Blazing bluebirds: Goessel's new coach will count on experience
The 2003 football season will see the Goessel Bluebirds trying to improve on a good start last year.
Goessel was a high-scoring machine in its first four games last season, and then ran into some defenses that stifled their point production.
Finishing last year 3-6, the Bluebirds plan to build on the experience that returns to the 2003 team.
The Bluebirds sport seven seniors, five juniors, nine sophomores, and 12 freshmen on this year's team, along with several exchange students. Six players tip the scales at 200 pounds or more.
First-year head football coach Justin Coup looks at the season with optimism.
"We will have 35 young men out for football which will help at practices and competition," Coup said. "The younger players, finding the right chemistry, and their roles will all be key factors (in our success)."
Returning letter winners are seniors lineman Shane Campbell, running back Dylan Buller, quarterback Aaron Stehman, end Josh Schmidt and lineman Lane Franzen; juniors are lineman Chase Schultz; end Ryan Janzen; and running back Wayne Cooper.
Lone sophomore letter-winner Justin Fensky, returns for his junior season.
The coaching staff said they look forward to helping the younger players develop their skills and compete for varsity spots.
Coup's assistants this year are Chad Lindeman and Alan Beneke. Four teams make up the eight-man division of the Heart of America League, they are Little River, Burrton, and Pretty Prairie.
Goessel is scheduled to open it's season at Sylvan Grove on Sept. 5 and will have it's first home game on Sept. 12 against Chase.
According to pre-season polls, Little River is expected to rank high in the eight-man division again this year. The Bluebirds will be in a three-team, eight-man district with Little River, and Centre.
"We have a lot of work to do, but we should be much better than last year and these boys are ready to compete and are thirsty to challenge for a district title," Coup said.
