by JASON GORDON
New Hays High head football coach and athletic coordinator Blake Feldt said he couldn’t be happier after his first week at the helm.
After meeting with his coaches and working with his new football players, the former Pilot Point High School head coach has hit the ground running at Hays.
“Everyone’s been great,” Feldt said. “I’ve been trying to meet as many people as I can and everybody’s been so nice around here.”
Feldt said he decided not to participate in spring practice this year, which will give Hays an added week of practice time this summer.
“We’re probably not going to do spring ball,” Feldt said. “It was going to depend on if I was going to be able to get some staff in here that we need, but we haven’t been able to do that yet. It’s something that needs to get done and we’re working on it, but it’s difficult right now with the hiring freeze and budget issues.”
Feldt added that he’s been impressed with the coaches at Hays.
“They are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work,” he said. “It’s obvious that Coach (Bob) Shelton did a great job because one of the things you look for when you come to a new place is the work ethic of the coaches. They know what it takes to build a great program and I’ve been pleased with all of them.”
In football class, Feldt has mainly had new players working on strength and conditioning.
“We’re trying to get bigger, faster and stronger,” Feldt said. “Friday we did go outside and talked and went through a few things, which is really all we’re allowed to do right now. The one thing that stands out is the work ethic of the kids. I’ve been very pleased.”
Hays sophomore Caleb Kimbro said it’s an exciting time on campus.
“There is a new energy and everyone is working hard,” Kimbro said. “We are ready to learn the new system.”
Junior Michael Romero, a first-team all-district selection last season, is looking forward to learning Coach Feldt’s offense.
“I think it’s going to be high-paced like Oregon’s, so that’s exciting,” Romero said. “Coach Feldt is expecting next year’s seniors to be leaders and that’s what we’re doing.”
Junior Mason Cervenka said the competition is already starting between players.
“Everyone is working hard and trying to earn a spot,” Cervenka said. “During weights, we are constantly moving after every set. It’s pretty intense, but it’s been real good so far.”
Between now and the end of school Feldt said he also wants to work on the athletic department handbook that applies to players and parents and the athletic department coaches handbook.
“These are things that are department policy that tie in with school and district policy,” Feldt said. “We just need to review them and see what changes we might want to make.”
