Football at Leavenworth High School is going to be a completely different animal this season.
The Pioneers will be playing on a new field, under a new coach and running new schemes on offense, defense and special teams. Getting the chance to be the man behind many of those changes, first-year Leavenworth coach Kevin Kopecky said, is something he’s really looking forward to.
“I’m coming in at a really good time where we can really wipe the slate clean and say ‘We’re going to have a really good football program.’” That’s our goal and we’re going to do that,” Kopecky said. “Football is football and kids are kids. I think some people think there’s a real difference between schools and communities, but this place really longs for a winner and the kids want todo well and they want to win. We’re starting over.”
Producing a new mentality and renewed passion for football, said the veteran coach who brings more than 20 years of head coaching experience to Leavenworth, is going to be the key to the success that players and fans are looking for.
“We want to build a great program,” Kopecky said.
With that in mind, he said he’s hoping that his first season will be a look at great things to come.
“I think this year is one we’ll always look back on. We’ll remember this year’s seniors for handling all the stress of everything being new. Everything has changed for them and they’ve bought in. They need to be remembered for that so hopefully we can build a big, successful program for K-12.”
After teaching and hold offseason workouts last semester when he was hired in late December, Kopecky said he feels like things are really falling into place.
“I’m feeling good. The kids are working hard and that’s the most important thing,” Kopecky said. “They’re picking up the discipline and how we want to practice. Anytime there’s a change in coaching staff the kids have to get used to that, and they’ve done a good job. They listen and pay attention and I’ve been really impressed with them.”
While Kopecky is relishing his inaugral season in Leavenworth, he also has an eye on the future, including building the programs’ numbers.
“We talked about good elementary numbers at camp, but our middle school and freshmen numbers are no where near where they need to be at a 6A school,” he said. “But we’ll get there in the future, I know we will because we’ll treat the kids right, start winning games and kids will want to play football. Right now we’re worried about the ones who are here and the ones who are here are working hard.
“The future will take care of itself, it really will. A year or two from now we won’t be having this conversation.”
Kopecky comes to Leavenworth after logging 12 years as head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas wehre he led the Saints to a 91-43 overall record and 11 state playoff appearances. He had winning records in 10 of his 12 seasons at Aquinas. He had previously coached at Ralston (Neb.) High School (1991-1997) and David City (Neb.) High School (1985-1991), compiling a career record of 150-99.
As his first season at the helm of the Pioneer program gets under way this week, Kopecky says he can’t wait to get going.
“I think you can sense the enthusiam,” he sad. “...It’ll be a lot of fun around here.”
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Football at Leavenworth High School is going to be a completely different animal this season.
The Pioneers will be playing on a new field, under a new coach and running new schemes on offense, defense and special teams. Getting the chance to be the man behind many of those changes, first-year Leavenworth coach Kevin Kopecky said, is something he’s really looking forward to.
“I’m coming in at a really good time where we can really wipe the slate clean and say ‘We’re going to have a really good football program.’” That’s our goal and we’re going to do that,” Kopecky said. “Football is football and kids are kids. I think some people think there’s a real difference between schools and communities, but this place really longs for a winner and the kids want todo well and they want to win. We’re starting over.”
Producing a new mentality and renewed passion for football, said the veteran coach who brings more than 20 years of head coaching experience to Leavenworth, is going to be the key to the success that players and fans are looking for.
“We want to build a great program,” Kopecky said.
With that in mind, he said he’s hoping that his first season will be a look at great things to come.
“I think this year is one we’ll always look back on. We’ll remember this year’s seniors for handling all the stress of everything being new. Everything has changed for them and they’ve bought in. They need to be remembered for that so hopefully we can build a big, successful program for K-12.”
After teaching and hold offseason workouts last semester when he was hired in late December, Kopecky said he feels like things are really falling into place.
“I’m feeling good. The kids are working hard and that’s the most important thing,” Kopecky said. “They’re picking up the discipline and how we want to practice. Anytime there’s a change in coaching staff the kids have to get used to that, and they’ve done a good job. They listen and pay attention and I’ve been really impressed with them.”
While Kopecky is relishing his inaugral season in Leavenworth, he also has an eye on the future, including building the programs’ numbers.
“We talked about good elementary numbers at camp, but our middle school and freshmen numbers are no where near where they need to be at a 6A school,” he said. “But we’ll get there in the future, I know we will because we’ll treat the kids right, start winning games and kids will want to play football. Right now we’re worried about the ones who are here and the ones who are here are working hard.
“The future will take care of itself, it really will. A year or two from now we won’t be having this conversation.”
Kopecky comes to Leavenworth after logging 12 years as head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas wehre he led the Saints to a 91-43 overall record and 11 state playoff appearances. He had winning records in 10 of his 12 seasons at Aquinas. He had previously coached at Ralston (Neb.) High School (1991-1997) and David City (Neb.) High School (1985-1991), compiling a career record of 150-99.
As his first season at the helm of the Pioneer program gets under way this week, Kopecky says he can’t wait to get going.
“I think you can sense the enthusiam,” he sad. “...It’ll be a lot of fun around here.”
