Eric Moore has seldom been at a loss for words.
That was before the Center Grove football coach, who has elevated the program to dizzying heights few people could have predicted since arriving in 1999, received news he would soon be inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
Moore is one of two persons from Johnson County helping comprise the Class of 2022, joining Mike Leonard, the coach at Franklin College for 17 seasons (2003-19) and the Grizzlies all-time leader in victories.
“I’m humbled and I’m speechless to be given such a great award,” said the 59-year-old Moore, who has guided three Trojan teams to state championships and three others to runner-up finishes. “I’m proud of our community. I’m proud of all the former players and the great assistant coaches who have worked for me. I’m just happy for Center Grove.
“Honestly, I never even thought about (being inducted) because you think it’s something that happens, maybe, if you’ve had a great career, after you retire or die. I try to go to work every day to figure out how to beat the great teams in our conference and try to win a state championship.”
Moore, a 1979 graduate of Edgewood High School who went on to play at Indiana University, was hired at Center Grove after a successful four-year run as head coach at Charlotte High School in Florida.
His first Trojans squad finished 5-5; by the second season, he had Center Grove, which had won just one sectional championship (1987) prior to his arrival, in the Class 5A state championship game inside the RCA Dome.
The Trojans lost to Penn, 21-0, but a foundation for future success had been poured. Young boys in the area sought to be part of the Center Grove program — a tradition that carries on to this day.
Moore has led the program to a 210-72 record (74.5%), winning state titles in 2008, 2015 and 2020 while playing in the state’s premier conference, the Metropolitan Interscholastic. He was the 2021 All-American Bowl Coach of the Year and has been named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year five times.
Moore also coaches boys track and field at Center Grove. He’s led those Trojans to every one of their 15 sectional titles, numerous top-five finishes at the state meet and a state championship in 2011.
Senior Connor Delp, a receiver on the undefeated state championship team this past season and a key member of the track squad, sees firsthand what makes Moore such a unique coaching talent.
“Coach Moore does so much for the whole program. Not just the players, but everyone involved,” Delp said. “Obviously, we wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for him and everything he’s done. He instills such a good work ethic into every one of us, putting us through hard workouts and just the mental aspect of sports.”
Those who have been in Moore’s office can’t help but notice the medals, framed certificates, trophies and autographed pictures cluttering his workplace.
He’s sure to clear a special spot for whatever Hall of Fame keepsakes he receives.
“I think when you look at it, it’s the pinnacle,” Moore said. “I’d rather win state championships and try to win conference. That’s what I’m in it for, to watch kids perform and have a good time. This is just lots and lots of icing on the cake.”
