Photo by Tiana Arroyo
This year, the Hastings Senior High football team is 2-2 in their season. They have been practicing every day after school and had summer weights and conditioning.
“We are optimistic this year with a lot of returning starters, so we feel like we have experience, and a lot of guys played last year,” Coach Charlie Shoemaker said.
Many of the football players have different goals this year. Some may include getting better from their last season, or some might just want to have fun and play the game.
“My goals throughout the season are to just improve and get better each week,” senior Blaine Hamik said.
There are many competitive schools in Class B, so the football team has been trying to do their best to defeat those teams and defeat others in future games.
“We played York and they have always been real tough and Scottsbluff who we play mid-season is always kind of a tough opponent, so those will be two of our tougher games,” Shoemaker said
The football team has longer practices somedays to improve individually and as a team. Even when they are hard on themselves they have a good support system from their coaches and teammates.
“I, as an individual on the team, have been trying my best. During practices, I make sure to pay attention and understand how to improve from what my coaches tell me. They are very helpful in making me a better player and person on and off the field,” sophomore Broeyn Hartman said.
The coaches give their players certain drills to help them succeed. They help each other in many ways.
“When I see a teammate that is struggling a little I, as a senior, think it is important to try and help them. I ask them what they don’t understand and try to explain what is going on. I also help teammates during games and let them know what they might be doing wrong in order to help us succeed,” Hamik said.
During their games, there is always students and parent who show up to watch the boys play. There are always themes for the games, and the students like to make posters to help the players have confidence.
“In the student section, we are always yelling and cheering for the football players that are representing our school. Even though they might lose some games, they will always have the students’ support,” senior Ivan Ramirez said.
