By Dwayne Corry
August 8, 2012
The Red Raiders look to continue the success they had in 2011.
Wisconsin Rapids–Every season at this time, football coaches all over the state attempt to rebuild their team. This is not like college where you can recruit yourself replacemnets every year. It is not like the pros where you have established veterans to rely on. It is high school football where you get a kid for one good season– maybe two– and you have to start all over again. The Lincoln Red Radier coaching staff and players took the field yesterday to do just that.
“Every coach loves every team. Last year on the bus ride home from state our coaching staff was already talking about where to put the new pieces. You have to put last season behind you. But I can not say enough about this years team. They have worked very hard, and they do anything asked of them. I would have to say we as a team are further along then most seasons,” said Rapids’ head football coach Tony Biolo.
There will be a few fresh faces on the coaching staff this year. Former alum Jesse Urban joined the squad along with legendary Coach/Principal/Teacher Gus Mancuso. There will be holes to fill on the field as well. Marcus Senn, Devin Petersen, Brady Goska, and Vince Beigel are gone. Who will step in and fill their void?
“Kids step up on their own. They see the familiar faces are gone. We had 50 kids in the weight room all off season. I do not have to worry about filling that void,” said coach Biolo.
All of the players are a year older and in some cases a year wiser. Some of the biggest training camp battles will be at quarterback, fullback, and halfback. More battles will be fought at inside linebacker. As a fan you can just tell who is ready to step up and take their game to the next level.
“The biggest thing about the first practice is just getting back into the rythm of things, and working with your new teammates,” said Tyler Tesch.
“It is great just to be back in pads,” said Ray Blossfield.
The Red Raiders will practice 7:45 am to 1 pm the rest of the week leading to their annual Red/White scrimmage on August 14th from 7-9pm. The public is encouraged to see their new squad at that time. They then will scrimmage on 8/17 at Reedsburg for before the season opener at Wausau East 8/24.
Red Raider notes: Josh Biba is moving from offense to take on the vacated inside linebacker spot… Hayden Beigel cannot hit a golf ball as far as Ray Blossfield… Joseph Podawiltz is trying out for the team, and CWS really hopes he earns a spot on the squad.
