“Out with the old, in with the new” is the mindset that WJ athletics is taking, as three new coaches will lead teams into new eras this fall. From the boys’ soccer team taking the pitch with the tactics of Samuel Sasu, the fan favorite football team defending the gridiron through coach Jaquise McCray or the golf team hitting the links with new coach Chad Beswick, the WJ community has a ton to look forward to in the coming months. However, this does not come on its own; coaches take on the offseason in many different ways that prep for the big dance.
The boys’ soccer team has gone pedal to the metal from the word go, with two workouts per week consisting of long runs and heavy workouts to simulate what the upcoming season will feel like for the players.
“Doing workouts each week has helped me get to know the guys,” Sasu said. “As a coach, I work with so many different personalities, and building a foundation with some of my future players will only help us going into the fall.”
Sasu’s refined outlook on being part of a team extends beyond the weight room and the pitch.
“Suits on gamedays, having a strong JV to varsity connection and plenty more to come once the season arrives,” Sasu stated.
The players are also bought in as well. The returning players from last season have given their two cents on the start of the offseason.
“I’ve been playing club to stay in form for high school,” junior Hunter Parler said. “Going to workouts has been great because it’s a way for me to stay close with the guys and prep for the high school season.”
As for football, McCray has taken an approach focused on team chemistry to succeed.
“We’re lifting throughout the week and participating in community service events together,” McCray stated. “Working events like the mulch sale, used book sale and concession stands together were huge because I got to see the kids in all aspects, not just working out.”
The change has resulted in a clear shift in energy and new perspective on the season among the football players.
“I only got one year with these guys, and I’m excited to build these new relationships,” junior linebacker Nikko Meekens said.
As for the students looking to become golfers, the time to try out has never been better. With only three returning players, it is pretty much a fresh slate.
“I’m really excited for the upcoming season,” Beswick said. “I want to spread the word that everyone has a fair shot of making it and get to know as many people I can who are considering trying out to see what I have.”
This is a major pivot compared to the two other new coaches, but these three sports have very different skillsets from each other.
In addition to these confirmed new coaches, departing athletic director Larry Hurd Jr. announced that the girls’ soccer team is also looking to hire a new coach for the fall, but a replacement has yet to be confirmed.
The time is ticking and the anticipation is only increasing for the upcoming fall season.
