UPDATE: The Yates Center Wildcats are set to make a bold comeback in the Three Rivers League as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season, kicking off on September 4, 2024. After a challenging 1-8 season last year, the Wildcats believe they possess the right mix of physicality and experience to rise from the bottom to the top.
Coach Ryan Panko attributes this newfound confidence to a rigorous summer weight lifting program, which has fostered exceptional team chemistry. “Our team chemistry, the kids we have showing up to weights and getting after it might be the best I’ve had since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here since 2017,” Panko stated. The Wildcats have shown impressive commitment, with many players actively participating in workouts, a trend Panko sees as crucial to their success.
Junior Jeremiah Jones exemplified this dedication, showcasing his skills during Wednesday morning lifting sessions. The Wildcats’ age dynamics have also shifted significantly. Last season, the team had only three upperclassmen, including just one senior. This year, they welcome three seniors: Eli Hess, Blake Morrison, and Clayton Culver, the latter of whom is eager to make an impact on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
“I’m really excited for it,” Culver expressed. “Hopefully we’ll have fun and do pretty good. I’m pretty confident. I think we have a good shot of doing really well this season. We have good chemistry.”
As the Wildcats gear up for the season, they are eyeing the Three Rivers League, which appears wide open this year. With the two-time returning TRL champion Marmaton Valley graduating key players such as Jaedon Granere and Brayden Lawson, the Wildcats sense an opportunity to capitalize on the shift in competition.
“They’ve been getting after it the past couple of years as freshmen and sophomores,” said Coach Panko. “Now, they’re juniors and seniors. It’s really paid off this summer, but we’ll know more as the season goes along. We’ll get into full pads and see where the kids are.”
With energy surging through the team, the Wildcats are ready to face off against their rivals. Coach Panko remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team’s hard work during the summer will reflect on the field. As excitement builds among players and fans alike, the countdown to the season opener has officially begun.
Stay tuned as the Yates Center Wildcats aim to transform their fortunes in the Three Rivers League and seize the moment in a season that promises to be anything but predictable.
