The Rebel Football Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rick Dias
A deep dive into the past 50 years of Roncalli Rebel football. We will celebrate and honor the men who helped create and establish the rich tradition of southside, Catholic football in Indianapolis.
As we rejoin the Rebel football class of '83, we finish the story with the Pike game and on through the playoffs. We reminisce about the state game where we came up just a little short. We end on the name change and final thoughts. This was a magical journey for me and all those Rebels football players who remember this improbable run to our first state championship appearance. Enjoy!
I have been in the business and selling world for over 30 years. I have read countless articles, several books, and attended many seminars on the subject of leadership. The best lesson I have ever witnessed however, took place in the summer/fall of 1983. As a lowly, pond scum sophomore on our varsity football team, I was blessed to experience what true leadership really looks like. After loosing many starters to the prior year seniors, the Roncalli football squad was not picked to have much success. No one could have predicted the next few months and what would transpire. Through perseverance, long practices (sometimes until 9pm), grueling 2-a-days, one incredible hit, and the gelling of some senior leaders, Roncalli experienced its first state championship appearance. This episode (a 2 parter), features Pat Spencer, Joe Annee, Steve Wilson, and Jim House. We reminisce about the old days and relive a little glory along the way. At the core of these men is togetherness and leadership. All of which are still very present in their lives. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did spending time with some of my childhood heroes! Thanks for priming the pump boys, those 10 championships would not have happened without you!
It's not often that a freshman in high school starts at a varsity sport, especially football. In my 35 plus years of being around the Rebel football program I don't recall more than a few young men to ever answer that call. My guest on podcast #6 did just that and more! I had the pleasure to talk to Aidan Leffler recently about how this poised, thoughtful young man was thrown to the wolves his freshman year to help salvage a football season headed for the tank. From that point until he finished his senior year of Roncalli football, Aidan never relinquished the role of starting QB, embracing the challenge of working hard and getting better every year. His stats are impressive; 14 school records, 3 sectional titles, 1 state title (#10 for RHS), 2019 Circle City Conference winner, and 2021 All State winner. Aidan and his team mates also had to endure outside dark forces surrounding Roncalli his first 2 years, a coaching change, and lets not forget COVID and all the challenges the China flu inflicted on these kids. Through all these challenges however, Aiden remained a dedicated team mate, leader, and quite a humble young man. As you will find out, he is quick to give credit to his team mates and family for any success he might have accomplished. Whatever the future holds for Aidan I know he will use the lessons learned from the grid iron to forge a bright future. Thanks for all you did for the Roncalli football program Aidan, good luck to you sir!
Well it only took me about 8 months to put out a new episode so I thought I would swing for the fences. I was blessed to talk to a very talented young man who hails from St. Barnabas and Roncalli ('12) and comes from good stock. His family have been a contributing part of St. Barnabas and the south-side of Indy for decades. Joey Mulinaro made a name for himself on the souths-side of Indy during his college days at The University of Indianapolis with his burgeoning stand up routine, writing comedy sketch with is good buddy Ben Polizzi (also a stand up comedian), and most notably his impersonations. I am a HUUUGGGEEEE LSU fan and an even bigger fan of the former Tiger captain Coach O (Oh will the world miss him, those that could understand him). Joey's impersonation of both Coach O is spot on and brilliant. Throw in Nick Saban at a tattoo is pure genus, relevant, not to mention funny AF! In a noisy and cluttered entertainment world, Joey has carved out quite a career for himself, working his way into a full time position with Bar Stoll Sports. He has worked hard at his craft and credits his determination, grit, and undaunting ambition to be the best at his art to the grid iron. Joey shares some great football stories and eloquently speaks on how Roncalli football helped forged a foundation for the rest of his life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and Geaux Tigers, I mean Rebels! (Yes I know they are the Royals)
Joey can be found on YouTube and also on Twitter: @JoeyMulinaro, and Instagram: @joeymulinaro.