy to thrive.

To the Athletic Department Staff, Ryan Eakins, Danielle Erwin, and particularly Nick David; your hard work and time put into preparing for events, organizing, and seeing around corners to head off problems, allows our coaches and kids to enjoy the best Friday Night experience in the area. I could not ask for a better group of people to work with. You all are truly 1st class.

To the members of the East Noble Football Booster Club: Officers Michelle Mallott, Cheryl and Jim Parker, Kelly Harris, Sonja Richards, Renee Hood, Di Stinson, and so many other parents who volunteer time and effort; you guys are what sets this program apart. We are able to provide our athletes with an amazing experience. In a world dominated by Pay to Play, this group raises money, and creates experiences that very few High School Programs can provide for their players. Thank you for all you do.

To our ENFB Support Staff: Trainer Meagan Jones, Dr Dave Conner, Dr. Phil Corbin, Filmer Cindy Miller, Photographers Diane and Terry Lewis, Staticians Rob Berendt and James Gardner, Radio Announcers Fred Inniger and Rich Anderson, Billy Krock and Kevin Leffel, the Cannon Crew and Tunnel Crew, Announcer Tony Blomeke, Clock Operator Andy Bell, Lexi Ortiz (Head of Student Section Activities); Thank you all for making Friday Knights in Kendallville events that people will remember forever.

To the towns and communities that are East Noble, the local businesses, fans and media: You are unreal. The East Noble Community is just DIFFERENT than everywhere else. There are a million things you all have done to support us this season. The only thing I can compare it too is how our nation mobilized for World War II! This community mobilized to help this team succeed, just as you have done, and would do for any group of young people on a mission to achieve. 

Huge Thanks to Chase and Tom at Shepherd’s GM, Community State Bank, Albright’s, Campbell & Fetter, Joe Sells Do it Best, Betty Lou Designs, Kendallville Do It Center, Sylvan Cellars, Dekko Financial, Big City Cars, Diversified Pattern, Noble County Disposal, Dependable Metal, American Heritage Transport, Patty Seutter at Remax, Hometown Carpet Cleaning, Sit’n Bull, Adam Dagger All American Stores, American Legion Post 240, the Cooking of Jeff Bayeat and Brian Meyers, Culligans, Don Gura State Farm, Wings Etc, the St. James, Michelle Bloom at Applebees, WAWK the Hawk, Brice Vance and Ken Fillmore at the New Sun, Noble Hawk and Cobblestone Golf Courses, Pizza Hut and Pizza Forum, Quick Tanks.

But more than anything, I want to thank this year’s Senior Class of Football Players. Your hard work, perseverance, talents, and togetherness helped fuel an unforgettable 2019. My only hope is that what you all gained from this experience, is equal to what you gave this school and community. Your best is yet to come, and we all look forward to the future to see the community leaders you will become. I am forever proud of you all.
High School Football is a special thing, especially in small towns like Kendallville. In our society, one of the most noticeable traits missing from many young people is the ability to be accountable. In our program we try to model this trait, and teach these young men this very important lesson. During this season, our team witnessed an entire community coming together to help them succeed. East Noble Football is a part of the fabric of this community. We are a FAMILY. In a family, each member is accountable to the rest. This team is accountable to this community. We will continue to strive to represent this community the best we can. We want to be there for this community, as you all were here for us. I am proud to be a part of the East Noble Community, and can’t wait to see you all and thank you in person.

From the players and coaches of the East Noble Football Program, 

Thank You… And GO KNIGHTS!

Luke Amstutz
Head Football Coach
East Noble High School

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It's Football time in Kendallville again! In August of 1966, Kendallville High School consolidated with several local town schools and the the first "East Noble" High School Football Team took the field, coached by Darrell Casey. 

Now in 2016, we enter our 50th Season, riding the areas longest streak of consecutive winning seasons. East Noble is the only football program that has a NEIAC, NHC, and now NE8 Championship, and this season, the Knights are looking to defend that crown. Friday Knights in Kendallville have become a tradition that is exciting to be a part of.

The 2016 season is going to be an exciting one, and the excitement begins right out of the gate, with 6A state powerhouse Indianapolis Cathedral coming to Kendallville for a week 1 match up. The Knights follow that test up with 6A Warsaw, and then the always tough NE8 Conference before the 4A playoffs begin.

With a solid core of returning starters returning on both sides of the ball, expectations re high, and excitement is in the air. Come join us on Friday Knights in Kendallville!

