Team Profile
Photos by Gary Fain Photography
Q & A With Coach Nick Rivers III
Q. How would you characterize this year’s team?
A. Hardnosed and experienced. We have many players that have had significant experience on both sides of the ball.
Q. Who will be your key leaders on the team?
A. Jeffrey “Diesel” Deason, Richard Burney, Chase Packer, Tyus Henry, and Michael “Koko” Kendricks.
Q. What are your biggest reasons for optimism?
A. I have watched our team grow and advance over the last four years. They are hungry for success and they are taking it upon themselves to get extra work on the field, the classroom, and the weightroom. They are doing the little things even when coaches are not watching.
Q. What will keep you up at night?
A. Nothing really. I believe in maximizing time efficiently and effectively, and letting the players play fast. I trust my guys will show up every day ready to put the work in.
Q. What can you build on from last year?
A. I want to build an expectation of winning and continuing to do things the right way. I feel like making the playoffs was an experience that really helped our guys see there is another level to playing the game. Winning in November is different than the regular season.
Q. How would you characterize your team’s speed?
A. Coach Ward has really given us a boost with our track and speed training this off-season. Our players are moving more explosively and have more confidence using their speed.
