My goals are for us to play with spirit play to the best of our abilities and don’t think beyond the next play. I would match our skill guys up against anyone. "We have almost everyone returning, and they’ve worked hard in the offseason. I’m looking for us to have a breakthrough year and really surprise people. Now it’s up to them to take ownership and really (utilize) everything they’ve been (taught). As coaches, we’ve provided them with the tools to have a breakthrough year. “We’ve been a very young team, and as a result we’ve struggled on the field. What are your expectations for this team? Now it’s up to me to take that tradition and those schemes and put my own unique stamp on it.” He built this team from nothing to a regional championship contender. Brett is the grandfather of this program. How has the team adjusted to the recent coaching change? I want to instill enthusiasm and a 'let’s go out and attack and play football' (mentality)." I want us to be disciplined, conditioned and execute every play with spirit. ![]() I just have to be me and implement my own culture, which is focused on unity and putting the team first. “I told the guys, if I do something it’s not be different from Brett (Timmons). There was maybe some concern that ‘Oh, he’s just a middle school coach,’ but I played in college and I’ve been a part of this program.” I’ve coached a lot of these guys, which has helped with communication. “I was on the coaching staff in 2009 when we won a regional championship, so I’ve seen what a winner looks like. How do you think your involvement with the program over the past seven years will help you in your first head coaching position? Ken Sommers was named The Out-of-Door Academy's new head coach five weeks before the start of the season. Owen Han, senior, linebacker and fullback.28.Īnd with that, I welcome you to the 2015 season. Over the next three weeks, we’ll be going inside the huddle with seven area football teams, as they prepare for the start of the regular season, which officially kicks off Aug. You’ll hear Sommers’ expectations for the season and learn why Fineberg hasn’t played a full season of football since the eighth grade while meeting the players that will be called upon to lead the Thunder this season. This week, the Observer takes an in depth look at ODA and its goals for the upcoming season in its first football preview of 2015. The Thunder also are stronger in size and experience on both sides of the ball and with the majority of its roster now juniors and seniors, ODA could be headed for a breakout season. 2010: The year the Thunder last advanced to the playoffs.3A-10: The district classification ODA was in last season before dropping down to 2A-5.2: Varsity head coaches ODA has had since the program began in 2006.5: Games last season during which ODA’s opponents scored at least six touchdowns.308: Points the Thunder allowed in nine games last season. ![]() ODA returners the majority of its starters both on offense and defense, including playmakers Joey Runge, Trenton Radigan, Najee Rhodes and Fineberg, who missed the entire 2014 season with a torn tendon in his thumb. The change might just be the fresh start ODA has been looking for, as it attempts to climb back into district prominence. area foes Stephen’s and Bradenton Christian, along with Cambridge Christian and Carrollwood Day in Tampa. He’s been in the organization for awhile.”īut working with a predominately new coaching staff isn’t the only adjustment the Thunder has had to make this season.Īfter spending the past two seasons in Class 3A-District 6, alongside rival Cardinal Mooney, ODA will be moving down to Class 2A-District 5 this season. “We’re (glad) he’s our coach because we know who he is. “We like coach Sommers,” running back Jason Fineberg says. Sommers’ familiarity with the players and the program has helped aid in the transition. Sommers served as an assistant coach under Timmons, working with the offensive line, while also coaching the Thunder’s middle school team. Timmons had been ODA’s only coach since the Thunder played its first season of football in 2006.īut Sommers is no stranger to the team, having been with the program for the past seven years. Sommers was named ODA’s new coach five weeks before the start of the season, replacing former coach Brett Timmons, who also served as the school’s athletic director, after Timmons and ODA agreed to a mutual parting of ways. ![]() THE BASICS: ODAĪfter finishing last season 2-8 and spending the summer in the weight room, the Thunder are nearing the end of their first week of regular season practice under the guidance of first-year head coach Ken Sommers. It’s been an offseason of change for The Out-of-Door Academy football team, but it’s one the Thunder is learning to embrace.
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