The crowds line up for the football game, decked out in green and white covering the stands with an air full of bunny pride. The cheerleaders begin the tunnel as the players come onto the field running, followed by the straight faced coaches with their hearts already in the game. Finally the game comes and goes, along with the excitement and the enthusiasm of the spectators. Benson lost, again. 
This is the memory that seems to reoccur each football season for students, staff, and teachers alike. Though now we can look forward to a brand new season, full of new faces, of course in players but also in coaching staff. Mr. Lonnie Tapp has retired after many years here at Benson, and now we have a new head coach ready to take on the job. English teacher, Adam Heuertz has stepped to the plate or yard line in this case. “I am fortunate enough to be one of the few people who actually have their dream job,” said Heuertz.
Heuertz like others had to go through an interviewing process while applying for the job, though he believed he had a something that put him above the other applicants.
“I knew all the other people who were interviewed wanted to be a head coach somewhere, but I felt I was the only one who actually wanted to be the head coach at Benson,” said Heuertz.
This want has certainly shown through to the players.
“I love coach Huertz!” said senior Jordan Consolver. “He cares about us as not only students and athletes, but as people.”
“I like what he has done with the program; [no one] is allowed to take short cuts, [we go] all hard, all day,” said senior and co-varsity captain A.J. Mustoe. 
This dedication began with summer practices that began the first week of June where the players worked on weightlifting, conditioning, and more importantly, team building.
One thing that many team members can be seen sporting around the school today are mohawks.
“It’s a way for [the team] to let loose before the game and have fun,” said Mustoe.
Along with preparing for the season players have had to adjust from one coaching style to another during this process.
“I don’t really have any athletes that I struggle with…but I coach with one rule in mind: you can’t treat everyone the exactly same, but you can treat everyone fairly,” said Heuertz.
With that motto he has lead the football team through summer practices and those that continue everyday after school. Lately coaches have been preparing the team for their game tonight against Omaha Burke.
“[There is] a whole new attitude and a positive vibe,” said senior and varsity captain Aaron Green about the changes in Benson football this year.
Along with putting in long hours at practice athletes are expected to keep their grades up to par.
“The little things we do everyday become our habits, and so in order to become a good athlete we expect that our players are becoming good students first,” said Heuertz.
“[Heuertz] teaches accountability for your actions, he is a good coach,” added Green.
Players are expected to pass all classes and maintain that grade. If they fail to meet this standard they will not be allowed on the field. All coaches are keeping a good eye on their players and want them to succeed.
“There is always an open door for communication with myself, our coaching staff, and our teachers,” said Huertz.
As for the game tonight against Burke, Heuertz is not mincing words.
“I am not going to be foolish enough to predict wins and losses, but I will guarantee that you will see a new attitude on the field this fall,” said Heuertz.
This seems to be the same with the players as well, though Mustoe does have an idea of how things need to go for there to be change.
“It all depends on the players and their attitudes towards football,” said Mustoe.
- Story by Jillian Humphries - Photos by Gabriel Neilsen