Center Grove Magazine September 2023

JOINT PAIN? MAKE A MOVE!

The things that move you and keep you moving through life are everything. So, if you’re suffering from joint pain and want to get back to going with the flow, the Franciscan Health Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is your best move. Get in touch to find your flow again.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

GREENWOOD FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPT. | 8A-12P

525 N. MADISON AVE.

BARGERSVILLE FARMERS MARKET

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SEPT. | 5-8PM 24 N. MAIN ST.

FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPT. | 8A-12P

FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATER – 237 W. MONROE ST.

WHITELAND FARMERS MARKET

FRIDAYS | 5:30P-8PM

WHITELAND TOWN HALL – 549 MAIN ST.

FALL FUN AT THE APPLE WORKS

SATURDAYS | 10A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

SUNDAYS | 11A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

8157 S 250 WEST, TRAFALGAR

A FALL FAVORITE EVERY YEAR INCLUDING TRAIN RIDES, PONY RIDES, LIVE MUSIC, PUMPKIN PATCH, CORN MAZE, PETTING ZOO, WAGON RIDES, ARTISAN MARKET, FOOD TRUCKS, APPLE TREATS AND SO MUCH MORE.

HOOSIER BREWING COMPANY’S BEER & BAND FEST

SATURDAY, 2ND | 2 P.M. – 8 P.M.

GREENWOOD AMPHITHEATER – 10 E. SMITH VALLEY RD. JOIN HOOSIER BREWING COMPANY FOR SOME OF THE BEST CRAFT BEER, MUSIC, AND FOOD TRUCKS THAT INDIANA AND SURROUNDING STATES HAVE TO OFFER. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT WWW. BEERANDBANDFEST.COM.

LABOR DAY

MONDAY, 4TH

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE COMPETITVE MEMBER ART SHOW

SEPTEMBER 8 - 30

GREENWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY – 310 S. MERIDIAN ST. A COMPETITIVE ART SHOW FEATURING THE WORKS OF SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE MEMBERS. OPENING RECEPTION IS FRIDAY, SEPT. 8, 6PM – 8PM. LIBRARY HOURS ARE MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-8PM AND FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-5PM.

JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE

SATURDAY, 9TH | 8:30A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD – 6822 N. US 31

JOIN SHERIFF DUANE BURGESS ON THIS 18TH ANNUAL CHARITY RIDE BENEFITTING LOCAL JOHNSON COUNTY CHARITIES. CHECK IN AT GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD AND END AT THE GREENWOOD VFW. VISIT JOHNSONCOUNTYSHERIFF.COM/CHARITYRIDE FOR REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION.

FARM GIRL MERCANTILE ANNIVERSARY PARTY

SATURDAY, 16TH | 10A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

436 E. JEFFERSON ST., FRANKLIN

CELEBRATE FARM GIRL MERCANTILE’S ANNIVERSARY WITH OUTSIDE VENDORS, LIVE MUSIC, PUMPKINS, MUMS AND MORE.

HARVEST MOON FALL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, 16TH | 12P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

24 N. MAIN ST., BARGERSVILLE

ANNUAL DAY-LONG EVENT WITH ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY INCLUDING A CAR CRUISE-IN FROM NOON TO 4:30PM; A PETTING ZOO AND CRAFT VENDORS FROM NOON TO 5PM; FOOD TRUCKS FROM NOON TO 9PM; AND A FUN ZONE AND LIVE MUSIC FROM 5PM TO 9PM.

STREISAND - ON STAGE LIVE! AT THE LUXE

FRIDAY, 22ND | 2 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.

SATURDAY, 23RD | 7:30 P.M.

ON STAGE LIVE! AT THE LUXE – 916 E. MAIN ST., GREENWOOD

WHETHER YOU ARE A LOVER OF „BABS“ OR NOTAUDIENCES OF ALL AGES LOVE THIS SHOW. FROM THIS LIVING LEGEND‘S GREATEST HITS FROM BROADWAY, HOLLYWOOD, AND MUSIC RECORDINGS - BARBRA STREISAND HAS DONE IT ALL. THIS SHOW FEATURES A DYNAMIC CAST OF THREE FEMALE VOCALISTS WHO WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!  ONSTAGELIVEATTHELUXE.COM

OLD TOWN GREENWOOD HISTORIC HOME TOUR

SATURDAY, 23RD | 11A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

OLD TOWN GREENWOOD

LEARN THE HISTORY OF OLD TOWN GREENWOOD WHILE TOURING HOMES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER LISTED HISTORIC DISTRICT. 10 HOMES ARE FEATURED PLUS GREENWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE OLD TOWN GREENWOOD HISTORIC HOME TOUR, VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE - FACEBOOK. COM/RESTOREGREENWOOD.

