News Photo by Steve Jakubcin The 2024 Alpena High School varsity football team poses for a photo at Wildcat Stadium. Pictured from left to right in the front row are Aiden Aube, Cole Herman, Eli Werth, Aiden Olsen, Noah Roznowski, Brady Chapman, Thorin Rogers, and Simon Duthler. Pictured in the middle row from left to right are Charles Renard, Kaleb Werth, Trent Young, Wyatt Dubie, Trenton Stephenson, Matthew Lash, Scott Burns, Zach Orban, and Jace Kadrich. Pictured in the third row from left to right are Braeden Schaedig, Eric Eades, Jack Krawczak, Colt Walter, Oliver Duthler, John Dargis, Henry Wirgau, Owen Barnhardt, and Alex Winfield. Team staff pictured in the back row from left to right are Breyer McGinn, Spencer Kraft, Luke Young, Cameron Schultz, Vincent MacArthur, Austin Poirier, Chris Whirry, and Ed Palmer. In the top row is Matt Simion. Not pictured is Jay Kurowski.

ALPENA — The Alpena High School varsity football team is heading into the new season with a renewed sense of purpose and direction under the guidance of its new head coach, Matt Simion.

After a challenging season last year, Simion said he’s committed to turning things around and instilling a winning mentality among his players.

One of the main changes Simion has brought to the program is a focus on maintaining a positive attitude and adopting a growth mindset.

“We preach ‘trusting the process’ and emphasize becoming better every day, both on and off the field,” Simion said.

To promote unity across the entire football program, a mentorship initiative has been introduced, aiming to build connections and camaraderie among the players. Simion believes that that holistic approach will not only improve players’ performance on the field but also in the classroom and their personal lives.

Rebuilding the team’s confidence has been a priority for Simion since his arrival.

He made it clear from day one that the team wouldn’t dwell on the past. Instead, the focus has been on working hard and enjoying the process of building a strong foundation for the program.

“We want to reach our goals for the season and establish a culture that values hard work and dedication,” Simion explained.

During the preseason, the coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on developing the players as complete athletes. The team has been working on increasing its speed and strength, as well as improving players’ understanding of the game.

Simion believes that that comprehensive approach is key to achieving success not just in football but also in life.

Simion has set both short-term and long-term goals for the team under his leadership.

In the short term, the focus is on continuous improvement, striving to be better than the day before. The team is also aiming to become the first Alpena High School football team in 20 years to achieve a winning record.

In the long term, Simion envisions building a program that helps student athletes develop holistically as individuals, which he believes will ultimately lead to championships.

When it comes to leadership, Simion has high praise for the entire team, noting that they all strive to set the standard.

However, he highlighted the senior players for their leadership and commitment to the program, emphasizing their crucial role in setting the tone for the season.

WILDCATS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

7 p.m. Thursday: at Ludington

6 p.m. Sept. 7: vs. Marquette

6 p.m. Sept. 13: vs. Zeeland East

6 p.m. Sept. 20: at Cadillac

7 p.m. Sept. 27: vs. Petoskey

7 p.m. Oct. 4: vs. Gaylord

7 p.m. Oct. 11: at Sault Area

7 p.m. Oct. 18: at Escanaba

7 p.m. Oct. 25: at St. Johns