The Indians have once again acquired a new head football coach. This new coach is the third head coach that the team has had within the last three years.

Coach Randall Rath began his coaching career in 1988 at Oakley. He coached there for 26 years. He then moved on to coach at Cimarron where he ended up staying for just one year. He and his family were happy to make the move to Hays.

“We really liked the community,” Rath said. “It brought us closer to family, but it’s been challenging.”

Rath has had a trying time adjusting to his role as head coach, but enjoys the job and the challenge of it.

“I’ve coached for a long time,” Rath said. “It’s something I have a passion for.”

With everything going on, Rath tries his best to keep up with the happenings in football.

“I always try to stay updated,” Rath said. “I learn more about new techniques.”

Compared to previous years, the football team’s numbers have dropped down. The team currently has 58 players, which is considerably less than what it has been in previous years.

That doesn’t lessen Rath’s expectations for the team this season. There are many expectations for the team this season, but not just in football.

“I expect them to improve every day,” Rath said. “I hope they mature into better people and young men.”

The decrease in numbers may or may not affect the outcome of the upcoming season that is beginning on Sept. 4. The varsity football team will go head to head against Olathe Northwest at Lewis field here in Hays.

Rath is looking forward to staying in Hays for as long as he can to help the team grow and mature.

“We want to stay here and try to build something special,” Rath said.

17jdake@usd489.com