After a perfect 14-0 season, capped off by a thrilling 3A state championship victory against Eastside Catholic, the Yelm High School football program returned to practice on Tuesday, June 6, as part of its spring football practice series.
The Tornados will compete with the Lincoln Abes as part of a “duel-practice” and will participate in various competitions throughout the summer months.
“We start from the bottom,” Head Coach Jason Ronquillo told the Nisqually Valley News on June 12. “We begin creating the foundation of success from our philosophy of how we attack football in June.”
Spring football is seen as an important part of an athlete’s development as a player.
“Spring football is about character building,” Ronquillo said. “Establishing our roots and creating the framework of our program. It’s as much about program development as it is about the sport of football.”
Soon-to-be senior offensive lineman Landen Barger, who will start his 2023 season as a four-year starter for Yelm, said the team is “super motivated” as they enter the spring football season.
“We all want to get back and do it again. We feel it’s a standard now to reach that point,” Barger said, referencing the team’s ambition to repeat as 3A state champions. “The standard is to be the best every year from now on.”
The reigning South Sound Conference Lineman of the Year said he has high goals for his offensive line. Barger said one of the unit’s ambitions for the upcoming season is to allow zero sacks throughout the season.
“We only let up one sack last year, which is still unacceptable,” Barger said. “Our quarterback should never be on the ground.”
Barger said Shane Creegan is one of the players who is off to a strong start in the spring football season. The 6 foot, 3 inch junior will replace Kolby Henry, who graduated from Yelm High School on June 11.
“Shane has stepped it up a tremendous amount since last year in the weight room and on the field,” Barger said. “He will definitely be a key player in our run for the ship again.”
Ronquillo also highlighted Creegan as a player that stands out to him. He added that Arlo Henderson, Anthony Kiamco and Kyle Kaaiwala are other athletes to keep an eye on.
Yelm’s first game of the 2023 regular season is set for Sept. 1 on the road against Camas High School. Until then, you can catch the Tornados in action at Pacific Lutheran University on June 17 in an 11-on-11 team camp.
