In preparation for the new season first year coach Stephen Ruckman has started off season conditioning drills including weight lifting, dot and line drills, sprints, and speed ladders.
Improvements to the team are already under way. Things such as improved facilities and new equipment have already taken place. The players now have new field equipment and new gear including shoulder pads.
Even though the team has begun with its improvements they still face a minor setback. A new offensive line is being put together for the new season which requires training new players for this position. Ruckman plans on it taking almost all summer for the new offense to be as strong as they can be before the season begins.
“I feel we will be better. Our dedication is better, our strength is better, and we will win,” said sophomore Devin Tabb.
On the upside, Ruckman feels that since most of the team has been through the off season training program, which started in November, the players will be fine.
“The program has helped to build and train the guys into bigger, stronger, faster players,” said Ruckman.
For this upcoming season Ruckman has been given the go ahead to drop down a division and become a 5a independent team. The team will be facing schools like Fisher, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin. He feels that in order to establish football tradition at Grace King the team must start being smart about scheduling.
“Winning is contagious and we have to start to control our own destiny,” said Ruckman.
Athletic Director Jeryl Fischtziur feels that changing divisions will help to better the team and prepare them for the future.
“When we were independent at least seven years ago I was against it. I’m convinced this time around if we do it for a two year period we will be fine. I am behind Ruckman 100 percent in doing an independent schedule. I hope the teams prepares to re-enter district in two years,” said Fischtziur.
Even though the football team has opted to drop down a division Ruckman still plans to have the JV team play against schools like Brother Martin, Jesuit, and Rummel. He wants the younger kids to know what it is like to play against teams of that caliber.