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Andover High’s Mike Lee just finished his most challenging season in a coaching career that spans more than 25 years, but he has hope for the future.
By his count, he has 15 starters returning in 2012.
He has a supportive group of parents who are willing to help.
He has a schedule that is a bit more conducive for one of the smallest, newest teams in Class 5A.
Lee knows that probably won’t be enough for the Trojans to be good again right away. So here’s the first thing he’s going to do: Go in the weight room.
Starting in January, Lee is giving up his planning period to personally be on hand when many of his football players have weightlifting class. A couple of his assistant coaches are doing the same thing.
“I like to use this comparison: If the owner of a car lot is walking around on that lot, his salespeople are going to sell more cars,” Lee said. “That’s just the way it is. You’re going to work harder when the boss is around. It sends the message that this is important. We’re not just talking about it; we’re emphasizing the weight room.
“I’ve got to do whatever I can to give our players a chance. Our players are going to work harder and reap more rewards if I’m in there.”
After going 18-4 as a 4A school in 2008 and ’09, the Trojans have gone 3-15 in their first two seasons in 5A, including a 1-8 record this season.
“What this season demonstrated was the need for us to change,” Lee said. “As a 5A team, we need to do things different. Every week we were out-manned physically. Well, you don’t complain about the players. It’s not their fault. They battled. We have to do a better job (as coaches).”
Lee said most of the Trojans’ offseason routines – including going to a summer football camp at Pittsburg State, his alma mater – are subject to change.
The highlight of the Trojans’ season, naturally, was their only victory – a 28-8 decision over Valley Center. The Hornets will be in Andover’s district next year, as will Newton and Emporia.
Andover will have a non-conference game against Independence, a 4A school coming off a 5-4 season.
The Trojans’ other opponents are Ark City, Eisenhower, Goddard, Campus and Andover Central.
Gone from the schedule are McPherson, Derby, Maize and Kapaun Mount Carmel.
After averaging a little more than 11 points over its first seven games, Andover’s offense averaged 30 in its last two. Lee counts that as another good sign.
Andover’s new season started last week, when the Trojans had their 2011 wrap-up meeting.
“The biggest question mark of next year is how we will have used our offseason,” Lee said. “I think we’ll be better prepared. The guys are very, very positive about next year.”
Andover High’s Mike Lee just finished his most challenging season in a coaching career that spans more than 25 years, but he has hope for the future.
By his count, he has 15 starters returning in 2012.
He has a supportive group of parents who are willing to help.
He has a schedule that is a bit more conducive for one of the smallest, newest teams in Class 5A.
Lee knows that probably won’t be enough for the Trojans to be good again right away. So here’s the first thing he’s going to do: Go in the weight room.
Starting in January, Lee is giving up his planning period to personally be on hand when many of his football players have weightlifting class. A couple of his assistant coaches are doing the same thing.
“I like to use this comparison: If the owner of a car lot is walking around on that lot, his salespeople are going to sell more cars,” Lee said. “That’s just the way it is. You’re going to work harder when the boss is around. It sends the message that this is important. We’re not just talking about it; we’re emphasizing the weight room.
“I’ve got to do whatever I can to give our players a chance. Our players are going to work harder and reap more rewards if I’m in there.”
After going 18-4 as a 4A school in 2008 and ’09, the Trojans have gone 3-15 in their first two seasons in 5A, including a 1-8 record this season.
“What this season demonstrated was the need for us to change,” Lee said. “As a 5A team, we need to do things different. Every week we were out-manned physically. Well, you don’t complain about the players. It’s not their fault. They battled. We have to do a better job (as coaches).”
Lee said most of the Trojans’ offseason routines – including going to a summer football camp at Pittsburg State, his alma mater – are subject to change.
The highlight of the Trojans’ season, naturally, was their only victory – a 28-8 decision over Valley Center. The Hornets will be in Andover’s district next year, as will Newton and Emporia.
Andover will have a non-conference game against Independence, a 4A school coming off a 5-4 season.
The Trojans’ other opponents are Ark City, Eisenhower, Goddard, Campus and Andover Central.
Gone from the schedule are McPherson, Derby, Maize and Kapaun Mount Carmel.
After averaging a little more than 11 points over its first seven games, Andover’s offense averaged 30 in its last two. Lee counts that as another good sign.
Andover’s new season started last week, when the Trojans had their 2011 wrap-up meeting.
“The biggest question mark of next year is how we will have used our offseason,” Lee said. “I think we’ll be better prepared. The guys are very, very positive about next year.”
