We congratulate the football players and marching band members from Illinois and Maryland who were selected this year for the US Army All-American Game, to be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, Jan 4, 2014. The game starts at 1 PM Eastern Time, noon Central, and will be broadcast live on NBC.
But long before the game, the All-American Bowl excitement gets started every fall when each US Army All-American player and marching band member is honored during a pep rally at their school in front of Army representatives, classmates, teammates, family members, school administrators and media. The 2014 US Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour kicked off on Sept 24 and runs for 10 weeks. It recognizes more than 200 high school senior football and marching band members as US Army All-Americans.
For more information:
- National Association for Music Education webpage for the US Army All-American Marching Band
- A list of all football players nominated for the 2014 US Army All-American Bowl
- More about the selection process for football players
Marching Band
Frances “Frankie” Kestel, piccolo, New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central), Ill., is the sole piccolo player for Lincoln-Way Central’s Marching Knights, a four-year member of the school’s wind ensemble, where she is also the only piccolo, a three-year member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, and a one-year member of the National Honor Society. Frankie has received three solo firsts, two duet firsts, and one flute trio first in the state’s solo and ensemble contest. She was a member of the 2013 Bands of America Honor Band and participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Caroline McCahey, color guard (flag), Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), Ill., has loved to perform since she was 3 years old and started dancing. She has been a member of a dance performance group for 10 years. Her love of dance and music led her to the color guard in high school. Despite spending many hours a week dancing and spinning, she maintains a high GPA with a challenging academic schedule. She is also dance captain and section leader in the marching band, and she holds elected positions in several other school organizations.
Mike Roberts, trumpet, Orland Park (Carl Sandburg), Ill., is passionate about his music. His music career started when he was in second grade on piano. He started to play trumpet when he was in fourth grade and has studied with two teachers up until now. Throughout Mike’s junior high years, he started to grow as a player and musician, playing in the concert band all three years as well as the jazz band. Mike served in numerous leadership roles, including stage manager for the school musical all three years. Since his freshman years Mike was first chair on trumpet eight out of the 12 concerts for concert band. As a freshman and sophomore in the school’s marching band, he marched trumpet, while this past year, he served as the drum major for the Marching Eagles. Mike also participated in the school’s top jazz ensemble since freshman year and the school’s symphony orchestra. He was selected by his band directors to be a part of the district’s honor band, which brings together the best musicians from three schools. Finally, Mike actively participates in the school’s pep band, conducting the group. He has maintained a 4.1 GPA throughout his high school years, taking numerous honors and AP courses. He was inducted into the National Honor Society at the beginning of the school year, and he just received news that he was selected to be a part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band for 2013.
Tony Teleky, snare drum, Waldorf (North Point), Md., has been the drum captain at the school for the past two years. He is in the snare line for the 2013 Macy’s Great American Marching Band, as well as marching for the past two years. He is in the snare line of the Cadets 2 Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2013 season and marched in the snare line of Imperial Dynasty as a WGI finalist in Dayton. He won a gold medal with George Mason University at the 2012 WGI Open Class finals.
Football
Nick Allegretti, offensive line, 6’4″, 280#, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), Ill., is an extremely talented run blocker, who also has the agility and quickness to recover and react while pass blocking. He has tremendous footwork and also has the ability to control where defenders go with his feet, upper-body strength, and hands. Nick’s spot-on positioning allows him to take proper angles when cutting off linebackers, while his pure strength gives him the capability of holding his ground on the line. He is a tough and intense player who gives maximum effort every play. He plans to attend the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Brian Allen, offensive line, 6’1″, 287#, Hinsdale (Central), Ill., is a stellar performer in the run game. He uses his physical strength and mental determination to finish his blocks, creating holes for his backs to burst through. His impressive quickness off the ball allows him to dominate in the run game. In the pass game he does an excellent job with the center/quarterback exchange, especially when dealing with the shotgun snap. He is a very strong, balanced lineman who knows how to protect his quarterback. He plans to attend Michigan State.
Jesse Aniebonam, defensive line, 6’4″, 230#, Olney (Our Lady of Good Counsel), Md., is a good-sized defensive lineman who has plenty of speed and strength. His ability to change directions on the drop of a dime allows him to make any tackle, anywhere on the field. He is a fearless player who will take on a blocker of any size and still hold his ground. Jesse uses his hands and upper-body strength to fend off blockers, wreaking havoc in the backfield. He is a solid tackler who will either wrap up or run through an opponent. He plans to attend the University of Maryland, College Park.
Clifton Garrett, linebacker, 6’2″, 227#, Plainfield (South), Ill., is a very disciplined player. He knows when to shoot the gap or drop back in coverage. He has no problem taking on blockers, and has both the elusiveness and speed to beat them. Clifton is an excellent tackler who can wrap up an opponent or lay a big hit on them. His aggressiveness, run defending skills and ability to make plays after initial contact make him a well-rounded athlete with skills that will serve him well at the next level.
Demetrius Johnson, wide receiver, 6’2″, 210#, Glen Burnie (Annapolis Area Christian School), Md., is a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions, including wide receiver, safety, and tight end. Demetrius has strong hands and good height, and he shows good route-running capabilities. He gets off the line well, and he knows how to get open. An extremely competitive player, he shows excellent concentration as he does whatever it takes to win. As he continues to develop his game, look for him to make an impact on either side of the ball at the next level.
