Marion ready to torch competition
Eric Clark
Sport Editor
So what can be learned from a 44-0 loss in your last district game of the season? Plenty, according to Marion High School Head Coach Grant Thierolf.
"We learned a lot from last year," the Warrior coach said. "We realized that you have a chance during the season to set your own path. If you don't, the things you wanted to have happen probably won't. Once you get into the playoffs anything can happen."
The Warriors finished their 2002 campaign with an overall record of 6-4 after falling to Conway Springs in the first round of regional play.
With six returning offensive starters and five defensive starters, Thierolf is anxious to get the season underway.
"I think we'll be awfully competitive," Thierolf said. "I was impressed by the way we came together during our football camp. I'm pleased with our core group of kids and how they've all trained for the upcoming season."
Members of the core of players Thierolf referred to are players like Steven Boone, a 5'10" 205-pounder who racked up 102 yards on 17 carries against the eventual state champion Conway Springs Cardinals.
"We look for a lot of good things from Booney," Thierolf said. "He's got a lot of physical ability, and will be as good as the boys in front of him (on the offensive line.)"
Handing the ball off to Boone, will be second-year starter Clayton Chamberland, who has added an aerial assault to his forte according to Thierolf. The 5'10" 184-pound quarterback has refined his passing and the strength in his arm over the summer Thierolf said.
"The game will start to slow down a lot for him this year," Thierolf said. "He's seen about as much as he's going to be faced with defensively."
Other notables for the Warrior team include: Jimmy Shipman, a 5'10" 238-pound lineman, who anchors the offensive and defensive line; Tyler Smith, a 5'10" 235-pound guard and linebacker; Neil Waner, a 5'9" 187-pound center and linebacker; Tyler Stubenhofer, a 6'0" 174-pound wide receiver and defensive back; Calvin Riggs, a 6'0" 162-pound wide receiver and defensive back; and Dallas Wells, a 6'0" 188-pound offensive and defensive lineman.
Youthful talent also will be a factor on the Warrior team this season.
Casey Nelson, a 5'8" 159-pound running back, is expected to fill the void left after the departure of suedo running back Jason Matz, who graduated last season.
"Casey will play awfully good for us this year," Thierolf said. "I look for him to contribute."
Dale Vogel, a 6'1" 227-pounder and Tyson Heidebrecht a 5'10" 188-pounder also will be key factors for Marion, according to Thierolf.
Thierolf also said linebacker and secondary cores will be a major strength for the team.
The defensive line is still a bit of mystery to Thierolf.
"I don't think it (the defensive line) is going to be a huge weakness," Thierolf said. "They're just unproven. It's a matter of how long it takes Jimmy to get them up to speed."
With the teams in the Cottonwood Valley League parting ways after this season, Thierolf and Company will look to be the league's final champions.
Thierolf said the league title will probably be decided between the Warriors and the Knights of Sacred Heart.
Thierolf said he thinks the rigorous off-season strength and condition program will pay off this season.
"We're stronger and faster than we were last year," Thierolf said. "The team building that happened as a result of our condition program was just as important as the weight training. I see us growing together as the year progresses."
The Warriors will begin their season Sept. 5 at home against Minneapolis. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m
