I’ve known and have been friends with Terry Hessbrook for almost my entire life. We graduated together back in 1985 from Ithaca High School. We played Little League baseball and basketball together. We were best friends growing up. As I look back, it doesn’t surprise me that Terry has had incredible success with a remarkable Ithaca Yellowjackets football program that is now celebrating 56 straight wins and four straight state championships.
Terry’s a hard worker, and he’s always been a winner. He and I were captains of the baseball and football teams together. He was captain of basketball and I was captain of wrestling. We were leaders of our respective sports. His desire many years ago to become a coach stems from the leadership roles of having been a captain and a winner growing up.
I’m very proud to say that Terry’s been a life-long friend. I can safely say that he got the most out of my son, Garrett, who played for the 2010 and 2011 state championship teams. Garrett had the utmost respect for Terry and, obviously, so have hundreds of other Ithaca football players.
Terry has always received great respect as a player, leader, and coach. The competition has been envious of him, and teammates, players, and fans have loved him. But above everything else, he has always cherished being a member of the Ithaca Yellowjackets family.
Yellowjackets football fans can be very proud that they have a unique championship football program. They can also be very proud that they have a unique championship football coach in Terry Hessbrook.
Thank you Yellowjackets, and thank you, Terry.