Post by 50yardfan on Aug 18, 2011 13:17:53 GMT -5
www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/aug/17/wildcat-veterans-get-to-work-leading-fresh-faces/
EAST WENATCHEE — Fresh faces and lean bodies.
They’re not exactly phrases a team wants to hear coming off the heels of a successful season, but it’s a reality that set in for the Eastmont Wildcats with their first official practice of the 2011 campaign Wednesday.
“We’ve got new faces on the sidelines and new faces in the helmets,” said Eastmont coach Doug McGill, who led the Wildcats to within a win of the Big Nine 3A title last season.
Running through drills under McGill’s coaching staff and a blazing sun, Eastmont started its drive to fill voids left by last year’s 31 seniors, including offensive and defensive line spots previously held by strongmen like Nolan Haehl and Jacob Sauileone.
“We’ve told guys there’s lots of playing time open,” McGill said. “We’ve got some guys waiting for their chance.”
The Wildcats also have a small but extremely experienced core of veterans that used Wednesday as an opportunity to lead both vocally and by example.
“We just want everyone to learn to trust your teammates and play your position,” said quarterback Lucas McGill, one of the top returning signal callers in Class 3A.
Of Eastmont’s 13 rising seniors, only Lucas McGill, running back/cornerback John Wehrer, and returning All-League first team linebacker Berlie Walker saw significant playing time in each of the past two seasons. The trio were among a contingent of over 20 players that regularly attended workouts throughout the summer.
“Only about a fourth of the guys have been out here, so they have to catch up,” Walker said.
After spending a few years at wide receiver, Wehrer spent Wednesday putting into action what he had learned through camps this summer from switching back to running back. Walker was in a similar position, working out in the hybrid-back position that had been occupied by 2011 graduate Sam Gwinn for the past two seasons.
The two seniors weren’t the only people trying out new duties on the practice field, as three new assistant coaches joined Eastmont.
Jeff Corlette will coach the freshman team along with former Wenatchee Valley Venom player Ian Bell, while former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Clayton Holmes is assisting with the varsity.
“A lot of our coaches have college experience,” Lucas McGill said.
“Coach Bell is bringing a lot of energy, and coach Holmes was a three-time Super Bowl champion,” Wehrer said.
With all the people new to the program, Wednesday’s long practice (it stretched from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) didn’t stray far from drills.
“Every first day just always seems like a first day — fundamentals,” Walker said.
“It was as good as football without pads can be,” Doug McGill said.
Notes: Doug McGill will add defensive coordinator to his list of duties this season. Last year’s defensive coordinator, Shaine Brookover, left the team to concentrate on his family, McGill said. “Last year it was nice being like the CEO, but this year that’s how it worked out,” McGill said. It didn’t seem to get in the way Wednesday, as McGill was able to roam the practice field and pitch in at each separate drill when necessary... Sauileone is redshirting as a lineman at Eastern Oregon this season, while fellow 2011 Eastmont alum Ryan Pierce is vying for a spot with defending NCAA Division I FCS champion Eastern Washington.
EAST WENATCHEE — Fresh faces and lean bodies.
They’re not exactly phrases a team wants to hear coming off the heels of a successful season, but it’s a reality that set in for the Eastmont Wildcats with their first official practice of the 2011 campaign Wednesday.
“We’ve got new faces on the sidelines and new faces in the helmets,” said Eastmont coach Doug McGill, who led the Wildcats to within a win of the Big Nine 3A title last season.
Running through drills under McGill’s coaching staff and a blazing sun, Eastmont started its drive to fill voids left by last year’s 31 seniors, including offensive and defensive line spots previously held by strongmen like Nolan Haehl and Jacob Sauileone.
“We’ve told guys there’s lots of playing time open,” McGill said. “We’ve got some guys waiting for their chance.”
The Wildcats also have a small but extremely experienced core of veterans that used Wednesday as an opportunity to lead both vocally and by example.
“We just want everyone to learn to trust your teammates and play your position,” said quarterback Lucas McGill, one of the top returning signal callers in Class 3A.
Of Eastmont’s 13 rising seniors, only Lucas McGill, running back/cornerback John Wehrer, and returning All-League first team linebacker Berlie Walker saw significant playing time in each of the past two seasons. The trio were among a contingent of over 20 players that regularly attended workouts throughout the summer.
“Only about a fourth of the guys have been out here, so they have to catch up,” Walker said.
After spending a few years at wide receiver, Wehrer spent Wednesday putting into action what he had learned through camps this summer from switching back to running back. Walker was in a similar position, working out in the hybrid-back position that had been occupied by 2011 graduate Sam Gwinn for the past two seasons.
The two seniors weren’t the only people trying out new duties on the practice field, as three new assistant coaches joined Eastmont.
Jeff Corlette will coach the freshman team along with former Wenatchee Valley Venom player Ian Bell, while former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Clayton Holmes is assisting with the varsity.
“A lot of our coaches have college experience,” Lucas McGill said.
“Coach Bell is bringing a lot of energy, and coach Holmes was a three-time Super Bowl champion,” Wehrer said.
With all the people new to the program, Wednesday’s long practice (it stretched from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) didn’t stray far from drills.
“Every first day just always seems like a first day — fundamentals,” Walker said.
“It was as good as football without pads can be,” Doug McGill said.
Notes: Doug McGill will add defensive coordinator to his list of duties this season. Last year’s defensive coordinator, Shaine Brookover, left the team to concentrate on his family, McGill said. “Last year it was nice being like the CEO, but this year that’s how it worked out,” McGill said. It didn’t seem to get in the way Wednesday, as McGill was able to roam the practice field and pitch in at each separate drill when necessary... Sauileone is redshirting as a lineman at Eastern Oregon this season, while fellow 2011 Eastmont alum Ryan Pierce is vying for a spot with defending NCAA Division I FCS champion Eastern Washington.