Great story here by Justin Penland about our guys heading on to play college football

By JUSTIN PENLAND of KPC News

KENDALLVILLE — The 2012 season was a wild one for the East Noble football program. After losing long-time coach Chris DePew, the team’s seniors were in charge of helping the team adapt to incoming coach Luke Amstutz’s system.

Boy did it pay off. In Amstutz’s first season, the Knights went 7-3 and set offensive and defensive records, including a school mark for most points in a game and passing yards in a season, and a conference record for forced turnovers.

Of the team’s seniors, four of them recently committed to play college football for schools in either the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) or NCAA Division III ranks. Quarterback Nic Weimer will play for Franklin College (Div. III), tight end Tom Woehnker and linebacker Alex Frick will attend Defiance College (Div. III), and defensive tackle Drake DeMuyt will suit up for the University of Saint Francis (NAIA).

Three of the four players will have an easier transition since they will enroll alongside a previous or current teammate. “It will be more comforting and a sigh of relief that I will have someone to fall back on if I have some problems,” Frick said about joining the Yellow Jacket program with Woehnker.

Weimer will play with his brother and former Knight Trevor Yates, as well as Kyle Butler. Both Yates and Butler are linebackers while Weimer will continue to play quarterback. Weimer, who will study finance with a possible minor in economics, is one of at least six quarterbacks vying for a starting spot next season with four on the current roster and Fremont’s Chandler McDowell also enrolling.

“I will be more comfortable down there because I have known Kyle and Trevor, and I also have known the coaches for the past two years. I have a really good relationship with them,” Weimer said.

Under center in 2012, Weimer set a school record for passing yards (2,532) and passing touchdowns (28) in a season. He threw for a season-high 319 yards and six scores in a 79-7 rout of Columbia City, a game in which a record was set for points in a game by an EN team.

The Grizzlies offensive playbook will look similar to the Knights’ in the sense of the high-tempo plays and stretches of no-huddle play. Weimer said Franklin would utilize a running and throwing quarterback, with Weimer filling the hole as the latter.

“I’m not the fastest, but our offense was quick (at EN) and I was able to get the ball out,” Weimer said. “(Franklin) will rotate the quarterbacks occasionally. I went down there and talked to the coaches a little bit and it seemed as though the passing scheme and everything is similar. It is pretty much everything at East Noble times three. It’s our playbook on steroids.”

Frick and Woehnker will see plenty of Weimer during their careers. Defiance and Franklin are both members of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and face each other on a yearly basis.

As a Yellow Jacket, Frick will try to help bolster a Defiance defense that gave up an average of 29 points per game during the 2012 campaign. In a system that runs a 4-2-5, Frick will probably be slated as an outside linebacker, instead of an inside LB as he was in high school.

Frick started halfway through the 2011 season, but began every game as a senior. In 2012, he racked up 51 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three fumbles recoveries and a pair of touchdowns. The scores against Columbia City and Bellmont were on fumble recoveries.

The 4-2-5 scheme “is more of a pass-oriented defense since they drop five defensive backs. It is more of a prevent for passing teams as everyone goes to the spread offense instead of the power game with the I-formation,” Frick said.

“This past season made me realize that football is such a team sport. I thought I was going to get all-conference, but I realized that it was not about that, but being a team player; the cog in the gears to make everything run well.”

Fellow Yellow Jacket and secondary education major Woehnker will be used mostly as a dual-threat tight end in the Defiance option offense. The Yellow Jackets utilize their tight ends to the extreme; often using multiple-TE sets with one or more shifting in motion. Woehnker saw more passes thrown his way in 2012 as a result of the new EN offense. He recorded a season-high four receptions for 33 yards against DeKalb and recorded 46 yards in the Knights’ sectional contest against Concord. Woehnker said his ability to adapt will be key at the college level as he looks at a different offense.

“They described me as a tight end who will block and run routes. Shifting will help me out because it will give me better matchups and make me harder to cover,” Woehnker said.

In Fort Wayne, DeMuyt will continue his career as a defensive lineman for the Cougars. USF is in the Mideast League of the Mid-States Football Association and last year lost in the second round of the NAIA playoffs to the eventual champion, Marian University in Indianapolis.

DeMuyt said he chose Saint Francis because of the team’s program and the school’s reputation. He has yet to decide on an area of study. For his first year, DeMuyt created a goal to start and be an Academic All-American.

“Saint Francis is just a really solid school where I can see myself going for four years,” he said.

DeMuyt’s play on the field improved throughout the 2012 season, where he finished with 34 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss and an interception as a tackle in the Knights’ 3-4 front. DeMuyt might have to bulk up some to play tackle at the collegiate level, but he said he will play wherever he is asked. At times during the season, he played a five-technique (outside of the offensive tackle), where a traditional defensive end might play.

