by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Andre Corn (Menominee) is a 5-10, 145 lb. utility man on the football team at Menominee Indian High School, Keshena, Wisconsin. The utility man position is on both sides of the ball and is often given to the most talented athlete. Andre is a kick and punt returner, wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. Andre’s parents are Jamie Johnson and August Corn, Jr. and are both Menominee.
“I used to be clumsy,” said Andre. “I had no balance whatsoever. My older brother Avery would make me run drills with him and I always felt like giving up. He always pushed me to be better than him. I broke my leg in the first game of my freshman year and I felt like quitting but I pushed through it to play in the last game of the season.”
“My strengths are leadership, dependability, and selflessness. Leadership: I’m the teammate who picks my team up when they hang their heads. I pick them back up. Not just on the field, but in life. My team is my family and I do my best to pick them up. Dependability: My teammates can count on me every game/play to give it all I got. They count on me to make the big plays. Selflessness: I’m all about the team. I don’t care about stats. I just try my best to help my team win,” added Andre.
“The Seven Grandfather Teachings are implemented into my life,” said Andre. “There are three teachings that stand out to me more. They are Love, Respect, and Bravery. My family is based on loving no matter what. That carries beyond blood and into people into my everyday life from classmates to the school staff, from fellow student athletes to the coaches. Growing up, I was taught to respect everyone, no matter where they came from or what they believe in. No two people are the same. We are all created equal. I was taught that life isn’t always easy, so you have to be brave and have courage to be successful. Whether it’s the smallest problem or the biggest obstacle, I go into every situation with the same determination. I’ll do my best, and I won’t look back.”
“Being an athlete has taught me about highs and lows,” said Andre. “You always have to work your hardest because there is always someone more talented. You deserve everything you are willing to fight for, so when an opportunity presents itself you have to make the most out of it.”
“Andre is definitely a ‘lead by example’ person,” said Menominee Indian HS head football coach Christopher Clache. “I find Andre to be mature beyond his years and he is just a sophomore. He is the epitome of a true student-athlete. Andre is not very vocal but doesn’t need to be. His actions and the way he presents himself will speak volumes of his maturity and his abilities as a football player and student. I’m a firm believer in Andre Corn. And always will be!”
“Andre’s leadership on and off the field has been incredible every year,” said Corey Webster, MIHS Varsity Football Defensive Coordinator. “Even as a freshman, Andre was a natural leader. He is the leader of our secondary on defense, helping and instructing others every week. Andre has a natural instinct for football. Andre is one of the fastest players in the conference and is the best safety in the league. Other teams are even showing their safeties film of him to help their players understand what to do and how to play the position. On offense Andre is one of our biggest weapons with his speed and ability to catch the ball. He breaks many tackles and accelerates away from defenders. Younger and older players look up to him. They look to him for leadership and assistance with schoolwork. All students at Menominee Indian High School respect and admire Andre. He is a leader in classes helping students. He works hard in the classroom to get good grades and shows others how to be a model student. The Eagles Football team is lucky and excited to have Andre on the team, we look forward to the great things he will do not only on the football field but in school, the community, and his own future beyond high school.”
Photograph provided by Andre Corn.
