Ottawa's football team, under the leadership of new coach Jared Mundt, recently participated in their first competitive event, the Princeton 7 on 7/Lineman Challenge. Mundt expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, noting that it provided a valuable learning experience for the players. He emphasized the importance of competing against external teams, stating that it helped the players develop their competitive spirit and make significant strides in understanding and executing new schemes.
One of the key areas of focus for Mundt is the quarterback position, which remains undecided. While senior Eli Jeppson has been leading the charge, Mundt is also closely evaluating seniors Austin Smith and Julian Graham, as well as sophomore Sully McConnaughhay. He believes that the competition among these players will help identify the most suitable starter as the team progresses through the summer training phases.
Mundt's approach to coaching is centered around continuous improvement and learning. He wants the players to grasp the concepts and make adjustments during games, demonstrating their ability to adapt and communicate their insights back to the huddle. This, he believes, fosters both physical and mental growth, which is essential for the team's development.
Looking ahead, the Pirates will have a joint practice with Mendota on Thursday and will kick off their season at home against Plano on August 21. Mundt's enthusiasm for the team's progress is evident, and he is confident that the players will continue to evolve and excel under his guidance. The team's journey so far serves as a testament to the power of competition and the importance of embracing challenges in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
