NSTC Summer 08: Shawnee High School Football, Medford Township, NJ

Medford Township, NJ - June 17^th, 2008

The month of June is perhaps the most endearing month on our modern calendar. Weddings, graduations, barbecues, and the sweet sweet smell of summer are all in full bloom. (It's not officially summer according to the National Weather Service, but it sure is if you're a high school student.)

The Nike SPARQ Team Challenge southeast truck arrived in Medford Township, New Jersey, just three days after public school released for summer vacation.

The attitude around town was WAHOO!, and while we set up our NSTC event at Shawnee High School, the local middle school practiced their graduation ceremony on the field adjacent to us. 

To see pics of the Shawnee High School SPARQ Testing, click here!

To see complete results of the Shawnee Football Testing, click HERE!

And, to see VIDEO of this event, click HERE!

In 2007, Shawnee High School won the New Jersey State Football Championship.  The Renegades have a tough job coming up this fall in defending their state title, but by starting informal practices the monday after school was officially over for the summer, this team is proving they’re after New Jersey glory again.  

Before SPARQ Testing today, the Shawnee Renegades spent an hour in 7-on-7 practice, so they were good and warm for the proceeding events. 

Three Renegades fought their way to the top of the leaderboard by beating out their teammates’ overall performances.  Without further ado…

For Dashawn Cassell, a 62.43 overall SPARQ Rating (and third highest of the day) is another plus this kid can add to his list of accomplishments.  Cassell got there by cutting up the grass in the Pro Agility Shuttle, posting a time of 5.84 seconds. 

The 6'2'' 288 pound defensive lineman also jumped 25.1 inches, and completed the 40-Yard Dash in just 5.73 seconds.  Cassel ended his performance with a beastly Power Ball Toss, one that landed at 36.5 feet, the furthest throw of the day. 

Andre Hutchinson, meanwhile, took second place with a 65.49 overall SPARQ Rating.  A 32.9 inch Vertical Jump, as the event’s highest jump by exactly 2 inches, paved the way for his stellar performance.  

Andre’s other athletic feats include his Power Ball Toss that reached 32 feet; a 40-Yard Dash in 4.87 seconds, and the shuttle agility test completed in 4.56 seconds.

Chris Lapiere should get more than a pat on the back; he is well on his way toward a great summer and fall season.  His 66.06 overall SPARQ Rating that was tops on the Renegades team.  

The 6'2” 202 pound man-lete jumped 29.1 inches in the Vertical Jump and cruised through the 40-Yard Dash in 4.84 seconds (which was the fastest 40 of the day). 

Chris followed up this elite score to let loose a burly Power Ball Toss that landed at 32 feet, before finishing the day at the Pro Agility Shuttle course, which took him only 4.78 seconds to run away with.

These Shawnee Renegades have a lot of work to do in preparation for the fall season.  It's clear that they have the drive, determination, and work ethic to be repeat New Jersey State Champions, and what with SPARQ Testing under their belts each member of this team knows what training needs to be done in order to compete at the higher level. 

In the end today, their overall SPARQ Team Rating is 61.36. Now lets see if they can git it done!  Best of luck to the Shawnee Renegades this fall.

Yours,
Bruke Getachew