One way or another, senior linebacker Colton Zvonar knows this season for Lincoln-Way will mark the end of an era for him and his family.
It may be the final fall season for his father, Rob, the only head coach in the football program’s history. It will certainly be Rob’s last one coaching his sons for the Griffins.
Colton is the youngest of the three Zvonar brothers who have played for their dad.
“It’s been three years but really my whole life in the making,” Colton said. “I’ve always known I’ll be the last one going out and he could possibly go out with me. It’s just surreal this year is here now.
“We still have the goal to win a state championship but we also want to take in the moments day by day and cherish this last season together.”
Rob Zvonar has discussed retiring from coaching once his sons graduated but also pointed out that he has not made a final decision yet.
“I haven’t dwelled on it or thought about it too much,” Rob said. “I’ll make a decision after the season is over. Right now, we’re just staying in the moment and trying to give our due diligence to this group of kids.”
Colton, a three-year starter, is expected to be a key leader for the Griffins, who come in at No. 3 in the Daily Southtown preseason rankings.
“He’s one of those guys with a lot of experience who has to play like a super senior and be the quarterback of the defense,” Rob Zvonar said of his son. “I think he leads on and off the field.
“He’s a coach’s kid who gets it, and it’s a blessing to push him in the areas of his game where he wants to get better.”
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Colton has certainly enjoyed the ride when it comes to playing for his dad, even when Rob is hard on him.
“The most fun thing is I’ve been around it for so long that he knows the football IQ is there and if he makes a call, I can communicate it to everyone,” Colton said of his dad. “I guess the worst thing is just getting yelled at.
“People always ask, ‘How is it at home?’ It’s perfectly normal outside of football. It’s great.”
Senior defensive back Charlie Palmer, a Central Michigan recruit, confirmed that Colton’s knowledge of the game stands out.
“He came in sophomore year and he already knew the defense,” Palmer said. “His dad has run this defense his whole life, so Colton knows it inside and out. He’s the best leader and he’s always making sure all the linebackers know their jobs.”
Colton Zvonar feels he is going into his senior year with a new level of toughness.
“Freshman and into sophomore year, I was a little soft,” he said. “I think I’ve made some big improvements physically and gotten stronger.”
Colton Zvonar and Palmer are two of the veterans on a relatively inexperienced team for the Griffins, who do not have the star power or hype that has surrounded Frankfort the past few years.
“We’re more the underdog this year and that’s not always a bad thing,” Colton Zvonar said. “I think we’re going to be a scrappy team and we’re going to fight for four quarters to win games.
“Team chemistry and being able to play with 11 guys as one are going to be our strengths.”
And if it is indeed his dad’s last season? Well, that fuels the fire even more.
“It’s big motivation for all of us,” Colton said. “With the great career he’s had, why not make it one more great year? We’re going to do our best.”
Quick hits
Team: Lincoln-Way East.
2025 record: 9-3.
Offensive leaders: Kaden Dangman, junior, lineman; Mason Halliman, senior, lineman; Drew Harper, senior, tight end; Jack Murphy, junior, receiver.
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Defensive leaders: Henry Bohms, junior, linebacker; Jacob Onik, senior, lineman; Charlie Palmer, senior, defensive back; Colton Zvonar, senior, linebacker.
X-factor: Jayden Cawthon, senior, receiver.