A FINE FIESTA

CELEBRATE LIFE AT DON CUERVO FRESH MADE MEXICAN AND TACOS & BREWS

In the early 2000s, Don Cuervo owners Jacob and Juanita Lopez moved to Greenwood from a small town in central Mexico near the capital city. For years, they worked in the restaurant industry. At home, Juanita always made sure they had a home cooked meal on the table while hoping for a restaurant of her own one day. As their three children -- Enrique, Jessica, and Jason -- grew up and began leaving the nest, the couple prepared themselves for the transition and planned for a business to keep them busy. In August of 2016, an exciting opportunity presented itself to embark on a venture of their own. They opened Don Cuervo Fresh Made Mexican. That was seven years ago, and they’ve never looked back.

“It’s a tough industry with long hours, but it was a chance we wanted to take as a family,” Jacob says. “The food, the recipes, and sharing our culture with the community has been really rewarding in a lot of ways.”

In 2020, Jacob and Juanita opened a second restaurant, Tacos & Brews, which has more of a niche taqueria concept with an emphasis on regional cuisine. At both restaurants they source the highestquality ingredients, and create authentic, traditional recipes that the Lopez family grew up on.

“At Tacos & Brews we offer cuts of meats you may not find in an everyday Mexican restaurant,” says Jessica, General Manager of Tacos & Brews.

One of their most popular dishes is birria tacos, with slow-cooked, savory shredded beef, as well as pickled red onion, cilantro, and soft, handmade corn tortilla shells.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Lopez Family

Front L to R: Juanita and Jacob

Back L to R: Jason, Jessica, Enrique

“The lure of that dish is the consommé, which is a broth that’s made with a base similar to gravy,” Jacob says. “They’re meant to be dipping tacos.”

In addition to the meat that’s cooked and spiced in a very specific way, the birria tacos have Mexican melted cheese in between the two shells. They first introduced the birria tacos at Tacos & Brews. The idea was to sell the kind of tacos that Jacob and Juanita grew up eating in Mexico, which are different from what you normally find here in the U.S.

“You can find traditional Mexican tacos with corn tortillas, but in order to get the closer Mexican experience and get tacos with specialized meats, you often have to drive far into town to some hidden place,” Jacob says. “We introduce those here, on the Southside in a casual, family-friendly environment. For instance, lengua is braised beef tongue, slow cooked. It’s unfamiliar to many palates, but is delicious.”

At Don Cuervo, guests love steak, chicken and shrimp fajitas, as well as arroz con pollo.

“You really can’t go wrong with a classic

of chicken, white queso, and rice,” Jessica says.

Another top seller is the burrito al pastor, which is marinated pork meat with a savory tart pineapple marinade, covered in cheese and green sauce.

“It’s the most indicative dish of Mexico City,” Jessica says.

At Tacos & Brews, guests choose their individual à la carte tacos with their own basket of different meats they want to try.

“It’s closer to the experience of if you traveled to Mexico,” Jessica says. Mahi tacos sell well, as do veggie tacos with fresh zucchini, cheese and pico de gallo. While these are customer favorites, they offer a broad range of items on both of their menus.

“There’s something for everyone,” Jessica says. “Our staff is always willing to find something that will suit you. We do a lot of customizations and modifications based on allergies and preferences.”

Many guests come in several times per week and always have their go-to.

“We’ll start prepping the dish or drink

we know you tend to favor, but we’ll also always check to make sure that’s what you want to stick with for the day,” Jessica says.

It truly is a family affair, as all three of the Lopez children now serve an integral role in Don Cuervo and Tacos & Brews. Enrique is the Head Manager at Don Cuervo who oversees operations across the restaurant groups. He’s also a skydiver on his off days. Juanita and Jason are the foodies who formulate and test the recipes, and perfect the sauces. Jason, who is currently in the process of getting a hospitality degree at college, works part time at both establishments. Jacob, Jessica and Enrique handle the administrative duties including paperwork, staffing and marketing.

Jessica is pursuing an additional business administration degree, but will continue working full time at the restaurants. Owners Jacob and Juanita, married for more than 30 years, are still best friends.

