We’re only a few weeks awayfrom the start of a new season of high school football.
A new season means new storylines and opportunities for teams and players to shine on Friday nights.
Usually, we get to talk about high expectations for teams expected to compete for championships. But there is also another storyline where we get to discuss coaches heading into their first seasons at their respective programs.
As we continue the Outside the Huddle 2023 season preview, new OTH correspondent Sam Frick had an opportunity to catch up with several of the newbies recently.
Next up – new Manchester coach Eddie Fields.
They say the more things change, the more they stay the same.
In the case of Eddie Fields, that is certainly the case as he returns to his home roots in northeast Indiana. A graduate of Whitko High School and IPFW, Fields has previously coached at Elmhurst, South Side, Manchester University, Space Coast (Florida) and, most recently, Brantley County (Georgia).
As for his Squires, this is a team that expects to field a massive offensive line that averages nearly 300 lbs. Last season, Manchester threw for 1,834 yards. Now that Brock Casper has graduated, look for junior Logan Eastgate to fill that spot.
The duo of junior Mason Rooney and Garrett Sites combined for 1,092 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground in 2022. Sophomore Reiss Gaerte is another name that will get reps in the backfield.
However, this is a program that has struggled to maintain a winning culture. The last winning season came in 2009, when the Squires went 8-2.
When it comes to Fields’ philosophy, it is getting the kids acclimated to a blue-collar mentality.
“My philosophy is we just want to be the toughest group on the field,” said Fields. “We’re gonna
develop our athletes so they have the best chance to go out there and compete and play in a way
that they’re dominant.”
Fields said this team has been 100 percent bought-in to his vision, and they have a desire to get better. For this season to be a success in their eyes, it will have to start with their conditioning.
“It’s 100 percent in the weight room,” said Fields. “Our kids have never been in it year-round, and
they got to be there consistent for four years so that our guys are developed and bigger and
stronger.”
Patience will be key for this program in 2023, but Fields and the Squires are focusing on the
process.
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