This week, the NWN got to chat with a few members of the Niles West Football Team to discuss the upcoming season. Head Coach Jesse Pierce, and senior captains Wil Shemroske and Joseph Park had a lot to say about their goals, traditions, and plans for improvement in the nearby future.

With the season already coming around the corner, Pierce had a lot of things he was excited about for this year’s season.

“I’m most excited to see our guys compete in the tough CSL South. I think we have a great group of young men that are developing a strong bond with one another. I am excited to see how they take on the challenges of our schedule,” Pierce said.

Along with hard work and chemistry, the boys are striving to make their mark early on in the season.This year’s season will have many new and different elements with a partial new coaching staff, and a complete shift in their system of play.

“This year almost everything is different. Half our coaching staff is new and we lost our entire starting offense. That shouldn’t be a problem though, we have a completely new offense and defense and if the pieces fall into place, we will be successful with the new way everything is run,” Park said.

With every athletic team, there are always those games that fill up the stands.

“I think every week is a big game so we expect a huge turn-out for every game. But obviously we’re expecting a huge fan section for the North game like we have every year,” Shemroske said.

With the change throughout the program this season, the fans should keep their eye out for the Niles West football team.

“Everyone should look forward to seeing the Wolves football team shock the conference. As long as our players buy-in, we will be a successful team. We’re just going to attack game after game, week by week, and hopefully surprise other competitors in our conference,” said Park.

The coaching staff and players are looking forward to a new season and hope to create a solid foundation made of hard work, camaraderie, and victories. Their next game is on Friday, September 1 at home vs. Solario at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to come to show your support!