“During the Concord game, I felt I was playing a different game than I was in the beginning of the year,” DeMuyt said. He recorded six tackles, three for a loss, against the Minutemen.

“I know there are a lot of things to improve on, but I would say my senior season was a good experience. It was nice to have the success we did. I hope I cane take some of the things I had at the end of the season over to Saint Francis.”

Some of you will understand it, some will not. It is being sent to students, staff, friends, and family. My intention is to keep the memory of the Angola Four alive, and describe how these young men have changed my life…


On Saturday March 26th 2011, I was sitting at home with my wife watching a movie. My daughter was in bed at about 7:15 when the phone rang. That conversation changed my life forever…

Two years ago, Evan Weaver, Matthew Roe, Alexx Bauer, and Riley Zimmer were killed in an accident on an interstate in Alabama when a young man crossed the median in a severe rain storm and struck them head on. Three of the young men, and the driver that struck them died immediately. Alexx Bauer, as a first responder told the family, was still alive upon arrival, but died in transit to the hospital. The deaths of the four young men was a national news story, and shocked the small town of Angola.



In 2011, I was a history teacher and the Football Coach at Angola High School. By all accounts for me, and as far as I had known, life was great. I had a great job, in a great town, a wife and a daughter, a family with which I was close. Every day I woke up and made the drive to Angola, where I taught about the Greeks and Romans, then went to the weight room or practice field with my team and got to coach football. I had everything I ever wanted.

Today, in 2013, from an outsider’s perspective, you might say my life is very much the same. I am a history teacher and a football coach. I have had two more children and moved to East Noble High School. But those who truly know me, know I am a distinctly different person as I write this.

On Sunday, my family and I traveled to Angola, and visited the gravesites of Evan, Matt, Alexx and Riley. And as I knelt down to reflect upon the last two years of my life I was overwhelmed by memories, and I felt I had to share my perspective.

Being a football coach is kind of like being an uncle. But instead of being just an uncle, the parents have taken a 4 month vacation to Europe, and lose all communication with their son. And during that time, when there is no communication between parents and son, the uncle, who is responsible for the kid’s safety, grades, welfare, and mental state, learns more about the young man, and they build a unique relationship that is hard to describe to the outside world. You are not a parent, but in some ways, in some cases, you know, understand, and love them as if you were.

The memories I have of Alexx and Riley are great ones. Every day Riley was supposed to be grading papers for me, but instead was sleeping on the floor in my office watching Saving Private Ryan. Or when Alexx brought a beehive into my office and destroyed it. (Still haven’t figured that one out) Or when Riley hit a Fairfield WR so hard that he flipped him over and his tooth popped out. Or when Alexx just wouldn’t stop whistling in the back seat of the van on the way to West Virginia, and I stopped the van on the high way and beat the crap out of him with a pillow. I think about Riley’s cowboy hat and his piercing eyes. I think about Alexx and I, battling about Notre Dame and Ohio State. I think about eating at Coney Island with them after media day or playing dunk ball on my daughters’ toy rim in the basement. Or when we won the biggest game in Angola history when Alexx hit Seth Fifer in the end zone with seconds remaining at Wawasee.

If you have made it this far in my letter, and I hope you have, you’ll see there is a purpose here. I think that every year for as long as I am alive, this is going to be a tough time of the year for me, and I can only imagine what it holds for the Bauers, Weavers, Roe’s, and Zimmer’s. Last year, on spring break, I was at the Kenny Chesney concert in Ft Wayne when he began to sing Boys of Fall. I am a grown, man… I’ll admit it, I cry sometimes. That was Riley’s favorite song. And my daughter and I listen to it all the time.

As we come to Spring Break here in 2013, the purpose of me writing is complicated. After the accident, I spent a whirlwind summer with my team, traveling, trying to understand, trying to find closure, only to find myself feeling scared and pushing away the people I loved. I went through an emotional football season that year, with highs and lows, but never truly coming to grips with what we had all had been through.

Then, around Thanksgiving of 2011, I decided one night to go outside in the cold November air for a run around the block. And after about a half mile, I stopped in the middle of the road at 9PM and for some reason stared at the sky. In that moment I saw the stars the brightest I had ever seen them. The music coming through my headphones was “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco. It was one of Alexx’s favorite songs. And as I sat there and listened to the words, and stared at the sky, I decided that it was time to change some things. I wasn’t exactly sure at that point what I needed to change, but I could feel that it was time for something to change.