“They’re the reason we’re here,” Jessica says. “We’re all present in the day-to-day kitchen prep. It’s a rare day that a guest walks in and doesn’t find one of the five of us here.”

Over the past seven years, the Lopez family members have watched other local families grow and flourish.

“It’s rewarding to see so many familiar faces and satisfied people,” Jacob says. “It’s even more rewarding when you get to do that while facing daily challenges.”

No doubt restaurants have had their share of challenges in recent years, with the global pandemic, labor shortages, price increases and supply-chain issues.

“Running a restaurant is an intimidating endeavor, but we’re doing what we love to do,” Jacob says. “If that love wasn’t there, it would be easy to find an excuse to quit. We’ve gotten to know a lot of great people and we get to meet new people every day.”

The entire family is incredibly grateful to the Center Grove community for their unwavering support and loyalty through

the years. They’ve helped people with the food that colors the backdrop of graduations, weddings, anniversaries and all the great celebratory stages of life.

“Being in the restaurant business, we’re privileged to witness all of those milestones in people’s lives,” Juanita says. “We’re pleased to be a constant in this ever-changing world. We’re happy they choose to eat our food and experience our culture, and we’re humbled to be

invited along for these special moments.”

Tacos & Brews is located at 3113 West Smith Valley Road in Greenwood. For more information, call 317-300-9168 or visit doncuervotacos.com.

Don Cuervo Fresh Made Mexican is located at 4800 West Smith Valley Road in Greenwood. For more information, call 317-360-6558 or visit doncuervo.com.

On Display

Experience the 2023 Old Town Greenwood Historic Home Tour

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Jennifer Hollingshead, vice president of Restore Old Town Greenwood, says those attending the upcoming Old Town Greenwood Historic Home Tour on Saturday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will have a lot to look forward to.

“We did the first home tour in 2019,” Hollingshead says. “We thought 200 to 300 people might attend. We were surprised

and said they missed it. I have also seen a lot of positive postings about it on our social media pages.”

Guests will have plenty to enjoy.

“We have 11 stops on the tour, and people will be able to see anything from homes in our historic residential district constructed in the early 1900s to a 1920s foursquare

that attendees will also enjoy being in the area, and have a fun day with friends or family in our walkable downtown checking out the local shops and restaurants.”

Hollingshead says she was so busy selling tickets at the 2019 tour booth that she didn’t have time to go on the tour.

“Hopefully I will be able to find time to

• 190 W. Broadway St.

• 432 W. Broadway St.

• 499 W. Broadway St.

• 500W. Broadway St.

• 250 Greenwood St.

• 487 Euclid Ave.

• 382 W. Pearl St.

• 601 Valley Lane Court

• 1 N. Madison Ave.Bayberry Spa

• Main St. & Brewer St. –Greenwood Presbyterian Church

• Madison Ave. & Surina Way – The Madison

music at the event.

“We will have the Greenwood Community Band in attendance, providing several live music groups throughout the neighborhood,” she says. “The musicians are very entertaining.”

Fans of vintage cars will also be happy.

“We will also have several vintage cars for selfie spots throughout the tour,” Hollingshead says. “We hope that attendees will plan to spend the day or even the weekend in Old Town, having a meal and visiting our local shops. It’s a great way to spend the day with family and friends in the heart of Greenwood.”

An added feature for this year’s tour is a shuttle bus.

“The shuttle bus is something new for the tour and I think a lot of people will be taking advantage of that,” Hollingshead says. “We will also be giving kids a chance to set up lemonade and water stands on the tour. We’ll provide the kids with bottled water to help get

beverages out there.”

The tour also provides inspiration and design ideas.

“People on the tour see how other people are doing different types of decorating that they could do themselves in their own homes,” Hollingshead says. “It’s a great way to get

inspired and excited.”

Hollingshead adds that the tour is an important fundraiser for Old Town Greenwood.

“This biannual event is a fundraiser for our nonprofit organization, and helps us to continue our mission to maintain a vibrant commercial and residential area in Old Town Greenwood by advocating for historic preservation, promoting small business and encouraging community involvement,” she says.

Tickets are now on sale at eventbrite. com/e/2023-old-town-home-tourtickets-677867147887.

For more information on the Old Town Greenwood Historic Home Tour, check out their Facebook page. For additional details on Old Town Greenwood, go to restoreoldtowngreenwood.org.

