For anyone really into detail, the headline on this blog is the same as the blog covering the same subject in 2021. As one might imagine, it is because the same principles apply – this is as big a reason as any Bridgeport High School wins on the football field.

 

The person it is about is different. Those principles, well, they will not be changing anytime soon if the coach has anything to say about it – no matter who the coach is.

 

Former Coach John Cole knows all about it. Second-year head Coach Tyler Phares, in his fourth year with the Indians, knows all about it too. It is one of those intangibles that has been in place for a long time and it only in recent years has been officially recognized.

 

That playoff streak? Probably not still going without it. The non-losing record streak? Yes, that one may not be around either.

 

On Friday, on Nov. 4 to be exact in the BHS game with Lincoln, the entire Bridgeport High School football team lined up on the sidelines with members of the coaching staff. Phares was then joined just on the field by Dick and Susan Steadman.

 

Phares and the Steadman’s were there to present the annual Talon Steadman Heart Award. The honor does not go to the team’s best player. It does not go to the fastest or the one with the most potential.

 

It goes to the one that best represents the sacrifice made for the betterment of team – often in the face of anonymity on the practice fields. It reflects the style and workmanship of former Indian Talon Steadman.

 

Talon Steadman died in August of 2009. He was killed at the age of 16 in an automobile accident and was a proud member of the Bridgeport High School football team.

 

Steadman, Phares, and past coaches have said, Steadman was not the biggest kid. He was not the fastest. He was, however, as determined as anyone and the player that always volunteered to help when the coaches needed something – or someone – to do something.

 

He was team first and never a “me kid” when on the field. Cole during his time as head coach said repeatedly after presenting this award each year that it is this type of contribution that makes the program work as much as anything else. Phares echoed that this past week that it is as important to present the honor for what players like the one honored Friday do for the program as it is to keep Talon Steadman’s memory alive.

 

The attitude has been around the program for more than a half a century now. The only sad part is Steadman’s passing put a name and an award on it.

 

Still, there was happiness in the Lincoln contest when Gooch Holbert announced the winner over the public address system. The name was one Phares, and the rest of the staff, were thrilled to announce – Connor Arnett.

 

“Connor is the epitome of a great teammate. He’s a kid that shows up and does the right thing,” said Phares. “He plays hurt, never complains and does whatever the team needs, and at a high level.”

 

Arnett plays linebacker and wingback for the Tribe. He is also a starter on special teams.

 

Phares is aware some seniors who might not be starting on offense or defense would complain, pout, or essentially be negative. Arnett is just the opposite, and the coaches notice.

 

“Along with everything else I’ve mentioned, that is the reason he wins the Steadman award,” said Phares. “He cares about the team and prepares each week to be ready for any situation we need him for, and he’s always in the right spot to help us be successful.”

 

Success is plentifully once again at BHS. Another winning season. Another playoff appearance. And now, another Talon Steadman award winner.

 

“You draw a lot of similarities about the stories you hear regarding Talon and Connor. I didn’t know Talon, but Connor is a quiet kid you never have to worry about,” Phares said. “There is no drama with him, and he works his tail off. He is a coach’s dream who never gives you an excuse for anything. He is more than deserving of this honor because he does things the right way.”

 

Success is plentifully once again at BHS. Another winning season. Another playoff appearance. And now, another Talon Steadman award winner.

 

This is the 13^th year for the award. The first winner in 2012 was Justin Massie. Last year’s winner was Dylan Hinzman.

 

Editor's Note: Trio of photos above show Connor Arnett after the announcement he was the Talon Steadman Award winner with Coach Tyler Phares and Dick and Susan Steadman. Action shot shows Arnett getting a tackle against Robert C. Byrd, while he's shown in his media photo below. All photos by Joe LaRocca.