Matt Turner has been around the Pioneer football program for nearly two decades, but even he doesn’t remember ever having a freshman spring camp.
It’s one of the first things he changed after being named the new WCHS football coach.
Turner wrapped up a three-day workout for upcoming freshmen Friday, getting each a taste of what it will be like in the fall. Over 40 players attended at least two of the three workouts, a huge number that could take football participation in the fall to over 100 when combined with the varsity squad.
“We had great numbers. They’re committed and continue to show up,” said Turner. “We were able to time 40s and get some baselines on agility drills as we head into the offseason. This group has a lot of good looking skill guys.”
Growing participation has been Turner’s biggest goal in the first few months on the job. He’s been very successful. The Pioneers had 66 players participate in the Blue and White scrimmage two weeks ago and 42 more were at this week’s freshman camp.
With interest seemingly at a new high, Turner is going forward with his plans for a freshman team this fall.
“It was already pretty set, but we’re moving forward and making it happen,” said Turner. “It’s the first time I’m aware that we’re coming out of the spring with a freshman roster. I’m getting on the horn this week with other region coaches and letting them know we have a roster of freshmen and we’re looking for games.”
The new coach has already been in talks with several nearby schools about scheduling freshman games, hopefully resulting in six or more games this fall. Turner plans to delay the start of games a few weeks into the school year, with hopes of opening up workouts when school starts to attract more players.
The ones he’s seen last week were already turning the heads of the coaching staff in shorts and helmets. Turner thinks they’ll be ready to start popping pads in the fall.
“They were anxious about getting pads on. They want to hit. I think there’s a good carryover from the kids under coach Donnie Harris [now an assistant at WCHS] who are prepared to play,” said Turner.
Turner plans on continuing to sell the program to athletes over the summer. Thus far, it looks like students are buying into his message.
