CARROLL, Ohio — Bloom-Carroll senior Chase Plantz is one of three captains for the Bloom-Carroll High School football team. 

The outside linebacker and running back is not only focused on the games ahead of his team.

“This is our last round, so we have to make every little thing count,” says Bloom-Carroll Senior Chase Plantz. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • Bloom-Carroll senior Chase Plantz is one of three captains for the Bloom-Carroll High School football team

  • Plantz might be focused on the wins and big plays for both sides of the ball, but he's also conscious of his academics and boosting his current 3.5 GPA for a statewide honor

  • First-year head coach Jeremy McKinney presented a unique challenge to his student-athletes this season
  • McKinney started a new tradition, using these GPA helmet decals— to motivate his team in and out of the classroom

 

 

Plantz might be focused on the wins and big plays for both sides of the ball, but he's also conscious of his academics and boosting his current 3.5 GPA for a statewide honor. 

“Academic All-Ohio is probably one of the most like pristine awards that you can earn. Because not only do you have to have above a 3.6 GPA, you have to be a successful athlete too,” said Plantz. 

First-year head coach and long-time Bloom-Carroll school district science teacher Jeremy McKinney presented a unique challenge to his student-athletes this season. 

After learning of the idea from a friend who is also a head football coach, McKinney started a new tradition, using these GPA helmet decals— to motivate his team in and out of the classroom.  

“At first I don't think they knew what to think of it, but I think once they got on there, I actually think quietly they're actually pretty proud of it. 57% of our team have GPAs higher than 3.0. If we can get 57 above 3.6, now we're really rolling,” said McKinney. 

Plantz said the 2022 seniors are setting the standard for years to come at Bloom-Carroll High School. 

“If I was in a younger grade, I would definitely want to look up to the upperclassmen and follow in their footsteps," said junior offensive lineman Jaden Ball. "It makes sure I keep working hard  in the classroom just so I can keep the sticker on there."

Plantz hopes the GPA stickers will continue to bring a sense of friendly competition and a boost of confidence. 

“Them other kids might want that sticker, or it just shows them that like they're trying not only on the field but the classroom too,” said Plantz. 

Last season, the Bloom-Carroll High School Football team had five seniors on the Academic All-Ohio team.