FJ Reitz Football Parents

Heartbreaking news for our Reitz football family. Please keep Alex Hessler’s loved ones, teammates, and friends in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our own, Alex Hessler, who tragically lost his life on November 16th following a car accident.

Alex was a valued member of our freshman football team and a cherished part of the Reitz High School community. Known for his cordial spirit and contagious smile, he formed lasting friendships and was respected and loved by all who knew him.

Alex had a warming presence that touched many lives. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. We ask that you please keep his family, friends, and the peers affected by this in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

You will remain forever in our hearts, Alex Hessler.

🏈 4A FOOTBALL – SEMI-STATE IS SET! 🏈

Regional play wrapped up Friday night, and now we’re officially down to the Final Four in Indiana Class 4A. The road to Lucas Oil is getting REAL for these teams.

Here are the Class 4A SEMI-STATE matchups for Friday, Nov 21:

📍 South Bend St. Joseph (12–1) vs Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (11–2)
📍 Heritage Hills (12–1) vs Roncalli (10–3)

👉 Who do YOU think is taking 4A all the way this year? Will Heritage Hills bring home a 4A title to add to their 3A collection? Will it be an upset? Drop your picks below ⬇️

Senior Panther Parker Baumeyer is spending his weekend on a recruiting visit at the University of Louisville, taking in the Blackout Game atmosphere as the Cards face the Clemson Tigers.

From leading the SIAC in kickoff yards and punting to racking up top-state numbers this season, Parker’s putting in the work and getting noticed. 👀🏈

Keep shining, #4!! Panther Nation is always cheering you on 💙🐾

📚🏈 Academic All-City 🏈📚

Brains + grit 🧠💪🏼 that’s the Reitz way.
Huge congratulations to our student-athletes who earned Fall Academic All-City honors for the 2025–2026 season! These folks put in the work on the field and in the classroom ⭐️

👏 Way to represent the Blue & Gray with pride, discipline, and heart. We see you. We’re proud of you. Keep leading the standard.

Updated! These student-athletes have been doing impressive work both inside and outside the classroom! Congratulations to the Fall Academic All-City members!

🏈 4A Football Marches On! 🏈 Sectionals wrapped up Friday night across Indiana, and now it’s on to REGIONALS! Even though our Panthers’ season has come to a close, you know we’re still keeping an eye on the action 👀

Below are the class 4A Regional matchups. It’s a competitive field and it’s going to be fun to watch how things shake out.

🔥 Who do YOU think is making it to Semi-State?
🏆 Any early call-outs on what team runs the table and takes 4A all the way this year?

Drop your predictions below ⬇️

🏈 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT 🏈

🔥 Player: Aiden Dugger #66
🎓 Class of 2026
📚 GPA: 4.17

💪 On the Field:
🏈 Position - Center
🏟️ Playing football since age 7; 2014 to present
🧠 Known for his Football IQ, Professor Dugger
💥 Favorite Football Moment was the win over Mater Dei in 2024

👷 Off the Field:
📖 AP Scholar with Distinction
🎻 leads the cello section as principal in the Reitz Symphony Orchestra and performs with the EVSC High School Honors Orchestra
🎭 In 2026, playing in the pit for the Reitz spring musical, Shrek.

📜 Certifications:
✅ MVP of sibling chaos, setting the standard of excellence for 4 little brothers.

⚒️ Work Experience:
🛒 Schnucks Grocery Store (2024-Present) - professional cart wrangler, and bagging specialist

🎯 Future Goals:
Plans to study Chemistry, aiming for a career to literally mix things up🧑🏻‍🔬

Some additional photos from the IHSAA Sectional Semifinals 🏈

Check out the full gallery from the game here:
📸 https://gallery.hankestudios.com/hhvsevansvillereitz/

Photos by Hanke Studios

HH vs Evansville Reitz Photo collection by Hanke Studios

Check out some great action shots 📸 from last night’s game courtesy of Perfectly Delightful Images. Link below 👇🏻

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JJJCdddQ2/?mibextid=wwXIfr w

HH vs Reitz Perfectly Delightful Images