With kickoff just nine days away, Mineral Wells High School Athletics Director and head football coach Gerald Perry teed things up Wednesday for Mineral Wells Rotarians, giving them some information and insights about the 2019 Rams team.
With just 11 seniors on this year's varsity squad, youth is the theme for this season as Perry and his coaching staff is working on growing and coaching them up since the team could rely heavily on a group of sophomores and freshmen.
Perry thinks despite having a young team (which he said should pay dividends in two years) they are not using that as an excuse. He said the program's goals remain the same: "Win a district championship, win a state championship and practice on Thanksgiving Day."
It is not all about winning for Perry. He noted that in each of his six years at Mineral Wells the football team has maintained a 100 percent graduation rate.
Along with a lot of new players, Perry has some new coaches on his staff. He said he promotes first from his junior high school coaching ranks.
He said the UIL changes this year benefited all MWHS athletics programs by allowing coaches instructional time with athletes they were not afforded previously.
He said the raises recently announced by Mineral Wells ISD – $3.6 million total across the district – will benefit the athletics programs by helping him recruit and keep the best coaches. He said some who left in the past off-season contacted him and said they wish they had stayed.
Though a young team, Perry said there is a lot of talent among his charges – they just need experience and some time to mature and improve. He thinks the Rams can and will surprise some teams this season and expects them to make the playoffs.
Along with the work and long hours coaches put in, the MWHS staff has also been active the last two years with the Mineral Wells Youth Sports Association helping them improve their programs and coaching. Perry sits on the organization's board.
A scrimmage is planned Thursday evening at Ram Stadium against Godley. Season tickets and parking passes are still available through the Mineral Wells High School office. The Rams open the season Friday, Aug. 30, hosting Carrollton Ranchview. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Palo Pinto General Hospital for lunch, networking, updates on club news and events and a program of interest. Meetings are for club members, invited guests and prospective members. If you would like more information about becoming a member, tour our website at mineralwellsrotary.org or seek out a Rotarian for more information.