Nolan Teising has waited patiently during his high school career to show what he can do on a football field on Friday nights.
Now that he has that opportunity, he is showing that he is a reliable weapon on the Zionsville offense and special teams.
âWhen he came in, he was willing to do anything and everything for us, and he did a lot for us,â Zionsville head coach Scott Turnquist said. âHe did a lot of stuff for us at the lower levels and played a lot of different positions, just wanting to be a part of it and contribute. He waited his time, did anything we needed or asked and did whatever it takes to get on the field. Itâs showing now.â
During his first three years at Zionsville, Teising moved around to different positions on offense, and was even listed as a middle linebacker as well as receiver as a freshman.
He made some spot appearances at the varsity level during the past two seasons, catching seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
âYou just have to try and find ways to get him on the field whenever possible,â Turnquist said. âWe tried to use his talents the best we can. You just have to encourage them to be ready. Their time is going to come, it almost always does. Hopefully they are ready when that time comes and he has been.â
Teising admitted that it was tough at times to not get his chance to show what he could do on a Friday night.
But knew that when his number was called, he would be ready.
âIt was definitely tough to have to wait to get on the field, but overall itâs been great,â Teising said. ââWe have had a lot of really good players here, so I had to wait my turn, but itâs been working out well. The team has been doing well these last couple of games and I have had some opportunities (to contribute).â
That experience has also helped Teising be a leader to some of the younger players on the roster.
He knows what some of those younger players are going through and can help motivate them.
âWhen I see them down and upset about not having a chance to play, I just let them know that I get it, I have been through that situation,â Teising said. âIâm just making sure they keep their heads up and find a way to help the team.â
After graduating three of their top-four statistical receiving leaders from a season ago, the Eagles knew they were going to need some people to step into bigger roles this season.
Teising was a natural option, moving more into a slot receiver role and becoming a veteran presence on the offense.
âHe had that in his own mind and that wasnât something we had to motivate him to do,â Turnquist said. âThatâs encouraging too, because to donât have to coax it out of him or coax him into something â he was ready when his number was called. We are continuing to see that, not just from Nolan, but other guys too. When you see that development and growth, itâs immensely helpful. Itâs a gift to the guys around him.â
With so many new pieces, it was a little rough going for Teising and the offense at first.
But starting with week two where they scored 46 points against Lawrence Central, the Eagles are averaging more than 30 points a game the last four weeks â which would make them one of the top offenses in Class 6A.
Teising has also seen his production increase, with 16 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns on the field.
In the Eagles three wins, he is averaging four catches for just under 70 yards.
That includes a career-best performance last week, with six catches for 78 yards against Noblesville and a crucial 95-yard kick-off return for a touchdown.
âI just love helping the team as much as possible,â Teising said. âWhen my number is called for a play, I just keep making sure Iâm ready. The first week wasnât great, but we have really clicked as a team and itâs been better.â
Teising and the Eagles hope to carry the momentum from back-to-back wins into their game against Hamilton Southeastern.
The game has been postponed until Saturday at 3 p.m. due to the weather.
Teising said the Eagles know it will be a tough task, but the team is ready.
âThey scheduled us for homecoming, which means they think they are going to beat us,â Teising said. âWe have said all week we want to crash the party and let them not have a great homecoming.â