The Wildcat Varsity Football team is back for another season of running drills and playing rivals. Reflecting on the past year, when the team went 0-10, the coaches and players have been practicing to present improvement.
Coach Ben Kabsinski, also known as Coach K, has been on the coaching staff for the last three seasons.
When asked how the team’s performance is visibly different from the previous season, “I think the team has improved differently by simply changing their attitudes and view towards the season,” said Kabinski.
This season’s style of coaching has been nothing short of direct instruction; however, Coach K believes that with an extra touch of positivity, the team will have a greater response.
“I’m trying to stress more on the positives that come with the games more than the negatives. I feel like if I’m intense, they also bring that level of intensity. In that same way, If I’m a bit relaxed, it helps them relax a bit too. It’s all about finding a good balance in the fun of football,” said Kabinski.
Sophomore Eli Sorrells works towards utilizing helpful tactics before a game in hopes of maximizing his efforts.
“I always try to improve each and every day at practice. I like to imagine that it’s the last time I’m playing when I step on the field,” said Sorrells.
This helps Sorrells to be the best player he can be while also still enjoying the sport and playing with his friends.
Sophomore Peyton Fix shares how his role models and coaches impact the way he plays as well as making his way through the current season.
“I appreciate how our team has grown since last year. Through ups and downs, we keep on rolling, and I feel like because of that, a lot of that credit goes to the coaches,” said Fix
Fix’s positive attitude helps lift his spirits after a difficult season last year and helps the new guys on the team feel more confident.
For junior Carlos Yebra, the first game against Parry McCluer on Aug. 30 helped shape the expectations for the rest of the season. Yebra explains how he feels the team is going to recover and move forward from this starting loss.
“I feel like we play with heart, and our team has the tools to do great things, but we just have to figure out how to use them. I expect to fight hard on every play.” Yebra said.
After his sophomore year absence from the team, Yebra expresses his excitement about returning.
“After being away for a while, I learned a lot of things over there in Beckley, WV. I played for Woodrow Wilson High School, and this year, I’m coming back having new knowledge and experience with the game as well as a better mindset. I thank all of the coaches I’ve had throughout my high school career that have shaped me into the player I am today.” Yebra said.
Although Yebra didn’t play for the Wildcats last year, the team is excited to have him back with the Wildcats for another great season.
The year has just begun, and many more games await. Currently the Cats are 0-3, with their next game on Sept. 20 against Blacksburg. If you want to support your fellow wildcats, the game starts at 7 at home. With the team hopeful to close out the current season with some wins, let’s cheer on our Wildcats as they play through everything thrown their way this fall.
