2012 PeyBack Classic to Kick-off Varsity Football Season

The 2012 Peyton Manning PeyBack Classic XIII will be held on Friday, August 17^th at Lucas Oil Stadium.  The first game of the double header begins at 6:00 pm with our own Heritage Christian Eagles vs. rival Cardinal Ritter followed by game two with Merrillville vs. Warren Central.  Gates open at 5:30pm.

“We are so excited to begin our season with this game at Lucas Oil Stadium.  What a special first night of High School football.  Our hope is that we can end the season as well at Lucas Oil Stadium playing for the State Championship!” said Varsity Head Football Coach Ron Qualls.

Peyton Manning launched the PeyBack Classic in 2000.  To date over 35 Indiana high schools have participated in the event, allowing hundreds of student athletes the opportunity to play on an NFL sanctioned field.  Manning established the PeyBack Foundation in 1999 to help disadvantaged youth build a successful future.  The Foundation accomplishes its mission through helping established community-based programs provide fundamental leadership and growth opportunities for kids. The PeyBack Foundation focuses its efforts in a three state region and has donated more than $6 million to youth organizations in Indiana, Tennessee, and Louisiana since its inception.

Many thanks to our athletic training partner, St. Vincent’s Health for making our participation in the PeyBack Classic possible.  Advanced discounted ticket sales will begin Wednesday, August 1 in the Fine Arts Building entrance or the Athletic Department.  Ticket prices are $5.00 (adults) and $3.00 (students in high school and below).  Ages 5 and under are free.  Ticket prices at the gate on the day of the event will be $10 and $6.00 for youth 12 and under.  Bring the family and come support your school and team at this unique event; what a great way to ‘kick-off’ the school year!

Student Athlete Echocardiogram Screenings Offered

The St. Vincent Medical Group Cardiology Services will once again be performing athlete Echo screenings on Wednesday, August 29 AND Tuesday, September 18 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at their office located at 106th and North Meridian Street.  The screening is to help identify several leading causes of congenital cardiovascular conditions placing athletes at risk for sudden collapse and/or death.   You must register for the screening by calling 338-CARE (2273).

Football Team Advances to National 7 on 7 Tournament

Heritage Christian will represent the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL High School Player Development National 7 on 7 Tournament at the Colts' training facility this weekend. The tournament, which will include teams representing each of the 32 NFL franchises, begins Friday, July 13 at 8 a.m. and concludes Saturday, July 14.  The event is open to the public and admission is free.

The 7 on 7 format does not include linemen and teams can only pass the ball. Plays are run every 25 seconds and the quarterback must throw the ball within four seconds or it is a loss of down.

"It's a neat opportunity, especially to represent the Colts," said Matt Hunt (senior).  “There’s going to be some Division I talent, so that's going to be good for us to compete with."

This is the first time the tournament has been held in Indianapolis and the first time all 32 NFL teams are represented.

Heritage Christian advanced to the event by winning the southern portion of the state tournament at the Colts' facility on June 16. The Eagles played eight games that day, eventually beating Cathedral, which has won the past two Class 4A state titles, and 2A rival Cardinal Ritter to reach the title game. Hunt threw just one interception on 350-plus passes. 

Hunt has several strong receivers, led by Anthony Warrum (senior), who had 71 catches last season.  "Everything really has to be a no-huddle shotgun system, which is really what we play at Heritage," Coach Ron Qualls said.  "So it plays well for us."

Having this national event in our own city, AND having our Eagles earn a spot to compete is a win/win; come out and see our guys in action!