welcome
class of 2029
independence freshman football
Welcome to the team, Freshman families! We’re so excited to kick off this season with you. Whether your son is brand new to football or already obsessed with the game, we’re here to make sure his first season at Independence starts strong, feels supported, and sets the tone for everything ahead.
Below you’ll find everything you need to get prepped, show up confidently, and know exactly what to expect. This isn’t just about football. It’s about character, commitment, and community.
Let’s make this season one to remember!
Enrollment & Tryouts
No tryouts. No stress. Everyone is welcome. If your player is ready to work hard, show up for the team, and bring a positive attitude, he’s in. Simply register your son via Final Forms.
The 2025 Independence Media Guide is a keepsake that celebrates every team, every player, and every performance that brings Friday nights to life. From our football team to our cheerleaders, dancers to band members, this full-color guide highlights the spirit, heart, and hustle that define our season.
Packed with team photos, Senior tributes, community ads, and special features, it’s a tribute to the traditions we’re proud of, the memories we’ll never forget, and the spirit of #AllIndy.
*Pre-orders are open through August 1st
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here's what you need to know
Communication Expectations
Independence football is about more than just building athletes. It's about building leaders. This is often the first time many players are expected to communicate directly with a coach, and that’s by design.
Players are responsible for letting Coach know if they’ll be missing a practice, out of town, running late, or dealing with anything that affects participation.
Encourage your son to be the one sending that message. It builds confidence, clarity, and character (and keeps Coach from juggling 30 different parent texts 😅).
That said, if you as a parent ever have a specific concern, you're always welcome to reach out directly.
Coach Chad Gates
📧 ChadG@wcs.edu
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All team communication from coaches come through the Ballfrog App—don’t skip this! Both parents and players should download this app to stay connected. This ensures you get all updates, reminders, and last-minute changes straight from Coach.
To get set up:
To get set up:
- Scan the QR code and download the Ballfrog app.
- Enter your phone number (you’ll get a 4-digit code)
- Enable push notifications.
- Fill in your info (name, email, address).
- Under Teams, tap the bell icon to turn off sports you don’t need.
- Select Football, tap the comments icon, and request access as “Parent.”
🚨 important 🚨
download the bullfrog app
The 2025 Independence Media Guide is a keepsake that celebrates every team, every player, and every performance that brings Friday nights to life. From our football team to our cheerleaders, dancers to band members, this full-color guide highlights the spirit, heart, and hustle that define our season.
Packed with team photos, Senior tributes, community ads, and special features, it’s a tribute to the traditions we’re proud of, the memories we’ll never forget, and the spirit of #AllIndy.
*Pre-orders are open through August 1st
PRACTICE PREPARATION
📍 Location: Independence High School Football Field
🕒 Time: Practice schedule will be shared directly with players and families from Coach via Bullfrog (instructions above).
Freshmen should meet outside the Freshman Locker Room. Arrive early, stay focused, bring the right gear:
Where is the Freshman Locker Room?
🕒 Time: Practice schedule will be shared directly with players and families from Coach via Bullfrog (instructions above).
Freshmen should meet outside the Freshman Locker Room. Arrive early, stay focused, bring the right gear:
- Athletic shoes & cleats
- Water bottle (labeled!)
- Navy shorts and shirt
- Combination lock for locker
Where is the Freshman Locker Room?
- You'll turn onto Declaration Way and continue as it wraps around the back of the school
- As you do that, you'll see the football field on your right, and the school on your left
- You'll eventually come to a little intersection with a crosswalk, and you'll notice a rock to your right
- If you look to your left, you'll see a brick wall that comes out from the school - that's the locker room area. The freshman locker room is the last door on the left.
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Team Gear
Team gear is available through the Mathews Team Sports Store twice a year. If you haven’t ordered yet, no worries—just stick to a navy or gray shirt and navy shorts until the next order cycle opens.
Gear Includes:
Be sure you are signed up for our email list HERE to get notified when the store opens and closes for each season’s gear drop.
Gear Includes:
- Navy team shirts
- Workout shorts
- Optional extras (hoodies, socks, etc.)
Be sure you are signed up for our email list HERE to get notified when the store opens and closes for each season’s gear drop.
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Game Schedule
The Freshman team will play on Monday nights. Below is the upcoming season schedule.
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What's the best way to get in touch with the coach?
Players are encouraged and expected to communicate directly with Coach about absences, travel, or anything that affects participation—it’s all part of building leadership. Encourage your son to send the message himself (it builds confidence and saves Coach from juggling 30 parent texts 😅).
That said, parents are always welcome to reach out with specific concerns. Contact Coach Chad Gates
📧 ChadG@wcs.edu
Where can I buy gear or uniforms for my son?
Game uniforms, pads, and helmets are provided by the school with help from the Touchdown Club—your donations help make this happen!
Workout Gear is available through the Mathews Team Sports Store. If you haven’t ordered yet, just wear a navy or gray shirt with navy shorts until it arrives.
Fan gear is sold at every home game during the regular season.
What are the fees and fundraising expectations?
There are two main fees:
These cover a lot—but not everything. The full cost to run a high-caliber football program goes well beyond what fees alone can support. That’s where fundraising helps fill the gap.
This year, TDC members can choose to skip the traditional fundraisers by making a $500 Fundraising Freedom donation instead (payment plans available). Completely optional, but deeply appreciated.
📣 Full details + perks are on the Touchdown Club membership page.
- $200 School Fee (paid through the district)
- $250 Touchdown Club Membership (covers game gear, meals, travel, trainers, and more)
These cover a lot—but not everything. The full cost to run a high-caliber football program goes well beyond what fees alone can support. That’s where fundraising helps fill the gap.
This year, TDC members can choose to skip the traditional fundraisers by making a $500 Fundraising Freedom donation instead (payment plans available). Completely optional, but deeply appreciated.
📣 Full details + perks are on the Touchdown Club membership page.
What else do parents usually ask that i should know?
Honestly, we hope we covered it all here (we really gave it our best 😅)—but if you're still wondering about something, don’t stress. We send out weekly emails during the season on what to expect (you're on our email list, right?)
Oh, and hop into our Class of 2029 GroupMe—it’s the go-to spot for questions, reminders, and bonding with your fellow freshman families. No question is too small, and someone always has the answer (or at least a meme to make you feel better).
GROUP ME: CLASS OF 2026
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
QUESTION WILL GO RIGHT HERE?
Answer to question will go right here. Jelly-o gummi bears wafer. Oat cake cupcake bonbon toffee. Jelly tiramisu gummi bears jelly beans dragée dragée cupcake fruitcake. Jelly beans pastry toffee halvah caramels. Jujubes chocolate cake croissant powder marshmallow lemon drops jujubes gingerbread gingerbread. Gummi bears macaroon ice cream jujubes gingerbread sesame snaps sweet tootsie roll. Toffee candy donut chupa chups sugar plum liquorice muffin tiramisu. Jujubes icing croissant sweet gummi bears jelly beans gummies liquorice. Sweet roll fruitcake candy gummies marshmallow. Sweet roll topping pastry oat cake chocolate cake. Oat cake jelly beans marshmallow jelly-o. Bear claw chocolate carrot cake chocolate cake marzipan pastry chocolate danish gummies. Sweet roll topping marshmallow.
