‘The mean has to come out’: Vista Ridge embraces August football
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Expectations may be uncertain outside the Vista Ridge football program, but inside the Wolfpack locker room, confidence is not in short supply.
As August practices ramp up and the intensity of fall camp takes hold, Vista Ridge is embracing the challenge of proving itself. Despite a roster filled with young players and plenty of unanswered questions, the Wolfpack believe they have the mindset needed to compete for something bigger.
"I've been playing with a chip on my shoulder since I was in third grade," senior defensive lineman Zavion Frederick said said.
That edge is exactly what coaches are trying to cultivate as the season approaches.
"The mean has to come out," Vista Ridge head coach Matt Wibbels said. "That's what August football is about, finding out who really wants to play this game and who wants to commit."
While the Wolfpack may lack experience in key areas, they are not lacking ambition. Players have set their sights high heading into the fall.
"I'm looking toward a state championship," senior safety Tarious Thomas said.
Developing the toughness required to reach that goal has become a major focus during camp. Coaches have emphasized physicality while teaching players how to channel aggression in productive ways.
"How does a lineman be mean versus a linebacker be mean?" Sullivan said. "We talked about the different ways in which we've got controlled violence."
With pads officially on, practices have become more physical as players compete for positions and opportunities. It's another step in the growth process for a young roster learning what it takes to succeed at the varsity level.
That development is being guided by a coaching staff focused on providing structure and accountability.
"They're really good," Thomas said of younger players. on defense "They're learning things and willing to take that advice."
Wibbels believes young athletes thrive when expectations are clear.
"They want structure," he said. "It doesn't seem like it all the time, but they want structure. It's just got to provide the right kind of structure of accountability, character and trust."
As the season draws near, there are still plenty of unknowns surrounding Vista Ridge. But rather than shy away from uncertainty, the Wolfpack are embracing it.
"I don't even know," Thomas said when asked what to expect. "But I know we've got a lot coming for this season. We got state dreams right now. Nobody really knows. There's not really anything on us right now."
Vista Ridge takes on Mesa Ridge to open up their season in week zero when they host Mesa Ridge on Friday, August 21.
