New leadership with a familiar name to eight-man football will be in charge at Wakefield for the upcoming season.
The Trojans are in search to snap a 17-game losing streak dating back to October 7, 2022 (won 59-41 vs. Homer) following back-to-back 0-8 seasons
Joe Kvidera will be in his first year as the head Wakefield football coach following an assistant role last season. He has been teaching and coaching for 30 years.
Joining the staff of coach Kvidera will be Chad Metzler, Evan Donner, Brent Schmidt and Colton McCreary.
Of the 25 out for Trojan football, six will be seniors.
Wakefield hosted their own team camp during July, lifted throughout the summer and had a few open turf sessions at Gardner Stadium.
Coach Kvidera emphasizes what has been worked on during the first two weeks of fall camp.
"Mostly the fundamentals, blocking and tackling," said Kvidera. "Installing the offense, defense and special teams."
With two straight seasons following no wins, Wakefield is focusing on being competitive and doing the little things needed to do to win games.
"We are focused on improving every practice so we can not only be in every game, but win them," said Kvidera.
Even with the loss of an experienced senior class last season, the Trojans have another strong senior class.
"Offensively, we have Jacob Borg coming back at quarterback," said Kvidera. "We lost Jacob for the season week one last year and struggled offensively throughout the season. We are looking for Mason Lamprecht (wide receiver) and Benny Palma (running back) to also help get the offense going. Up front we have Ruben Vega and Jaden Sievers returning. Ruben and Jaden will also play key roles on defense."
Coach Kvidera is also looking to see what his sophomore class can show with some of those guys having to have to step up and play key roles on special teams as well as to give starters a break.
Remaining healthy will be key this season for Wakefield football.
"Last season there were several games where we were missing four to five starters," said Kvidera. "That's a really difficult position for an eight-man team to be in, on both sides of the ball. As far as specific improvements, we want to improve on every aspect of the game."
Wakefield recently held an open practice and light scrimmage on August 22 at Gardner Stadium.
A trio of the seniors joined the Wayne Herald following an afternoon practice on August 20,
Mason Lamprecht (wide receiver/linebacker), Jacob Borg (quarterback/safety) and Benny Pamla (running back/defensive back) stated the team has been working on agility and ball handling, communication and getting in the weight room.
Lamprecht highlighted their first two weeks of fall camp.
"I think what we've put in as a team is really showing," said Lamprecht. "Over the past few years we're kind of putting it together."
Goals include getting over the two-year hump and keep winning the fourth quarters.
It's also been great working with the coaches while also adapting said Lamprecht.
"Whether it's new culture, new styles of whatever they want us to do," said Lamprecht. "New technique. Yeah he's (coaach Kvidera) done a great job in helping us adapt and roll over."
Borg has also been seeing the Wakefield football team meshing more.
"I think that we've grown a lot as a team since the beginning of the summer," said Borg. "We've gotten to know each other more. We've learned our playbook better than a couple weeks ago."
Borg missed all but one game last year and is excited to play.
"Coach (Kvidera) is really energetic," said Borg. "He keeps us focused throughout each practice and we enjoy learning from him."
Palma is taking this season one game at a time.
"Just having an outstanding season," said Palma. "We've had some great seniors that have set the tone. It may have not shown in the record but we're definitely ready to come out and be a better team."
Wakefield is focused on being together as a team while also being on the same page.
Palma said the coaches are helping and always pushing for a purpose to be here.
"Really pumped up to put the pads back on and the jersey back on and just ready to get out here and play football."
All three wanted to share a message to the underclassmen to keep Trojan football on the rise.
"Just keep grinding," said Lamprecht. "Don't make the mistakes that we made as underclassmen. They have to realize that they're the future of this team and they're going to be in our shoes. Don't take anything for granted."
"Keep focusing on the little things," said Borg. "It's hard to get zoned out when coach is talking or when you're not doing a drill. Keep focusing and watch the upperclassmen."
"Be there as much as you can," said Palma. "It goes by really fast. Four years felt just like a snap of a finger. Just be there and show up to everything."
Wakefield is set to play under the lights on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. hosting Wausa from Gardner Stadium.
"Thankful for (the fans) to keep supporting us through the ugly and good," said Lamprecht "They're always there and it's great."
"Thankful for the past two years I've been coming out and hope they keep coming out," said Borg.
"Thankful for all the fans that come out and support us," said Palma. "We haven't really been showing up for them. This season is going to be different. We're ready to set the tone and ready get back on it."
Coach Kvidera also shared his message to the supporters of Wakefield football.
"We have a really good group of young men," said Kvidera. "They have a lot of heart and character. We may not be the most talented team or have the biggest guys, but they will give everything they got week in and week out. As a coach and community we can take pride in their heart and tenacity."
