By John Raffel
Many families and individuals have contributed to the rich tradition of Ithaca football in the past.
One name that really sticks out is Capen.
Scott Capen played football for the Yellowjackets in his youth and has transferred the talents and passions of the game to his three sons, Luke, Josh, and Seth. The three have been a part of the three straight titles and 42-0 record coming to this season.
That name has not been lost on coach Terry Hessbrook, when went to school with Scott Capen. He also went to school with Fran Crumbaugh, who would become the mother of the three Capens. She was also athletic, Terry recalls.
“She played some basketball early in her career,” he said.
The Yellowjackets won the 2010, 2011, and 2012 football state title games. But it was one play in that first championship game that produced a moment Hessbrook won’t forget. “I remember Luke catching the first pass of our 2010 state finals game and running all the way to the 1-yard line,” Hessbrook said.
Obviously, Hessbrook and others are always asked to compare the three Capen sons and their dad as football players.
“All three of the boys are very different,” Hessbrook said. “All bring different abilities to the field. Their Dad was a running back and was very fast. They are all respected among their teammates.”
Luke played as a sophomore and was a receiver and safety. He was Detroit Free Press all-state as a senior.
His first year of football was the fifth grade. “We loved to compete, we’re all competitors,” he said. “All three of us played it, and we always enjoyed it.”
In 2010, Ithaca defeated St. Mary Catholic Central 45-35 in the state title game in which senior Luke played split end and defensive guard and sopohomore Josh played noseguard. Luke had 11 catches for 134 yards in that game. Luke had 14 tackles and Josh three.
It doesn’t surprise Luke that the tradition has continued.
“I knew when me and the seniors left, there were a bunch of guys left, like my brother’s grade was loaded with talent,” Luke said. “I knew we left that school in good hands. I knew it would be something special. I didn’t know it would last this long. You never think that it would go this long; it doesn’t usually happen. I didn’t know it would be quite like this. It’s unreal. It’s fun to watch.”
He’s proud of that first state title and especially having had Josh as a teammate.
But when it comes to style, “me and Josh are night and day,” Luke said. “He’s a grinder. He was inside of the defense, a tough nose guy. I was more of a finesse guy, I’d say.”
Luke played football at Northern Michigan University his freshman year and transferred to Michigan State University to focus on academics, where he is majoring in Finance.
He also played basketball and baseball in high school. “Baseball was my best sport,” he said. “I was three-time all-state in baseball. I played outfield and I pitched.”
The 2011 football team that beat Constantine 42-14 in the finals featured Josh as left offensive guard and nose guard, starting both ways. He had three tackles.
The 2012 team included Josh and Seth in a 37-27 win over Constantine. Josh again started both ways and had 10 tackles. Seth collected four tackles.
Josh Capen graduated last year after playing on all three state title teams. He was brought up to varsity as a sophomore and played both ways. “Luke is more of offensive player,” Josh said. “Seth and I are more defensive than Luke is. I’m bigger than both. I’m 230. Luke is about 180.”
“We all think we’re faster than each other,” Seth smiled. “There’s no doubt Josh is the strongest. Me and Luke probably have the most comparable build.”
Now Josh gets to be a spectator, but he relished his opportunities to be a player.
“Those games, I realize I should not take for granted,” he said. “I was so excited to get all those wins. I was excited to play in the state championship games.”
Josh also participated in other sports, including wrestling. He was 43-1 as a senior at 285 pounds, losing 4-1 to John Marogen of Dundee in the finals to take second place. He is now attending Lansing Community College.
Seth, a senior, is outside linebacker and quick guard on the weak side of the offensive line.
“I’d like to think of myself as a leader and that I push the team to do what we can and do our best and are trying to keep everyone’s heads up,” Seth said.
He is in his second varsity season. The first five games last season he was on special teams. Then he started six straight games and started in the state title game.
“I knew starting the season I wouldn’t start as an outside linebacker,” Seth said, recalling that the spot was filled. “When [Jacob] Barnes went down, I got my chance to play and that was awesome. Being in the state finals, game, that was sweet.”
Playing with his brother on the third state title team was special for Seth.
“When I was on JVs, I watched Luke and Josh play together and win,” Seth said. “Then I got to watch Josh by himself in 2011. To be on the field with him in 2012, that was sweet.”
He’s hoping to be a part of state championship No. 4. “I have a better understanding of what I need to do,” he said. “The motto this year is ‘Team 100’ and how do we want to be remembered. Either way, we’ll be remembered as the team that could continue the streak or the team that couldn’t continue the streak. Everyone wants to be remembered as the team that did it. That’s the goal.”
This marks the 100th year of Ithaca football, Seth noted.
He also wrestles and he ran track in the past. Football is his favorite sport. He’s not sure yet if he’ll be playing football after he graduates. “I don’t think it gets any better than playing football at Ithaca,” he said.
Their parents obviously have had a remarkable impact on their sons.
“Our parents never made us do anything,” Luke said. “They never forced football on us. They just wanted us to have fun. They always supported everything we did. My parents never missed a game for any of us three guys. They’ve been at every game from fourth grade on. They’re always there when we’re down and to cheer us on when we’re doing well. They’ve had a huge part in the success we’ve had. We appreciate that a lot.”
Scott Capen recalls playing football when Ithaca had strong teams, although they were not quite the state power the Yellowjackets are now. He recalls having his sons in Ithaca football by the fifth grade and in a third- and fourth-grade program that was available in Alma. It was up to the sons if they wanted to be in sports, but Scott recalls what a passion they had at an early age.
Scott was an excellent track athlete and was on school record-breaking relay teams. He was also a record-breaking long jumper. He graduated in 1984. Now that he’s a fan, he’s enjoyed following his sons in all sports. “I don’t miss anything,” he said.
“Knowing that there’s been at least been one Capen on every state championship team,” has been special for Seth. “We’ve all played key roles. We’re just not another player on the field. People know who we are.”
The community’s passion for the sport, especially with football success in recent years, has also impressed Scott, who notes that Ithaca football has always had a solid tradition.
But the Capens, like everyone else in Ithaca, marvel at the remarkable winning streak and current run that Ithaca football has produced.
Luke gives a lot of credit to the coaching staff. “They relate to the kids really well,” he said. “They get along. They know what they’re doing. The kids do what they’re asked and are committed. There’s a lot of pride in that town.
“A lot of pride.”