COLUMBUS, Ohio– Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus has one of the most storied football traditions in the state.
This season is no different, the Hawks continue to soar above the competition and have made it deep into the OHSAA playoffs.
Thursday morning, current players, coaches, and members of the Hartley family gathered to give thanks.
- Thursday morning the Bishop Hartley High School football team, coaches and some special guests gathered to give thanks and share a favorite thanksgiving day tradition.
- Hundreds gather for a thanksgiving breakfast and football practice, a tradition last celebrated in 2016 during their championship season.
- The Hawks face Trotwood-Madison in the state semifinals Friday.
‘They built the program, and we wouldn’t be where we are today if they didn’t set the foundation and won’t be where we are tomorrow without today so. We understand that there’s a great sense of gratitude that we have,” says Head Football Coach Brad Burchfield.
And graduates say they’re proud to stay connected with the long-time Hawks tradition, the first gathering since their championship trek in 2016.
“I was so excited to see the people that I haven’t been able to see in such a long time. When I was in school, we had Thanksgiving practice each year I was here. So it kind of fostered a sense of community,” says 2016 graduate Ryan Reed.
“It’s an honor to come back and just see that we’re a community as a family, it’s the most important thing. And you see what’s going on here so, it’s a blessing,” says 1998 graduate Kurt Shade.
Afterward, the special guests braved the 30-degree temperatures and watched the team practice.
1967 graduate and former Hawks Defensive Tackle Pat Stuhldreher says he never misses the tradition.
“A bunch of years ago, we laid the foundation. And it’s a family, and the players appreciate some of us old folks coming back and supporting them,” says Stuhldreher.
And current players, especially the seniors, echo the sentiment.
‘i’m a senior now, and it’s honestly the last time this is going to happen that this is going to happen for me as a player. But yeah, coming back and reuniting with my friends and stuff is going to be a good time,” says senior Angelo Evans.
“To see all the alumni from even way back when they won the championship in 1987 and seeing everyone come out and enjoy themselves for Thanksgiving is just a blessing and a dream come true for everybody,” says senior Jalan January.
The top seed Hawks face Trotwood-Madison in the state semifinals Friday evening.
The winner advances to the state finals the following weekend at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.