New Coach Sets High Expectations

     *Disclosure - As a member of the football team, I promise that being biased will not interfere with my journalistic integrity.

     New Fairfield head coach Aaron Fitzstephens held a football meeting for the upcoming season's players in the Fairfield Arena after school on Monday, April 27th.

     As soon as everyone was finished with a questionnaire, including personal and athletic information, Fitzstephens started off his era by saying, "I can't tell you how excited I am to coach here."

     The huge grin on his face agreed with his statement.

     After introducing himself, he then did the same for his staff. "We've got great coaches in this district, they just haven't been coaching yet. Now we've got them."

     Coach Fitzstephens quickly switched into a subject that everyone was waiting for. "If any other coach would have been hired, the first thing they'd say is, 'Oh, we went 1-9 last season, time to start rebuilding.'" He looked around with a face that seemed to show disgust. "Rebuilding? I hate that word. That's trash. My promise to you guys is that we [he and the coaching staff] will work extremely hard; we'll work our tails off."

     Coach Fitzstephens then asked next year's seniors to stand. "Too much talent to not win football games this year. Way too much talent. There's absolutely no reason why Fairfield football shouldn't be one of the best teams in southwest Ohio," he said with a punch.
    
     The players were buzzing with what felt like a strong hope and confidence for the approaching season.

     Fitzstephens then handed out the summer calendars, which covered every lifting, conditioning and practice date. He then concluded by stating that the word "together" would be the theme for '09. The players then introduced themselves to the staff by giving their name and position.

     "Coach Fitz brings a positive attitude and vibe. I'm ready to get the playbook and see what's in store for us," said senior-to-be quarterback Justin McCray. Another upcoming senior, cornerback Logan Brooks added, "He [Fitzstephens] seems more composed than Doc [Gamble], even with his [Fitzstephens] lack of experience."

     There's one thing that coach Fitzstephens said earlier in the meeting that seemed to stick in the minds of the players. "You should EXPECT to move mountains," he said. And that's just what the Indians of Fairfield are looking to do.

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