They say that a team is only as strong as its leader and that belief rings particularly true in the realm of high school football. New Kelly Walsh head football coach Randy Roden, who also coaches Trojan Basketball, understands the difficulty of leading teams and instilling values that equate to wins. With the arrival of Roden the emphasis on discipline has become a cornerstone of the program shaping not only skilled players but responsible players with grit ready to tackle challenges head on.
Players are noticing some of the things that make Roden different from previous coaches. Senior Brant Blocker can’t help but appreciate the impact of the new coach on the team’s dynamic. He describes how the new coach injects a new level of intensity into their practices, pushing players to dig deep and elevate their game.
“I think with more grit and physicality, he knows and understands that the boys on our team aren’t as big and gives us the techniques to still be competitive,” Blocker said.
This statement shows Roden’s approach, emphasizing toughness and resilience despite the team’s size. Under his guidance, players like Blocker are learning to harness their strengths, focusing on speed and strategy to level the playing field against larger opponents.
To add onto that senior player Wyatt Humbel said, “We had summer workouts, multiple times a week early in the morning…I feel like with the new conditioning and culture that he has built has brought lots of toughness, so we just kinda fight through whatever obstacles we are facing. Because more of that physicality and grit.”
Humbel’s insights highlight the tough training regimen that emphasizes both physical endurance, and mental resilience. The early morning workouts have become a breeding ground for brotherhood and determination among these boys, as they support one another in pushing through these sessions. This newfound toughness, instilled by the coaching staff, has equipped them with the backbone necessary to confront challenges on and off the field.
“On all my successful teams, there is the acceptance of roles. And we have multiple kids on this team sacrificing their personal glory to help the team. The teams that haven’t been so successful have had too much selfishness and broken down,” Roden said.
His perspective reflects his belief that individual sacrifices for the greater good can transform a group of players into a coordinated unit. Coach Roden has witnessed firsthand that teams are plagued by selfishness and struggle to find success. As he mentioned prior teams breaking down. This obvious contrast underscores his commitment to fostering an environment where every player understands their unique contribution.
The team’s resilience, guided by Coach Roden’s emphasis on teamwork, and role acceptance, has had a significant impact on their performance. The players are learning to support each other, stay focused on their collective goals, and bounce back from their setbacks. With this strong sense of unity and determination they are well equipped to tackle any challenges this season.
The Trojans are 3-3 going into this week’s match-up with Natrona County in the annual Oil Bowl. KW has lost seven straight to the Mustangs so it will be interesting to see how the physicality and grit lauded by players translates in this important rivalry match.
