MATTAWA - If there is one thing he will teach for sure, new Wahluke High football coach Michael Foristiere will stress the fundamentals.

"If you can't out-block, out-tackle or out-hustle the other team, then it doesn't matter what offense, defense or special teams you run," he said. "I just hope the players are ready to buy in."

Foristiere also believes in giving players a chance to prove themselves. He noted that then University of Oregon coach Rick Brooks was the only college coach to give him a chance.

Foristiere played offensive guard three years for the Ducks when they were building up to a national caliber program. They went from 2-9 in 1978 to 6-3-2 in 1980.

It should be no tougher for Foristiere to attract athletes in Mattawa than it's been elsewhere. His first experiences were at inner-city schools in Fresno, Calif.

"Some years, just keeping a team together was a great accomplishment," he said. "It's very similar to the movie documentary called Undefeated."

After Fresno, Foristiere coached at all four high schools in the Boise (Idaho) School District. He coached at Eagle, Idaho, which finished second in the state in 2011.

Along the way, Foristiere coached boys who advanced to higher levels of football. They included Dan White (Idaho), Taylor Rust (UofI), Luke Dixon (Boise State), Dillon Lukehart (BSU) and Hugh Thornton (Indianapolis Colts).

Foristiere understands that some local folks might see Mattawa as the middle of nowhere. He had a much different take the first day he visited.

"I saw an oasis in the middle of nowhere," he said. "What really impressed me was the school and kids. I'm excited about what I can bring to the table to make Wahluke football successful."

Foristiere is aware Wahluke has struggled for football victories. He believes things can change if the people involved want that change bad enough.

"I've had the privilege to work with some very knowledgeable, successful coaches and, with my many years of coaching experience in different settings, it should be a tremendous help," he said.

Foristiere knows arch-rival Royal has one of the best programs in the state. He knows the conference is very competitive. Catching up will be a matter of what his players have within.

"The only thing I can control is what my staff and I bring to Wahluke," he said. "You catch up one day at a time moving forward."

Until he arrives, on June 5, Foristiere will have assistants getting things started. After spring practice, there will be a contact camp and summer workouts.

Foristiere's staff is not complete, but the coaches he has spoken with are enthusiastic and "want what is best for the players." He may accept volunteer coaches from the community, but he must first see what the needs are.

"Volunteer assistants can be a great asset," he said.

Foristiere will go about attracting the best athletes by building relationships with students. He also hopes to involve the community.

"Everybody wants to win," he said. "The reality is to develop a contender attitude. It will only come from one's willingness to go through the grind, one day at a time."