EPHRATA – The Tigers take on 2022 with significant differences from a year ago, both with quarterback play and at the head coach position.

“I played running back my whole life, and just now taking on quarterback,” senior quarterback Travis Hendrick said. “It’s been very hard, but I’ve found that it’s made football more fun. Football does get kind of repetitive, but I think it’s super awesome to learn new stuff, learn how to be better for the team.”

While Hendrick said the change had been challenging, there are aspects from his former position that he’s applied to his new one.

“I think it makes it a lot easier to see the field and the aspect of running,” Hendrick said of the switch to quarterback. “If I get in trouble I can run, and I’ve had lots of experience in that. It’s also nice to have experience in another position, so that you know the expectations of the other position and understand what they’re supposed to be doing too.”

Joining Hendrick in a different position is new Head Coach Patrick Mitchell, who was promoted from his previous role as defensive coordinator.

“The biggest thing is (the players are) buying into some of the things that we’re doing,” Mitchell said. “We’re building off of stuff that we’ve been doing since I’ve been here with the previous coach. Keeping some continuity with some of the things that we’ve been doing, but I’ve also been kind of changing some things up.”

Among some of the changes that Mitchell is installing is the number of reps taken during practice.

“One of the things that I’m trying to do is speed up the amount of plays and reps that we do in a certain practice,” Mitchell said. “Trying to build on a culture of getting the most out of that two hours in terms of plays against defense, or against air – whatever it might be.”

Getting ready to experience his first year as head coach of the Tigers, Mitchell said he looks forward to coaching what he called his awesome group of players.

“Getting the opportunity to teach and to coach this awesome group of kids, and getting them to compete and play at the highest level that they can,” he said.

Mitchell pointed out a handful of those players, crediting seniors for their leadership and prior experiences on the field.

“Travis Hendrick, he’s stood out a lot,” Mitchell said. “He’s going to play quarterback for us this year. He’s been a two-way starter for us in the past, great leader on the team. He’s had a great summer, in summer camp and things like that. Weslee Kriete, Vaden Dormaier are also some two-way guys playing on the offensive line and defensive line that have been multi-year starters for us.”

Elder leadership is important for teams to have younger players have an example to look up to, whilst leaving a legacy for the future.

“I think it’s pretty important to be a leader and lead by example,” Travis Hendrick said of being a senior. “Leave an impact on the program for the next year. I have a little brother here, he’s going to be a freshman, so I’d like to leave an example for him to be a leader one day.”

Throughout offseason work, the 2022 Tigers have had plenty of bonding experiences to grow together as a team, including trips to the weight room and football camps.

“The camaraderie – getting together in the weight room, going to camps,” Dormaier said of what’s been his favorite thing through fall camp.

Ephrata kicks off its season at home against Moses Lake on September 9. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Ephrata.

“I’d love to see a playoff run,” Kriete said. “I honestly think we could do it, but we gotta work for it.”

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

Editor’s Note:

Requests for the Ephrata Tigers’ roster were not responded to in time for publication. The school is working on the request and we will publish that roster at a later date once it is made available.

Schedule

Sept. 2 - vs Moses Lake - 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 - @ Quincy - 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 - vs Othello - 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 - @ East Valley - 7 pm.

Sept. 30 - vs Cashmere - 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 - vs Selah - 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 - vs Grandview - 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 - vs Prosser - 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 - @ Ellensburg - 7 p.m.