MAKING YOUR DREAM A REALITY

21co Construction Services Is Here to Serve

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

The best way to learn is often by watching and doing. Such was the case for Bryan Cook, whose stepdad was a custom home builder in Bloomington for 25-plus years. Cook learned the trade by working with his stepdad every summer all through high school.

“I got the bug,” says Cook. “I liked working with my hands.”

When he moved to Bargersville in 2003, he did commercial construction for a company in Carmel, and worked on a wide variety of projects in downtown Indianapolis. He liked the unique and various scopes of projects because he was never bored.

“Working construction, you’re never in the same place for long,” he says. “Things are always changing. I’m a go-go-go type

of guy who doesn’t often sit still.”

Next, Cook moved into the buildingmaterials world where he dealt with drywall, insulation and acoustical ceilings.

“For seven years I was on the operations side of things, as far as orders, sales, scheduling and inventory,” says Cook. Following that, he worked for a commercial coatings company for nearly a decade.

“The painting industry was my longest tenure,” he says. “I’ve managed projects for Cracker Barrel, Kohl’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club and numerous multi-family complexes. All of this experience made me a skilled project manager.”

Cook started his own construction

company, 21Co Construction Services, in December 2021, offering services that range from minor upgrades, such as new flooring or cabinet painting, to large-scale projects such as complete remodeling or insurance-claim restorations. He and his team can tackle small, one-day jobs as well as complete overhauls.

Thanks to his wide range of experience, Cook has made many connections. One day, a friend of the family reached out with the need for a contractor who could gut and remodel their 1,800-square-foot farmhouse. Cook was hired because of his expertise in remodeling, painting, basements, and roofing. He changed the look of the house by moving walls, installing support beams, all-new custom cabinets, granite, and quartz.

“I started this company off of one referral, and most of the work I’ve done since starting the company has been referral based,” says Cook. “There’s a rapport and a trust that I’ve built with my clients.”

Cook’s quality workmanship and reliability are highly appreciated by his clients. Community managers frequently tell him that they don’t want to bother getting other bids because they know and trust his work. Since he has been working with some subcontractors since 2010, Cook has been able to maintain consistent quality.

“I’ve been working with some of the same crews since 2010, but am always looking to bring on additional experienced contractors,” he says.

A lot of homeowners are opting to remodel right now since interest rates are higher. Cook suspects that trend will continue with people staying put, working with what they have, and expanding and updating.

“They don’t want to recreate the wheel, but fine-tune it,” says Cook. “It’s always fun when your client has an idea about something they want, but doesn’t quite know how to make it come to fruition.”

21Co Construction Services tagline, “Making Your Dream A Reality,” is a reflection of his passion for bringing clients’ ideas to life. He encourages his clients to share ideas, whether it’s a board on Pinterest or pictures from magazines, so he can replicate what they like (e.g. trendy vs. traditional; edgy vs. elegant).

He then presents three different sample styles and gathers their feedback. He also asks questions to determine what’s going to help them in the future as far as cleanability, durability and longevity. For instance, do the clients have kids or pets? Do they entertain frequently? Those answers help him provide the best design choice.

“I love taking tidbits of things clients tell me, and then asking certain questions that will allow me to bring selections or ideas to them to complete that bridge,” says Cook. “I like when they give me a

start with an end goal in mind, but don’t know how to get there.”

That’s where Cook comes in and works his magic. For instance, he once did a basement for clients who gave no further direction than, “We want industrial chic.” Cook installed spiral duct work, painted the exposed ceilings black, and polished the concrete floors. It turned out beautifully.

Cook knows from personal experience how exhausting and stressful the selection process is when building or remodeling a house, as you have to consider everything from paint colors to towel bars to light fixtures.

“I try to alleviate that stress by narrowing down the selections,” says Cook.

For example, if a client says they like white, Cook already has three colors in

MONDAY

mind (e.g. bright white, warm white or cool white.

Cook’s top priority is providing quality workmanship and excellent customer service to his clients. The best part of a remodel for him is the big reveal.

I love showing the homeowners the final product and wowing them,” he says. “That’s what I’m here for.”

Cook, his wife, Kristin, and their three children, Eli, 17, Jonah, 14, and Harper, 9, have been residents of the Center Grove community for 18 years and are very much involved in the community and the Center Grove School system.

For more information about 21co Construction Services, visit 21co.works, or find them on Instagram or Facebook. You may also contact Cook at 317-4486031 or email bryanc@21co.works.

