NEW WILMINGTON, OH-As the Westminster Titans football team gears up for the 2024 season, Head Coach Scott Benzel shared his insights on the team’s preparations and expectations in a recent discussion on WCN’s “Westminster Caches Corner” podcast.

Coach Benzel, reflecting on a summer filled with personal joys such as watching his son play various sports, emphasized the value of a productive off-season camp. A notable addition this year was a leadership development group from the military, which enhanced the team’s focus on preparation and teamwork. Despite moments of tension among players, the overall experience was positive, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

This year, significant adjustments have been made to simplify the defensive strategies while expanding offensive concepts, especially due to the return of the experienced offensive line group, who are expected to drive the team’s success. The strategic decision to have a first-week bye aims to motivate the players and provide them with necessary rest mid-season, a move spotlighting Coach Benzel’s careful planning.

Key players Ty McGowan, Ty Elam, and Ryan Gomes were highlighted for their leadership and impactful play. McGowan is transitioning into a more vocal leadership role, while Elam, returning from injury, is known for his energetic and playmaking abilities. Gomes, although missing the first two games due to an incident from last year, remains a crucial component with his preparation and leadership on the field.

The team’s first game follows a week one bye, pitting them against Waynesburg—a challenge Coach Benzel and the Titans eagerly anticipate. Benzel underlined the importance of maintaining high performance and energy throughout games, focusing on minimizing mistakes, and making big plays.

The Titans have set progressive seasonal goals, with the primary aim of qualifying for the playoffs. The team looks to capitalize on the coaching strategies discussed by RJ Scott and other podcast guests, which include exploiting opponent weaknesses and effective in-game adjustments.

In addition to football, the podcast featured Coach Garrish Takar, who reflected on his 22-year career coaching men’s and women’s soccer at Westminster. Takar shared insights on his coaching approach, the challenges following key player losses, and the strategies moving forward. Both coaches emphasized the importance of mental preparation, discipline, and community impact through sports.

As the Westminster Titans embark on a challenging season, they remain motivated by their preseason PAC ranking and the tough schedule ahead. With a strong sense of community and teamwork, they aim to prove their capabilities, one game at a time.

PRESENTED BY