The football team had some changes of coaching this year.

“In regards to high-level coaches at the high school level and collegiate level that are known, I have been very fortunate to have good coaches,” Josh Lattimer, head football coach, said.

Lattimer has a certain criteria when it comes to hiring new coaches. 

“Our motto is D.A.T: discipline, accountability and toughness,” Lattimer said. “Each one of these coaches that we look at are all on board with that.” 

Meeting those high standards requires someone with experience and “all D.A.T.” Jonathan Stark, new assistant coach, fits that role. 

“To be a good coach, the most important thing is, especially at the high school level, you do have to care about the players,” Stark said. “You must care about the school and the community. If you care about the players and the school and the community, then you know your priorities are in the right place.” 

Stark has five years of experience as a head coach. 

“One thing about being a coach is you have to work hard. So if you care about the program more than you care about yourself, it’s a lot easier to work hard when you don’t feel like it,” Stark said. “Part of being a good coach too is you have to be able to balance, and it’s hard during the season, but you gotta be able to balance your family and your job.” 

Tom Nickelson, the former head coach of the football team, is working with the organization again. 

“The good thing about young coaches is the energy they have; terrific energy,” Nickelson said. “I feel like we’re pretty fortunate. They are willing to do anything.” 

According to Stark, this season is exciting and he is looking forward to what it will bring. 

“The school district has a lot of really good things going for it, and there’s a lot of teachers I’ve worked with, or that I know of who work in the district that think highly of the district,” Stark said. “It’s got its reputation for a reason, and I can’t wait to get to work.”