• 20 OZ HOUSE MARGARITA

• 16 OZ DOMESTIC DRAFT

• TACO SALAD

• QUESADILLA NORTENA

TUESDAY

• TACO TUESDAY

• IMPORT BOTTLES

• 20 OZ BIG TEXAS

WEDNESDAY

• WHISKEY & WINE

• ENCHILADAS

THURSDAY

• MODELO & AMBER XX 32 OZ

• 12 OZ HOUSE MARGARITA

• NACHOAS FAJITA

• BURRITO NORTENO

WEEKEND

• HOUSE PITCHER

• 20 BIG TEXAS

• POLLO SABROSO

• BURRITOS SUPREMOS

MONDAY

• KIDS MENU 50% OFF

• 32 OZ DRAFT BEERS

TUESDAY

• TACO TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

• WEST COAST BURRITO

• WINE & WHISKEY

3113 W. SMITH VALLEY RD GREENWOOD, IN 46142

THURSDAY

• POLLO SUPREMO

• 12 OZ MARGARITAS

WEEKEND

• MAHI TACOS

• ELOTES

• MARGARITA PITCHERS

37. Metallurgist’s materials

39. Jets or Sharks, e.g.

40. Be outstanding?

41. Is worthwhile 43. Enough, and then some

DOWN

1. Chain letters?

2. Sound at the door

3. Hi-fi component

4. Nerdy types

5. Goody two-shoes

6. Snitch

25. A comet, to the superstitious

Wired 30. Straddling, maybe

Hooded garment 32. Baby bouncer?

35. Dame Marsh of mystery 38. Cloak-and-dagger sort

Stake drivers

Delicate, in a way

Board game or magazine

John Wiseman, MD

Susan R. Murphy, MD

Sean Beeson, DO

Patricia Wiseman, MD

Robert Kavelman, MD

Diane Kolody, MD

Clinton Knapp, DO

Gerald Mader, MD

Jenny Lee, NP-C

Jill Hippenmeyer, FNP-C

Katie Christian, FNP-C

Hannah Rhea, PA-C

Bella Rose Design

The Store Is Celebrating Its One-Year Anniversary in Its Greenwood Location— Stop and Shop, or Take a Class

Bella Rose Design, located at 1001 North State Road 135, Suite B3 in Greenwood is a unique shopping experience featuring one-of-a-kind merchandise crafted mostly by women. It features locally created goods as well as those from across the United States.

Owner Sarah Nilsson, along with her husband Tommy, literally thought ‘outside the box’ when they came up with the concept for the store. The establishment grew from humble beginnings and stemmed from a love of crafting. Celebrating its one-year anniversary in a brick-and-mortar location, the shop not only supports small businesses but also develops a sense of community through its weekend events and classes.

“The business evolved over time. In 2017, I started making personalized gifts for my children’s teachers and family members. When I posted them on Facebook, people said, ‘I would totally buy that!’ Word spread and I began to sell customized goods. I now use a laser engraver that cuts and engraves wood, leather, glass and cork. I also use a specialty printer for fabric to make things like t-shirts and blankets,” Sarah Nilsson says.

“I’m a registered nurse but left the profession in 2020, just before COVID. I envisioned I would be traveling to vendor events to sell

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

my merchandise but of course that changed when COVID hit. I was devastated to see my small business friends close up shop. I wanted to find a way to help other US small businesses as well as myself. I pivoted the business model and by the end of 2020, I was selling subscription boxes. The Women Supporting Women subscription boxes shipped to the homes of subscribers and included items made by women from all over the United States. This helped those who were not able to leave their houses and helped the businesses find new customers. Plus, women found new favorite items that they couldn’t live without,” Nilsson says.

In June of 2022, Nilsson basically opened the box up as a store front. Still continuing to ship carefully curated subscription boxes, she now offers items from over 40 United States-based businesses in her brick-and-mortar location. Shelving and displays are supplied to all purveyors to keep what Nilsson calls ‘the local Etsy’ cohesive. Products offered include her own creations as well as one-of-a-kind collections of home décor, custom tops, candles, personalized glassware, highly rated natural skin care items and more.

“The location is perfect. People can walk over before or after their appointment at Cookie Cutters or Massage Envy, or before dinner at Bonefish Grill,” Nilsson says.

The space offers ample room for classes taught on weekends as well as a play area for children. Local artists come to teach their craft or skills, often to sell-out classes. Recent classes have involved chunky knitting, candle pouring and palm reading. Some classes even offer custom items, like an engraved board with the charcuterie class.

