Coach Tony Verducci is hard at work already for the 2013 campaign. The prospective players met new coaches, fitted helmets and shoulder pads, met in preparation for 2013
Bishop Ireton Head Football Coach Tony Verducci and his staff have had a very busy six months since the Cardinals ended the 2012 season with a victory over John Paul the Great High School. Verducci recently noted that, “We reviewed virtually every aspect of our program and are implementing changes with a level of commitment from coaches, players and parents that I can proudly describe as inspirational.” The new leadership team of coaches and players was on hand this past weekend to kick off the 2013 season with the team’s annual Spring Football Weekend.
The team’s coaches and Leadership Council members welcomed those expected to wear the cardinal and gold to attend one of three sessions at which players were fitted for helmets and shoulder pads, registered for the team’s June Clinic and orders team wear items for the fall season. The team welcomed everyone from incoming freshmen to returning letter winners and rising seniors. Head JV Coach Moe Webb noted, “It was a great opportunity to talk to players and parents and to ensure that we have proper fitting equipment well in advance of our 2013 season. As a coach it’s exciting to see familiar faces and to welcome the newest members of our school.” While the majority of those expected to play were able to stop in, Coach Verducci noted that schedule conflicts always keep a few potential team members from taking part in the weekend events.
Those interested in being part of the team are always welcome to contact Coach Verducci at Verducca@bishopireton.org.
This was the first opportunity for some new coaches to meet players and parents. Coach Verducci announced that long-time assistant Charlie Meyers was promoted to serve as the associate head coach and will continue to work with the team’s defense, noting “Coach Meyers has been a beacon of consistency and leadership as we prepare for our seventh season and I know he will provide insight and innovation as we move forward.” Coach Meyers distinguished himself during a stellar career as a Naval Academy football player and as a surface warfare officer. Jerton Evans is the team’s new defensive coordinator; accepting the challenge of making the Cardinals a more physical and fundamentally sound unit. As Coach Verducci explained, “Coach Evans has the credibility as both a player and coach that will be a great benefit to what we expect will be a young team.” Coach Evans was an All-American defensive back at the University of Virginia who played in the National Football League before establishing himself as a teacher and coach. Coach Joe Blaszkow returns for his third season as the driving force behind the Cardinals’ Tony Franklin System offense. “Coach Blaszkow is a great student of the game and of this spread offense; he returned from spending a couple of days with Coach Franklin and the University of California football coaches with an even greater level of excitement to get started.” Coach Verducci expects a full season of head JV coach Mo Webb to be another boost to the program. “Coach Webb assumed the head coaching duties during pre-season practice in 2012 under very challenging conditions; I am thankful of his selfless dedication to our players and our program; having him at the helm from Day One will make a huge difference in teaching new players the fundamentals of the game.” Coach Webb was a highly successful youth coach in Dale City, where he continues to serve as a youth football program coordinator and administrator.
In addition to the coaching leadership team, Coach Verducci announced that rising seniors Hudson Sullivan and Dylan Espinosa have been joined on the Leadership Council by rising juniors and returning starters Michael Commeree, Andrew Latrash and Drew Smith. Sullivan, a returning first team all state linebacker, is expected to be the cornerstone of Coach Evan’s defense this fall. Espinosa made great strides over the final games of the 2012 season as an inside linebacker, while Commeree started several games along the offensive line. Latrash was a highly productive running back and back-up quarterback and Drew Smith showed great talent as a wide receiver despite missing several games with injuries. “All five of these young men reflect the values we seek to instill and recognize: they are terrific young men, honor students and tough-nosed football players. Our new and returning players will see what it takes to succeed in the community, in school and on the football field in our leadership council members for 2013.”
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