When watching a lacrosse game, it’s easy to see that the leadership of a coach is essential for team success. New head coach, Jakeob Wilson holds that power.
Wilson is a 2016 alumnus of the high school. During his time here, he played lacrosse and went on to play at Davenport University after graduation. In the past, he has coached third all the way through eighth grade for the last five years. When previous head coach Tate Ferris stepped down, Wilson decided to take the opportunity and rise to the position of varsity coach.
“I coached most of the boys here at the varsity level when they were down [at the youth level], so it worked out that they reached out to me and needed a coach,” Wilson said.
Wilson may be new to the head coach position but is looking toward the future for this team and plans what he wants to teach the players.
“I just [want] to instill confidence that they can go out and do whatever they put their minds [to] and just nudge them along, whatever helps them get there quicker,” Wilson said.
Wilson has had many influences throughout his lacrosse career and has implemented parts of their mentorship into his own.
“I like to take a little bit of something from every coach I’ve had, not necessarily copy them but morph it into what I want to do and how I see myself being a coach,” Wilson said.
Sophomore Caleb Cochran has experience with both head coaches and he appreciates the new coaching style and the new team atmosphere.
“[Wilson] is more relaxed, he’s not going to make us run just because we miss a catch because all the new players are not that experienced,” Cochran said.
Junior and co-captain Colin Tebrake has been with this new staffing since his freshman year of playing lacrosse, experiencing Wilson during last year’s season. He already knew what was to come, and he was excited.
“They’ve already shown me they know how to lead and teach a team,” Tebrake said. “I’m sure they’re going to have a good IQ on what to do during tough games.”
Even though there are new coaches and a new culture, co-captain and senior Jaysen Brehm had some expectations for the season and the fresh leaders.
“I just want to feel respected and I’ll give that respect back,” Brehm said. “I understand that we’re going to mess up, nothing is going to be perfect, [but] we’re a team. We’re going to go through losses together, we’re going to win together, and that is just how it goes.”
