Uncles cheering on nieces, nephew

PERKINS TWP. — They're cheerful for many reasons. For starters, they're ecstatic about their Perkins Pirates reaching a football state championship game for the first time since 1999. But four individuals in particular involved with on-field activities — cheerleaders Paige Schnittker, Vivian Venerucci and Anabelle Wadsworth along with backup quarterback Logan Wadsworth, who's also Anabelle's brother — can't contain their enthusiasm when envisioning what a win, collectively, would mean for their families. This quartet all have uncles who suited up for the Pirates 25 years ago in the district's only state title victory. A win Saturday, against Indian Valley in the Division IV state championship game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, would mean they could all call one another state champions. All three uncles along with their nieces and nephew spoke about this milestone moment and the special link they all share connecting them a generation apart: Printy/Venerucci • Twenty-five years ago, we lifted the trophy and felt like kings. It was pretty awesome to see the community come together and celebrate with us on the journey. Now my niece, Vivian, gets to cheer and enjoy those same memories with family and friends. It's pretty special. Go Pirates: Make history again. — Brian "Bubba" Printy, uncle to Vivian • It's pretty cool to continue the legacy and definitely something we will always talk about. My family has a bunch of scrapbooks and videos from the game, and now I want to do the same for this year's run. It's just all so cool. — Vivian, Perkins High School senior Scally/Wadsworth • I have a tremendous amount of pride in where I grew up and who I grew up with. The Perkins football program always held a special place in my heart and, quite honestly, propelled me onto the path I am today. As a coach, I know, firsthand, just how difficult it is to get to a state championship game. So to see my niece and nephew be able to experience that and create these memories, whether they know it or not, that will last a lifetime just brings an even greater sense of pride. — Jeremey Scally, uncle to Anabelle and Logan • It's cool how it all fell into place. It was exactly 25 years ago. We have heard the story before, but now that my brother is on the team, it's cool that we get to both experience it together. We both grew up as football lovers, and it's cool that we get to do this together. – Anabelle, Perkins High School junior • It's pretty cool. With him being around the game all of his life, coaching now down in Columbus, and having been going to games since I was 2 years old, to win a state championship for Perkins and to compete in one, too, would mean a lot to all of us. — Logan, Perkins High School freshman Schnittker • I love the fact that Paige gets to experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment. The 1999 state championship brought the community together in such an incredible way. The memories, the battles and the excitement of winning stay with you long after the game ends. The 2024 team is no different. These players, cheerleaders and families will always have this connection. For Paige, to have this experience is really special, and I can't wait to see them bring a second state title home to Perkins. — Brandon Schnittker, uncle to Paige • It's really cool. As a family, I grew up watching a lot of football and talking to my uncle about the state championship game that he was a part of. It's just really cool to have two people in the family who can experience something that special. — Paige, Perkins High School junior