by Jason Strunk
Lubbock High School Head Football Coach
Follow @WestTXCoach
We are roughly twenty-four hours from the open of camp. A lot has happened between last season and now. But no matter what has happened, whether it be bad or good, we are back and ready to rock!
The opening blog of 2014 is going to be a little different than usual. Let’s get caught up on everything that has gone on!
WHAT’S NEW
I used the off season to drop fifty pounds. Why? I wanted to. Also, my little health scare last year kicked me into gear a bit. Feeling healthy is great. This may shock you and everyone who knows me, but I have not had a Coke since January. Water it is for me. I am back to 100% and I feel great. 2014 better watch out!
NEW TO THE MIX
One thing you need in football is continuity. We have that. Of our eighteen staff positions, I only had to replace one coach. All of our coordinators are back, so we are in good shape. So I had to replace one coach, but I was actually able to add two coaches (one spot was used elsewhere last year). New to the mix is Devin Kline. He is a former Northampton Konkrete Kid (my alma mater) and a 1,000 yard back. Being able to bring a former player, and Yankee, to Texas is special! Also new to the fold is Tyler Lloyd. He is a former Frenship Tiger and standout athlete. He is 23 years old and has tons of energy, which is critical to us at LHS.
NEW LOOK
The 2014 Westerners will sport new black home jerseys. Our home look will be black jerseys and black pants. Also, we have new metallic decals for the helmets that will look sharp on the matte black helmets. We open at home on Saturday, September 6th against Andrews.
NEW FORMAT
Summer camp is ready to start. Most coaches, myself included, look at the start of camp like Christmas morning. However, one thing I was never a fan of was early morning practice. Birds chirping, dew on the grass and sun hardly up. That isn’t my thing. I hate, and I mean hate, mornings. I am a night owl. So in 2014 we are starting practice at 7:00 p.m. Practice at night. Why not? All of our games are mostly at 7:30. So why night practice in the conditions you will predominantly be playing in? I’m not a traditionalist. I’m just about making it right. So this is what we are going with. Lets see how we do with it.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS
We try to implement mental toughness into everything we do. What better way to do this than to work with the MARINES? Our team just finished a six week training regimen with the Marines and it was one of the best things I have ever witnessed as a coach. We got mentally tougher; physically stronger. Maybe more importantly, we grew as a team and bonded over the six weeks. As long as I am here, Marines will always be involved!
RANDOMNESS
– I still do not like the NFL. I will watch the CFL instead
– I am not interested in what Johnny Manziel does this season
– Apparently Lebron James has a new team; I thought the NBA was still locked out
– The 40 second clock has been added to TXHSFB.
More blogs to come. 2014 is about to kickoff. It’s going to be a fun ride for the Westerners!
Here is to a healthy 2014 for all coaches, programs and fans. Also, let’s not forget our own health! Take care of yourself. Life is too short!
Till next time….
