ANNA — Anna football coach Nick Marino accepts the fact that last season was one of change for the Rockets, after he became only the second head coach in program history.
But what he says is not acceptable was the final record — 3-7. That’s the most losses in a single season in the short history of the program.
“I wasn’t pleased with last season. That’s never going to be acceptable,” Marino said. “Bringing in a new coach and a new system was part of it, but it still wasn’t what we’d hoped for. But we’ve had a good offseason, a good camp and two-a-days. So I’m very pleased so far. We’ve really improved in the weight room and in the changing of our culture. We’re starting to hang our hats on hard work.”
Marino reports 64 players out for the team this season, and they were greeted with a couple new assistant coaches this year. They are familiar names, though, in Kristian Althauser, who has coached as the junior high level and has coached the Anna baseball team to some outstanding seasons of late, and Steve Hunsucker, a coach who took both Lehman and Troy Christian to postseason play when he was head man at those schools.
Althauser will coach the running backs and defensive line, and Hunsucker the O-line, linebackers and will also be the running game coordinator.
They are joined by Jake Circle, who will be the defensive coordinator and who Marino said has done a good job of changing the culture in the weight room. Casey Wical will coach wide receivers and outside linebackers, Dan Christman will coach the D-line, Chris Duncan will coach linebackers, O-line and special teams, and Wes Hunsucker will be the passing game coordinator.
Marino has some key players returning from last season.
Colin Wuebker is a senior who had an excellent season last year, leading the Midwest Athletic Conference in interceptions and also being second on the team in receiving.
Travis Meyer returns behind center after throwing for 600 yards a year ago, and Marino says Aiden Endsley, still just a junior, has come a long way as a running back. “He’s shifty and strong and has really developed,” the coach said.
Ethan Byrd is a junior who played at nose guard last season and was honorable mention all-MAC. He will shift to linebacker this season. And Wyatt Bensman returns at cornerback.
Trey Cates, 6-3, 215, will be a tight end or H-back, and up front, Marino said the line will be anchored by Abe Wildermuth, who is 6-4, 245.
“I think depth has been created through competition,” Marino said. “There was a lot more competition this offseason. People have had to fight a little more for spots.
“I think we can make a big improvement,” he added. “But we’re not looking any further than week one. We’re worried about Arlington and ourselves, and improving.”