Think about all the times in your life when you have decided to change something. Time to spend more time with your family. Time to lose some weight, or get in shape. Time to eat healthier. Time to find a job you will love. Time to stop fighting with your parents or wife or husband. Time to give up smoking. Time to tell someone you love them more. Or we have all said things like “Someday I’m going to go to Rome.” Or, “Someday I’m getting on a train and heading west.” Or, “Someday I am going to buy a boat or try out for a team, or a play. I am going start a business. I am going to learn to play piano. Someday…….We always put it off until someday…

I found in that moment, on Cedar Canyons Road, under the stars, in the cold, under the influence of the musings of the aptly named “Lupe Fiasco”, that I didn’t need to change a whole bunch of things, but instead, I needed to change one thing that would affect all things.

It’s a complicated thing to give advice to someone. On one hand, I would love to tell you all to be so careful on Spring Break. Make great decisions, keep your hands at 10 and 2. On the other hand I would tell you to take chances. To go on an adventure. To live and love like you’ll not see tomorrow. And both are correct. In a dangerous world, we must all be vigilant, but if we don’t throw caution to the wind from time to time, how do we experience, everything life has to offer?

I can only offer my last two years as an example. At 29 I had a bucket list. At 31 I do not. I decided to not feel sorry for myself, or complain about the little trivial things that bother me throughout the day. I decided to focus my efforts on truly being “present” with my family. I began to focus on controlling what I can control with my job. I began to try and just be aware of the moment as much as possible, to try to understand other points of view, to try and feel more compassion. I am far from perfect, and I realize this more now than ever. But I have found a lot of peace in my quest to perfect the important aspects of my life.

Live for your family and friends. They will love you and protect you. Enjoy the moment. Make all the clichés of life real for you. Think about what each moment truly has to offer. Don’t be scared, but be aware. Try for a moment to understand where you are in space and time. It is truly remarkable that we stand and walk and live and love.

For me the lessons I have learned from the Angola Four have transformed the way I live my life. I have gained a perspective and a clarity of purpose that I have never felt before. I truly still wake up each day, and think about them, what they would be doing now, and of the great memories I had a chance to share with them, and still share with Gregg and Lisa Bauer, and Matt and Suzy Zimmer. In 2011 we added a permanent reminder to our family, by naming our 2nd daughter Alexxa Riley Amstutz. Every time I look at that little girl, I am reminded of the pure sweetness, mischief, fun, laughter, and love that these boys were.

Next month, I will run in the Fourever Friends 4 Mile Run in Angola, benefiting the scholarship foundation. It is a great event, and an easy and very affordable way to have some fun and support an amazing cause. As I do with everything, I will be competing as hard as I can and trying to win. It is the only hour of my life that I would ever wear an Ohio State shirt, and I will cherish every moment of it. But the moment I cross the finish line, in first, or last, I cannot wait to see old friends and family, and laugh and joke, and talk about memories of the Angola Four.



I used to think I had to travel on Spring Break in order to have fun, to experience life. I know understand that I may travel, or I may be still, and in either case, I will only be as full filled as I allow myself to be. Whether you are traveling, or spending time with friends and family, cherish each moment, be aware, and make great decisions.

At Alexx’s funeral, in 2011, I read a poem about his final football game, and how I will always remember him. And I also told Gregg and Lisa Bauer, I will do all I can to make sure that their memory never fades away, and that the way they lived life becomes a lesson for us all.

Each day I try to make that happen in the way I live my life. I hope I honor their memory in the way I raise my kids, the way I teach my students, the way I coach my team. In writing this to you today, I am simply helping to keep their message and their legacy vibrant, for all the world to see.

This morning next year's senior football players and I had a meeting over breakfast where we talked about "Influence." We all have influence on someone, or some group of people. That influence can be both a positive and negative force as well. I asked each of our young men to identify the groups of people they believe they influence. Sometimes we don't all realize we are leaders, until we take the time to see who is watching.

As East Noble Football players, I have challenged our young men to use the influence they have to help improve their team, their school, and their community. Each young man has been asked this week, to find a positive way to influence their teammates or classmates, and make that aspect of their influence something that they own, or are responsible for in their off-season and senior football season. 

My hope is that our young men see the power of the position they are in, and can ultimately use that position for good, and influence our younger players and their classmates to strive to act in the same way. I am proud of what I am hearing and seeing from our Seniors-to-be so far.

Coach Amstutz

Inspired by Rief Gilg's KAR and the new blog of our beloved defensive coordinator and track coach, Pete Kempf, the coach's corner will be an easy way for me to communicate with the community from time to time about the world of East Noble Football. Each new post will be shared on twitter, so please follow @ENKnightsFB...