After a second-season ending injury, junior Chris Bender, a captain and leader of the Bishop Noll football team, plans to come back next year but in a different way.

   “I plan not only to come back, but to come back stronger, faster, and simply better,” he said.

“You can catch me conditioning, working out, and becoming a better football player the day I get my cast taken off, because it’s all or nothing at this point.”    Bender’s season ended on the night of the homecoming game against Boone Grove when he popped his left elbow out of place and also tore ligaments. Bender plays running back, tight end, and linebacker.

   “I can really play whatever coach needs me to,” He said.. Bender would like to continue to play football in college at the University of Miami, Kent State, Notre Dame, or Indiana State. Bender began playing football at a young age and so it has been his life ever since then.

  “I’ve been playing football since I was in second grade.  I figured out at a young age that I was interested in football because it became something I loved and something I always wanted to do.” I love the adrenaline from the Friday nights, I love the sense of family from the team, and most of all, I love hitting people.”

  Bender said he can not wait to get back on the field next year and perform to his very best.

  “I plan on winning a lot of games, next year has to be the year.”