“Since the classes are listed on our website, Eventbrite, and Facebook, people have come from as far away as Ohio or Kentucky to attend. It’s a fun time. Guests can learn a new hobby and I provide light snacks. The classes are important to our community. When people are relaxed and crafting, they start talking and making connections that can heal the heart. We start to realize we are all more alike than we are different,” says Nilsson.

“When my daughter, Isabella, was born, I wanted to name her Bella Rose, but I had to compromise with my husband. Since this business was my baby, I got to name it anything I wanted. My mission with this business is to inspire people - especially women. When I gave up my steady paying job as a registered nurse, people thought I was crazy. But look at it now. Never give up on your dreams,” she says.

Bella Rose Designs is located at 1001 North State Road, Suite B3 in Greenwood.

Visit them online at bellarosedesign.com or contact the store at 317-358-0191. You can also find Bella Rose Designs on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

With the 44th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Julius “JuJu” Brents, a cornerback out of Kansas State University.

At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 198 pounds, Brents is larger than the average corner. He possesses an impressive wingspan and, most importantly, a keen

mind for the game of football.

He’s also a Hoosier.

Being the hometown hero has its perks. “It’s pretty easy for me,” he says. “I would say easier at least, to not have to worry about all the off-field stuff, as far as where I’m going to live at and taking care of transportation and all that. I’m in my hometown so that makes that a lot easier.”

Throughout the draft process, Brents knew the Colts were interested in him. He’d visited the Colts complex and talked briefly with coaches, but says he pushed thoughts about where he might eventually end up, or when he might get drafted, out of his mind. It’s a mindset he carried with him to the night of the second round of the draft.

“I just want an opportunity, honestly,” he says. “That’s just the mentality I had, because once you start expecting this to happen, and if that doesn’t happen, then you start doubting yourself or things of that nature. So in my head I was just like, ‘Hey, I get drafted, don’t get drafted, go early, go late, whatever.’ I just want to get the opportunity, and I’m going to make the most it.”

When opportunity came calling, Brents was at his draft party in Westfield surrounded by friends and family. Brents saw the Indianapolis area code on the ringing phone and briefly thought it

“IT WAS A GREAT FEELING TO BE ABLE TO SAY, ‘I’M A COLT NOW,’ AND HAVE THAT HORSESHOE ON MY HELMET.”

might be a prank. “Bro, nobody better prank call me right now,” he remembers thinking. When Brents answered the phone, he heard a woman say she was transferring him over to Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. “I was really just shaking,” he says. “It was a moment like I’ll never forget.”

Even a day later, Brents says getting drafted didn’t feel real. It wasn’t until he arrived at the Colts complex for the first time after the draft, and saw his practice jersey hanging in a locker next to Kenny Moore’s, that he turned to his mom and said “It’s real now.”

“It was a great feeling to be able to say, ‘I’m a Colt now,’ and have that horseshoe on my helmet,” he says.

Brents credits his mother with always supporting his dreams of playing in the NFL. “Since I was a kid I always would tell her, ‘I want to play in the NFL. I want to be an NFL player,’” he says. “She never did shy away from my dreams. She always believed in me.” Family is important to Brents, and he’s grateful to be able to stay close to his family and take care of his dog, a cane corso. “My mom’s been getting on me about that a little,” he says.

More than an Indianapolis native who was drafted by Colts, Brents is a fan drafted by his favorite team. The Warren Central High School graduate grew up watching Colts legends like Peyton Manning and idolizing Bob Sanders, who helped recruit Brents to the University of Iowa, where Brents played before transferring to Kansas State.

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He knows what it means to wear the horseshoe on his helmet. He knows what the fans and the city expect from him and from the franchise. “It’s definitely an honor,” he says. “I’m just looking forward to being a part of this division and just taking it on full steam ahead.”

Being the hometown hero may make Brents’ transition to the NFL slightly

easier. It also shines a spotlight squarely on Brents. It’s a light other rookies might find too bright. Brents embraces it. He’s proud of where he comes from and what he’s achieved. He wears his hometown hero status like a badge of honor. He’s excited to represent Indianapolis, and all the family and friends who have supported him along the way. He also knows there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“I want to earn everything that’s coming my way,” Brents says. “I want to have that chip on my shoulder I’ve always had as a child. I’m just looking forward to putting my best foot forward for the organization and doing what’s best for the team, regardless of what that is. And I’m looking forward to bringing a winning tradition back for us.”