Wawasee Sports New Head Coach, Optimistic Mindset
August 21, 2019 at 8:00 p.m.
Wawasee Sports New Head Coach, Optimistic Mindset
By Alaister McFarren-
“We’re looking to create a culture of Warrior grit,” said first-year head coach Jon Reutebuch, who takes over the reins from Mike Eshbach. “We want to emphasize overcoming adversity and not letting things get you down. We want to push hard work and positive attitudes.”
Reutebuch is no new face to Warrior football, having served for 14 years on the team coaching staff, primarily as special teams coordinator. With his experience with the program, he knows exactly what needs to happen to get the team trending upwards.
“We’d like to start by getting the number of players in the program up,” he said. Featuring 20 seniors and 30 freshmen, the team has a strong base; however, Reutebuch wants to convince more experienced players to return to playing.
“As we establish the fundamentals and techniques we need, hopefully that will translate to wins, but the basics have to come first,” the coach continued. “We want to forge a program the community can be proud of, and that includes teaching players to play the right way and be respectful.”
One of the team’s strongest suits will be their secondary, which is full of strong, experienced athletes. The Warriors will feature Parker Young, an athletic junior who has spent most of his time at free safety, at quarterback this year.
“We’re short on experience on the offensive line, so that’s something we’re working on hard at practice,” said Reutebuch.
Ethan Garza, a senior wide receiver/cornerback, looks to be one of Wawasee’s top weapons this season, featuring “great athletic ability and vertical explosiveness,” according to Reutebuch. Seniors Jackson Templin, listed on MaxPreps as a guard/defensive tackle, and Ethan Hardy, listed as a tight end/defensive end, were also described by Reutebuch as being big components of this years’ team.
One potentially big loss for the team is Justin Castro, who Reutebuch said was the biggest and strongest kid on the team. Castro is currently being evaluated for a knee injury, and his status for the beginning of the season is unsure.
The Wawasee community, Reutebuch said, is one that rallies behind their football program.
“The fans and parents always have positive attitudes and have been great. I know everyone is excited for this year,” he said. “So let’s keep that going; everyone, keep coming to games and supporting us.”
Wawasee will be looking to set the tone for the year in their season opener against Lakeland on Friday.
“We’re looking to create a culture of Warrior grit,” said first-year head coach Jon Reutebuch, who takes over the reins from Mike Eshbach. “We want to emphasize overcoming adversity and not letting things get you down. We want to push hard work and positive attitudes.”
Reutebuch is no new face to Warrior football, having served for 14 years on the team coaching staff, primarily as special teams coordinator. With his experience with the program, he knows exactly what needs to happen to get the team trending upwards.
“We’d like to start by getting the number of players in the program up,” he said. Featuring 20 seniors and 30 freshmen, the team has a strong base; however, Reutebuch wants to convince more experienced players to return to playing.
“As we establish the fundamentals and techniques we need, hopefully that will translate to wins, but the basics have to come first,” the coach continued. “We want to forge a program the community can be proud of, and that includes teaching players to play the right way and be respectful.”
One of the team’s strongest suits will be their secondary, which is full of strong, experienced athletes. The Warriors will feature Parker Young, an athletic junior who has spent most of his time at free safety, at quarterback this year.
“We’re short on experience on the offensive line, so that’s something we’re working on hard at practice,” said Reutebuch.
Ethan Garza, a senior wide receiver/cornerback, looks to be one of Wawasee’s top weapons this season, featuring “great athletic ability and vertical explosiveness,” according to Reutebuch. Seniors Jackson Templin, listed on MaxPreps as a guard/defensive tackle, and Ethan Hardy, listed as a tight end/defensive end, were also described by Reutebuch as being big components of this years’ team.
One potentially big loss for the team is Justin Castro, who Reutebuch said was the biggest and strongest kid on the team. Castro is currently being evaluated for a knee injury, and his status for the beginning of the season is unsure.
The Wawasee community, Reutebuch said, is one that rallies behind their football program.
“The fans and parents always have positive attitudes and have been great. I know everyone is excited for this year,” he said. “So let’s keep that going; everyone, keep coming to games and supporting us.”
Wawasee will be looking to set the tone for the year in their season opener against Lakeland on Friday.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092