By Eunice Gutierrez
Staff Writer
Since last season the Hammond football program has gone through multiple changes, one of the biggest being a major turnover in staff as a new head coach looks to make his mark. Getting the job was new head coach; Jonathan Bannister. Coach Bannister is a Wilde Lake graduate and played collegiate football at Salisbury University and while also serving as a student coach while at Salisbury. For the past 7 years, he was the head coach for Reservoir football.
“My thing is trying to build Hammond football to what I think it can be based on what I see with the players that are already here” says Coach Bannister. The main goal for this new coaching staff is to try to change the culture and the way they play football.
Even though the Golden Bears are still in search of their first win this season, Coach Bannister believes that a distinct quality of this program is being reliant. “I think it is really hard to struggle with winning games and continue to show up,” he said. Hammond football continues to have a positive attitude and not let the scores of the games affect them.
The effect on the varsity players with the new staff has been very positive “I feel like everyone has adjusted well and is confident in their coaching abilities. These new coaches are great at what they do and make all of the team feel like family,” said senior captain Matthew Van de Castle. Coach Banister believes that getting more people and teaching them the game of football while changing the culture will make a drastic change in the program. He is hoping this will lead to a comeback by the end of the season and continue to build this program to the best of its ability in the next couple of years.
With developing a game plan they make sure to watch film and point out their star players on the other team and plan accordingly. Coach Bannister makes sure the practice before the game is focused on walking through their game plan and making sure that their attitude is in the right place for game day. The Golden Bears attitude is something that the team takes pride in. This program makes sure that they don’t let the scores affect their drive and the way they play.
The Hammond football program is ready for all their hard work to pay off and reach the potential that all the coaches know this team has. “The vibe amongst the team has been great. The young men have welcomed and embraced Coach Bannister with open arms and enthusiasm.” said Defense Coordinator; Coach Tyler “There is a lot of excitement around the work they are doing and we are all eager to see these efforts pay off on game day.” he went on. The change of environment for Hammond football seems to be having a great effect on the players and the whole community of Hammond football.
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