New uniforms, new equipment, new faces…and dozens of pounds of additional muscle fiber.
Much has changed for the Cleveland football team, and it showed at the football camp, held on Dave Krenik Field for five evenings last week.
“We made a conscious effort as a coaching staff to make sure that we didn't just keep doing what we have always done in the past, because we have not been as successful over the last few years,” said head coach Erik Hermanson. “We decided to incorporate over 100 days of off-season lifting and a full yoga regimen. We have done a salt softener fundraiser for years and used funds from it this year to purchase new dead lift bars for the weight room, tackling wheels, practice jerseys and other practice equipment.”
Just over 40 athletes in grades 7-12 attended the camp. On Monday, the Clippers wore helmets but no other protective gear. On Tuesday, they added shoulder pads. By Wednesday, they donned full pads.
“This was some of the best weather we have had in years,” Hermanson said. “We were actually able to wear full pads when we wanted to, and that has not always been the case.”
The coaches that will be on the staff during the season helped run the camp. Kyle Atherton will again oversee the defense with help from Matt Miller. Larry Walechka will run the special teams and help Miller with the line on both sides of the ball. Hermanson has streamlined and been creative with the offense and will be calling the plays on game nights.
The goals of the camp were simple this year and the same ones that are emblazoned on the team’s weight-lifting shirts: Hate to Lose. Set the Tone. Never Give Up.
Besides working on the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, throwing, catching, running and conditioning, the Clippers focused on maintaining a high-level, from the big picture to each player’s effort after every snap.
“We are working on being competitive in every game, in every practice, on every play and in every individual match-up,” Hermanson said.
That philosophy has made this year’s camp unlike those in the past, he said.
“This camp has been different because our leaders have put in so much work in the off season, and they are ready to help everyone on the team perform at his best. We have some of the hardest working and selfless upperclassman CHS has had in recent history. They are all about team and about representing our school.”
Gone to graduation from last year are Gabe Sullivan, Brady Bostic, Ian Vlasak and the injured Carter Barto. This year’s seniors include Alex Johnson, Blake Lyons, newcomer Brennan Kortuem, Noah Hermel, Kale Kelley and Nick Simonette.
Although the venues have flipped from a year ago, the Clippers have the same tough schedule they had in 2023. It starts on Thursday, August 29 when Medford comes to town. Medford was the only win the Clippers had last year.
From there, all Friday games unlike last season, they travel to Waterville, host JWP, travel to Mayer Lutheran, host Randolph and bus to Norwood-Young America. On Thursday, October 10 they road trip to Winthrop to take on GFW before closing out their regular season at home on Wednesday, October 16 against Lester Prairie.
As is Cleveland, Mayer, GFW and Lester Prairie are single-A schools. The rest are double A.
No matter what the final score is, experience, selflessness, speed, heart and passion will make the season different than a year ago, Hermanson said.
“If we play up to our ability, the only thing we need to do to be competitive is stay healthy. We have a good, strong, talented team. What we don't have is any depth. When the AA teams we play have a player go down, they replace a senior with a senior. When we have anyone go down, they are being replaced with a young player who is not ready for the varsity level.”
The first practice is August 12 at 7:00 a.m.
Until then, the Clippers should keep working the process the coaches have been preaching and implementing since Thanksgiving, Hermanson said.
Above: Coach Erik Hermanson shows an offensive play.
