Tag Archive for: senior leadership

FISCHING FOR GREATNESS

BERLIN CENTER, OH- In this episode of YSN’s Player Profile, we dive deep into the world of Fischer Himes, the senior offensive lineman who has been an integral part of his team’s success this season. Known for his dedication and leadership, Himes sheds light on the bond within the team and discusses their upcoming playoff game against Lowellville.

Himes, who has helped pave the way for his team to score six rushing touchdowns, emphasizes the importance of team effort and acknowledges the praise they receive from their coaches. This recognition serves as a confidence boost for the offensive line, reminding them of their crucial role in their team’s victories.

As they prepare for their rematch against Lowellville, Himes expresses confidence in their advantage, having analyzed their opponent’s tactics in their previous encounter. The team’s strong performance in the first game provides them with the necessary confidence to face Lowville once again.

In regards to their offensive strategies, Himes appreciates the versatility and dynamism of their offense, where the ball can be distributed to six different players, keeping the opposing defense on their toes. This balanced and unpredictable style of play has proven successful throughout the season.

The conversation also touches on the importance of a fresh defense, with Himes emphasizing the significance of player substitutions to maintain a high level of performance throughout the game.

Outside of football, Himes reveals his passion for fishing and playing Xbox games. Himes is particularly excited for the release of Fortnite, a highly anticipated game in which he plans to join his peers.

When asked about his future plans after high school, Himes mentions his interest in pursuing a business degree, potentially at Kent State University. While he does not envision playing football beyond high school, he is focused on giving his all during his final season.

Switching to lighter topics, Himes shares his favorite gas station order, including Cheddar Slim chips and strawberry milk – a classic favorite. He also admits to enjoying throwback music.

In a lighthearted Q&A, Himes humorously relates to the scenario of having a million dollars and choosing to invest it in the most expensive boat possible, allowing him to sail along the coast indefinitely.

As Himes bids farewell and prepares for the upcoming playoff game against Lowellville, YSN wishes him and his team the best of luck in their pursuit of victory and continued success on and off the field.

 

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HEMBERGER IS SERVED WELL DONE

BERLIN CENTER, OH- Nate Hemberger, a standout player for the West Reserve football team, showcased his talent and humble demeanor. Despite his imposing presence on the field, Hemberger’s soft-spoken nature belies his exceptional skills and achievements.

With an impressive tally of 155 tackles this season, Hemberger has set a new record for West Reserve. His recent performance, where he scored seven touchdowns – six on the ground and one through a pump block recovery – further solidifies his status as a star athlete. Hemberger credited the teamwork of his linemen, receivers, and defensive backs for his success, highlighting their crucial contributions.

What sets Hemberger apart is his exceptional blocking ability, which he openly admits preferring over any other aspect of the game. He takes pride in launching opponents downfield, showcasing his versatility as a fullback. His dedication to the team shines through as he expresses a desire to play on the offensive line, highlighting his selflessness and commitment to the game.

The interview also delved into Hemburger’s thoughts on being given more offensive touches due to an unfortunate injury. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized his wish for a fully healthy team, acknowledging the importance of having a complete roster for playoff games.

As the team moves forward in the playoffs, Hemberger and his teammates relish the opportunity to play two home games, something West Reserve hasn’t experienced in a while. The support from their community fuels their drive and determination, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere at their home field.

Despite being a junior, Hemberger already shows exceptional leadership qualities, admiring the senior players who have led the team this season. He mentions Luke Henning, Joey Sigworth, and Josh Damp as exemplary leaders whose shoes he hopes to fill once they graduate. The podcast interview reveals Hemburger’s maturity and willingness to take on a bigger role in the future.

Looking beyond high school, Hemberger dreams of playing college football, a goal he has held for many years. However, should that path not materialize, he plans to pursue a career as a chiropractor. Coincidentally, his gas station order of two Red Bulls and a Slim Jim may come in handy, as he may find himself often approached for impromptu adjustments once he becomes a qualified chiropractor.

In a light-hearted segment, Hemberger shares his preference for Rod Wave’s music and mentions attending one of his recent concerts. This reveals his diverse interests and adds a personal touch to the interview.

When asked about what he would do with $1 million, Hemberger surprises with an answer that speaks volumes about his passion for football and his team. He expresses a desire to purchase turf for the football field, a gesture that would benefit the entire team and future generations of players.

As Hemberger prepares for the next playoff game against Lowville, the young athlete remains focused, humble, and eager to give his best on and off the field. His dedication, talent, and leadership qualities make him a true asset to the West Reserve football team and a role model to his peers.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.

Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.

When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.

Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.

The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.

With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.

As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.

In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.

 

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