The school’s football team is optimistic heading into their 2021 season. The team is a lot different than last year with new players and staff, including a new head coach. 

Coach Ivan Hicks grew up in New Jersey and played football for Pennsauken High School. After high school, Hicks attended the University of Michigan to play strong safety for the football team. He played three seasons at Michigan: 1984,1985 and 1986. Hicks was a solid player for Michigan, eclipsing for six interceptions over his three years on the team. In Hick’s best year at Michigan, 1985, he recorded 37 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles for a total of 54 tackles. He also led the team in interceptions with three. Hicks even had a brief career in the NFL, playing one game for the Detroit Lions in the 1987 season. 

The football players are quickly embracing their new coach and they are impressed with how he’s been able to coach considering how much of a weird season it has been. 

Junior Jake Lotenberg is happy with how Hicks has handled the season in his first year at the school. “Coach Hicks has done a great job coaching us despite it being his first year at Wootton and having to deal with a Covid-filled season in the middle of March,” Lotenberg said.  

Junior Max Gracyalny is a member of the team and is also satisfied with the way Hicks has been coaching. “I really like the way he coaches, he brings a lot of intensity to the team, which is exactly what we need. I’m excited to play alongside him this season,” Gracyalny said.

Hicks himself has big goals for the team. Hicks said, “The goals of the season are to build team camaraderie, change the culture of the football program, and have the student-athletes work hard every day to ensure wins on the field and in the classroom.” 

Hicks has also been enjoying himself during his time at the school. He enjoys the football team and interacting with the players. “ l really enjoy the day-to-day interactions with the student-athletes and seeing their continuous improvement on and off the field,” Hicks said.

The football team kicks off their season on Friday, Mar. 26 against the Rockville Rams.