Player Profile Charlie Stuart Valpo Edition

Sacred Heart Preparatory’s success on both offense and defense this football season can be accredited to a key player, Charlie Stuart ‘24. As a senior captain and a two-year varsity player, Stuart has led the team on and off the field with crucial tackles and exciting catches that have led to many wins and further motivated his team. One important catch at the start of the season against Sacred Heart Cathedral following a loss against Riordan set the tone for the rest of the season, for both Stuart and the entire team. He said that “there was a lot of pressure on [them] to perform…[but] after that catch, all the pressure was off and we just started playing our football.” Stuart’s leadership on the field has been an integral contribution to the team’s wins and accomplishments throughout the season. With 290 total yards on offense, four touchdowns, and 21 tackles on defense, his impressive statistics have been essential to the team’s triumphs.
As a senior captain, Stuart is asked to lead younger players that will continue the legacy of the team. When asked about his team, Stuart said, “I have watched almost all of these guys grow up and improve on and off the field. This year I don’t feel like my job is to be their mentor. My job is to just lead by example and answer questions if needed.” And he has done just that — with an incredibly successful season his senior year, he continues to lead the team to the end of regular season.
Before the team heads to the playoffs they will face their longtime rival, Menlo, in Valpo Bowl. The historic matchup has fueled the team to work even harder, especially the seniors as they prepare to compete in their last Valpo Bowl. Stuart said that “the main goal for the team right now is to beat Menlo.” His motivation to win the game has inspired his teammates to increase their intensity. Stuart watched Valpo Bowl as a younger player, and now has had the opportunity to compete in it. He explained his excitement to “be a part of such a historic rivalry… [and] getting the chance to play in it is truly a blessing.” He says that his favorite thing about playing in Valpo Bowl is, “the overall energy coming from both schools. [He feels as though] this puts just the right amount of pressure on players to make them perform, while also having them realize the importance of Valpo Bowl.”