A quick visit to the team offices or a practice session of the 2008 Baker Wildcat football team reveals a common theme: optimism.
“We look at winning all our home games, going undefeated, winning the Heart of America Conference, going to the playoffs and winning the championship,” head coach Mike Grossner said.
The Wildcats return eight starters on both offense and defense, and Grossner believes the team has what it takes to compete in the conference.
“I think we’ll be very competitive,” Grossner said. “We were tied for third last year and were one game out of the playoffs. We feel like we can win the HAAC championship.”
Cornerback Ronald Atkinson said the team must expect to win every conference game.
“Every year we have our goals laid out,” Atkinson said. “If you’re not in it to win the national championship, you don’t need to be playing.”
The Wildcats think they’ve found a new ingredient for success in the large amount of bonding that has taken place during the offseason and fall camp.
“We’re getting along really well,” defensive tackle Ryan Burns said. “Everyone’s working together. The chemistry is perfect.”
Atkinson said the team has worked well together because the players are all competing and willing to work hard with the common goal of turning the program around.
"This is the first year we've really meshed from the start of the year," Atkinson said.<br/>Grossner believes having a team with a large amount of seasoned players will make a big difference.Grossner believes having a team with a large amount of seasoned players will make a big difference.
Grossner believes having a team with a large amount of seasoned players will make a big difference.
“I think this is the year we look forward to having a lot of experience,” he said. “We really feel good about this.”
The team is also excited about the additions to the coaching staff, which includes both new faces and some former Baker players.
Miguel Regalado is in his first year as offensive line coach and is also in charge of the strength and conditioning program.
Atkinson said Regalado has already been a positive influence for the squad.
“You couldn’t be out of shape if you wanted to,” Atkinson said. “He’s got us turned around in the weight room and conditioning-wise on the football field.”
Oscar Rodriguez, also in his first year at Baker, is coaching the defensive backs for the Wildcats.
Burns said Rodriquez has an extensive knowledge of the game and has really helped. “It’s like we have two coordinators almost,” Burns said.
Former Wildcat players Ryan Smith, special teams and offensive assistant; Tanner Purdum, wide receivers; Micah Mason, running backs; and Travis Viehweg, defensive line; are also newcomers to the coaching staff.
