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FOOTBALL
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| Freshmen |
There are new city rules concerning freshman eligibility this year, and nobody really knows how that is going to affect Custer, or the rest of the conference for that matter. Last year, and for years before, incoming freshmen were instantly eligible to join fall sports. That is not the case anymore. Now, in order for freshmen to be able to play, they have to pass all four of their proficiency tests. Even if they pass three of the tests, they can't play that season because of the one failure. Basically, students won't be eligible until the semester break, meaning that they would have to wait until the middle of the winter sports season to gain eligibility. There is a good chance the change could be eliminated before the season starts, as at some schools, including Custer, there may be a majority of the students who have not passed the tests. For our team, we have four former members of the Junior Cougar program entering Custer in the fall, and all four have greatness expected of them when they get there. Dominic Lentz, the younger brother of Cougar tackle Steve Lentz, is the biggest of the incoming group. At 260 lbs and around 6 feet tall, Lentz will undoubtedly hold down one of the offensive tackle spots for the freshman team. Lentz's size make him an attractive prospect for the team, but he'll have to improve his strength, athleticism and approach to the game to make an impact. The coaching staff are confident that through some summer lifting and wrestling in the winter, he'll advance to a varsity offensive lineman by the time he's a sophomore. Demetreus Gaines might be the best football prospect Custer has received in years. At 6' and 180 lbs of solid muscle, Gaines brings in a body that could easily contribute to the varsity right away. With three years of experience of playing football in pads already, he brings with him aknowledge of the game and a wealth of athletic talent. Gaines took 2nd in the Gillet Tournament of Champions last season as a Junior Cougar, allowing him to stake claim to being the second best middle school wrestler in the state at his weight class. Maurice Singleton and Antonio Johnson will also be making their way to Custer in the fall. Singleton placed third at the Gillet Tournament, and brings in brute strength and great heart with him. Singleton will likely see time at guard or linebacker, or possibly defensive end this season on the freshman team. Johnson's speed and ability to change directions on a dime will earn him a long look at tailback, hoping to follow in the mold of Juan Perez as a lightweight terror on the football field. Despite the new rules for eligibility, Coach Tomes is optimistic for the chances for this year's freshman team. "I know there were still be plenty of kids who will be able to play this year. Topping 32 kids like we had at the end of last season will be hard, but we always try to top we did the year before. That is still my goal." Tomes is excited to be working with Sam Ragsdale, who coached with Custer's varsity last season. The two are good friends, and know they will work together well. Bouying the team's chances this year will be the presence of some volunteer coaches. Tomes is putting the finishing touches on lining up a former college teammate and the new assistant wrestling coach at Custer. With that many coaches ready to start in August, Custer will be on a more level playing field with the suburban teams, many of which have10-14 coaches on staff. While Tomes is excited for this year's season to start, he will miss working with last year's group of freshmen. "They were a great group to have for my first year. The varsity is getting a great bunch of good kids who happen to be good football players. I'll miss them." |
