Boys Football: Kicking Off the Season

Boys+Football%3A+Kicking+Off+the+Season

Most people have attended a Redwings’ game at least once in their years at Benet, whether by being invited by a close friend
or attending every game like a die-hard fan. Football games are a pivotal part of the social aspect at school, a place where friends can meet, have fun, and support the team. The team trains hard, in season and out, to bring home the trophy and protect their pride, which is a full time commitment.

A lot of work goes into each season, and preparations begin over the summer, with Coach Pat New holding a training camp to keep his players, old and new, in peak shape for the year. Practices are no joke, with all forms of exercises and drills to keep players on their toes and make sure they will ache afterwards. Plenty of players previously on the team attended the camp, including quarterback junior Jack Sznajder, who believes the amount of time put into the practices this summer will be well spent.

The team started summer camp the week after classes at Benet had ended this past June and went throughout the entire summer. They practiced Monday through Saturday in the mornings, with official practices starting August 10. Position drills were used

the most, each specific to the coach you trained with, as well as having a full team scrimmage held at the end of practice. These practices are a good way of maintaining the team’s abilities and teamwork. Team captain senior Charlie Weidenbach gave

his view of the season after all
this practice, “We’re putting the finishing touches on before the games start, and I think we have a chance this year.” The senior team captains for this season are Charlie Weidenbach, Karl Schmidt, Jeff Marek, Trent Kramer, and Jack Stephens.

But the team didn’t just spend time on their football skills and stamina this summer, they worked on their minds, bodies, and spirits. The Benet players and volunteers hosted another great day for the SASED (School Association for Special Education in DuPage County) Extended School
Year program. This tradition is beneficial for both the team and the students in the program.

The first game of the season
took place on August 28 at St. Laurence. Benet came out strong and never looked back, winning the game 42-21. The first home game is scheduled for September 4, when the Redwings will take on O’Fallon Township High School.

All in all, the Benet football team is ready to kick off its season, as the players have prepared for this moment all summer and are ready to play. Jack Sznajder shared his thoughts, saying, “I am extremely optimistic about this upcoming season, and I think our team has

a chance to do a lot of big things. It’ll be a fun year, and I believe we will have great success.” This rings true, for Benet has a great team that is prepared to play their best and a loyal sea of fans who will show their support.