By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff Writer
It hasn’t been an easy couple of years for the Union Grove Union High School football team.
In 2011, the team went 1-8, and last year struggled to an 0-8 record under first-year head coach Justin Davis.
However, with three-year assistant Jordan Hein stepping up to take the reins this year, Hein already sees a difference in the team.
“The biggest improvement has been senior leadership and ownership of this program,” said Hein, in his fourth year as a teacher and coach for the Broncos. “From seniors on down, everyone wants to win, and everyone has the will to prepare the right way to earn those victories.
“Our players know very well that they control their own destiny,” he added.
Hein said that the Broncos have worked hard in the offseason, lifting, conditioning and working through strength training and speed and agility work as well.
He said all of those points, as well as eating healthy, are becoming the norm for the team, but he’s still expecting more – as are his players.
“Our kids are proud of the work they’ve put in, but never satisfied,” Hein explained. “Our athletes have to continuously outwork their opponents, and strive to be 100 percent fit for any challenge.”
Leading the way for the Broncos will be senior Kyle Pohjola at quarterback. Hein said there are a number of talented athletes surrounding Pohjola, including JK Witkofski at receiver/running back and Justin Delong.
Hein said Witkofski had a strong offseason, and Delong will be a vocal leader on defense as well as having worked hard on his route running over the summer.
“I’ve excited to see Connor LaPointe and Jameson Radke get opportunities at receiver, and Connor has really jumped out during the scrimmage as a defensive end or linebacker,” Hein added. “Same with Riley Mann, who has been a workout warrior since last winter.
“With the big fellas up front, Noah Mishleau has trimmed down a bit and has great feet,” Hein said. “Tony Beck is the strong kid in the history of our school, and is looking for a chance to prove it up front for us on the offensive and defensive line.”
While finding a way to win games is on Hein’s mind – as he put it, every team wants to win every game – he’s also looking for a positive experience for everyone in the program.
“I want these seniors, and every player, really, to leave it all on the field, with no regrets, and leave this school forever changed in a positive way,” the coach said. “Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or in the hallways, our athletes take pride in this school and this community.”
The Broncos also have a brand-new football field to go with new coaches, and Hein hopes, a new attitude.
“It’s not the next chapter,” Hein stressed. “It’s a new book, and these athletes own the rights to their own story.”
The Broncos open their season tonight with a now-traditional non-conference contest at Evansville against Evansville/Albany at 7 p.m.
Evansville went 6-2 last year to make the WIAA playoffs at Division 3, but lost in the opening round to McFarland, 34-7.
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