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Matt and I made our way to Sheridan, Indiana a small rural town 30 miles north of Indianapolis. Though Sheridan is a small town, it has a great football tradition. Generations of families have played for legendary Coach Larry “Bud” Wright. Nick Zachery is the latest member of his family to play for Wright. His father, brother, and uncle all won state titles with Coach Wright, but only Nick can boast about his three state championships at Sheridan.

He has been a varsity starter since his freshman year at quarterback, safety, kicker, and punter. When asked how it felt to start as a freshman in the state championship, Zachery pointedly said, “Scary.” Wright commented he would have played him as an 8h grader had he had the chance.

Sheridan went 56-4 in his four years, including a 44-game winning streak. Zachery finished his career second all-time in state history with 7,331 career rushing yards, 904 total points and 140 touchdowns. He lead his team to the state finals each year, winning his freshman, sophomore, and junior year and finishing runner up his senior year. Zachery’s versatility will be a huge asset for Team USA. He was also a standout safety. This past fall Zachery returned five interceptions for touchdowns, along with two punt returns.

Zachery will play safety for Team USA and at Indiana University for Head Coach Bill Lynch this fall. “Coach Wright has prepared me better than anyone could have ever prepared me,” Zachery said.

Wright is a giant in Indiana high school football. He ended his 44th season 17 wins shy of the state coaching record of 368 victories, currently held by retired Jasper coach Jerry Brewer. In addition, he has been named Indiana Coach of the Year three times and is a member of the Indiana High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He also has nine state championships to his credit.

At 67-years old, Wright has a photographic memory, recalling players, championships, and games from the past four decades. He is excited about Zachery’s opportunity to play in the Junior World Championship.

Athletic Director, Mike Shelburne said, “”We’ve had a lot of great athletes come through here. All-Star teams and All-State. But, its nice to have recognition beyond the normal.” The secret formula to Sheridan’s success is not written in some playbook, or chalkboard, but rather “between coaches ears,” said Shelburne.

As we made our way to Bud Wright Stadium, Coach Wright wanted us to note that it is not Bud Wright Memorial Stadium yet, as a PA announcer identified once. Matt and I noticed an old church bell in the south end zone. The Blackhawk Bell, which chimes every time Sheridan scores a touchdown. Nick Zachery made it chime 140 times over his four year career. As we were leaving the field, we asked if he could ring it one more time.

We talked about the state championship banners on the back side of the grandstands, noting the Zachery family’s contribution. Coach Wright will surely miss Zachery, but don’t worry about that record; he has his eye on Nick’s younger brother, who will be coming up as a freshman following next season. And, there is still some room on that old barn for more championship banners. I asked Nick if he thought his younger brother could fill the other side, he smiled, “that would be nice.”

And, as we were leaving town, we noticed the water tower which listed all the state championships 80, 84, 87, 88, 92, 98, 05, 06, 07 followed by a comma, which can only mean more championships to come.

- Mick

I am looking forward to meeting Sheridan Coach Bud Wright, who ranks second all time in wins in Indiana, behind Jasper’s Jerry Brewer 368 victories. Wright has collected nine state championship over his 43-year coaching career, the most of any head coach in Indiana.

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- Mick

• Tue, May 5

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