Hart plans to take newfound physical strength to the football field | Oceana’s Herald-Journal

HART — According to their head coach, the Pirates had their best offseason in the weight room since he’s been there, and that his team is older and stronger because of it.

The Pirates Head Coach, Joe Tanis, said that weight training will help an already physical lineup, and that Aaron Szura led the way in the weight room.

And some of these players were wrestlers, such as Adrian Lara, Halen Boos, Abdel Lopez, Hagen Hansen, Kole Thomas, Keaghan Monroe, Logan Jorissen and Blake Helenhouse.

In Tanis’ backfield, Kyle Greiner and Monroe return from last season’s squad, with Greiner having made great strides in his strength.

Hollis Rockwell IV, an All-Conference center, comes back for his third season.

And Tanis is moving Boos to wing, seeking to use his versatility as a runner, receiver, and passer.

“Kolt Rockwell takes over full-time at quarterback — an All-Conference basketball player with a strong, accurate arm,” Tanis said.

According to Tanis, Greiner, who was also an All-Conference safety, along with Boos, will anchor the Pirates secondary, and Rockwell and Monroe will play outside linebacker.

“Inside linebacker spots are still being decided with Haegan Hansen and Aiden Cull leading the charge, but I expect Jorissen to have a breakout senior season at cornerback after flashing his potential in week nine last year,” Tanis said.

And all these things has Tanis talking about his expectations for his team this season.

“Same as always-max out physically and mentally,” Tanis said. “That’s all we can control, and we work to keep our focus there.”

Tanis also has some incoming players he said would have an impact on this year’s team.

Thomas, Eddie Martinez, Wyatt Johnson and Jackson Bishop are moving up from the junior varsity team.

Tanis said, “Seniors Desse Rodriguez and Chase Lorenz (the school’s 100-meter dash record holder) join from soccer.”

“Sophomore Carlos Salazar is a big, athletic lineman pushing for a starting spot,” Tanis said.

And according to Tanis, both starting corners Brody Clark and Kaden Bond, linebackers Eman Hertzler and Alex Hicks, wide receiver Ty Schlukebir and tight ends Eric Hannan and Connor Riker all graduated.

Hertzler also played wing and Hicks played fullback.

Tanis said, “Talented players who will be missed, but we’re excited for the next group to step in.”

And Tanis talked about what changes the team has made that he hopes will help the Pirates be more successful this season.

“We’re keeping our system simple and leaning on our depth from last year’s QB/RB rotation-these four return,” Tanis said.

Rockwell takes over at quarterback, Tanis said, after showing flashes of big potential last season.

“Boos moves to wing without ego, adding explosiveness,” Tanis said. “Our veteran OL will be key.”

“If we play our best, we can compete with anyone,” Tanis said. “With a small roster and a challenging schedule, we’ll get what we earn, and our response will determine the ride.”

Tanis also said that North Muskegon has not lost a game since joining the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division, that Ravenna will be improved, Mason County will remain a strong team, Shelby’s junior varsity dominated with this group two years ago, and that Hesperia should take another step under Coach Fehler.