CALUMET TOWNSHIP | Sixth grade was an important period in the life of Tyler Webb. That season sparked several new beginnings for the Calumet sophomore.
He played his first down of football. He loved it.
He played his first note on the trumpet. He loved that, too.
Time management is like two sumo wrestlers slow dancing to a Motorhead ditty.
"Honestly, I like both way too much to drop one for the other," Webb said.
During home games this fall, Webb played offensive guard or center, then sprinted off the field at halftime. His "dress buddy" would help him get into his marching band outfit, and he returned to the field to do his thing.
Then, it's another sprint into the locker room to listen to coach Ivan Zimmer's halftime adjustments.
Last Saturday, Webb played in Calumet's junior varsity game. He then went to a band contest that lasted much of the day.
There is no rest for the bleary.
"Tyler works extremely hard," Zimmer said. "He's a great kid, very effervescent. He works extremely hard with our band and does the same for our football program.
"Developing a work ethic at an early age will sustain Tyler, or anyone, for the rest of their life."
On Friday the winless Warriors will host Gavit in a Class 3A Sectional 17 opener. The Gladiators beat Calumet 38-14 in Week 1. This young team, with only one senior, will have a spiritual side to the sectional effort.
They plan on playing the game for Calumet athletic secretary Vikki Rodriguez, who was buried Monday. She worked in the system for 40 years with five athletic directors.
Her smile and kind spirit will be on the minds of the Warriors on Friday.
"She was one of the nicest ladies I've ever met," Webb said.
"She was a wonderful person," Zimmer added. "She knew how to treat people. She will be missed."
This is the last postseason of this kind. Next year Class 6A football will begin. During the conversations over the last few years the talk of not allowing teams with poor records was discussed.
Both Zimmer and Webb are happy that the IHSAA did not listen to such words. Despite not getting a win in the regular season, the Warriors are excited to play in a sectional.
"Our entire team is working hard. We want to give people something to be proud of Calumet High School," Webb said. "If we keep working hard, it will make all the difference in the world. I believe that we can.
"I believe every person deserves a shot."
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