The start of a new school year means a fresh start for students and teachers.  Student athletes also hope to achieve success both on and off the fields.  In particular, OH football fans eagerly anticipated the new season after a difficult 2023-2024 year.  During his first year as Varsity Football Head Coach, Derrick Cayard has a comprehensive plan to revitalize the team. This initiative is particularly significant because it involves a roster filled with numerous first-time players; however, Coach Cayard is resolute in his mission to establish a robust foundation for the team’s growth while also nurturing a deep sense of community and teamwork. Although challenges may arise, his commitment to these goals will not waver.

Key Focus Areas for Improvement

In his strategic methodology, Coach Cayard has identified three critical areas of concentration: tackling, urgency, and football  IQ. He recognizes that this year’s roster comprises numerous inexperienced players. “This year’s team is full of first-time players who are learning as they play,” Cayard explains.  By prioritizing this foundational element, he endeavors to equip each player with skills essential for effective competition at elevated levels. To further enhance the team’s performance, Coach Cayard plans to implement a structured practice regiment that emphasizes repetition and situational awareness. This approach will enable players not just to grasp their roles but also to anticipate game scenarios, ultimately enhancing their overall football intelligence. Achieving this requires dedication and commitment from all members of the team.  The potential for growth is substantial because of the focused training regiment in place.

Building on Strengths

Recognizing the potential talent in the current roster, Coach Cayard aims to cultivate the team’s strengths by concentrating on returning players. “We will build around the best players we have for now (and in the future),” which underscores his strategy to capitalize on existing talent while simultaneously nurturing newcomers. This approach fosters a supportive environment where seasoned athletes can mentor their teammates, thereby creating a culture of growth and collaboration. In addition to identifying individual strengths, Coach Cayard is endeavoring to establish a team identity that reflects the values of hard work and resilience. Although he promotes unity and camaraderie, he hopes to cultivate a robust team dynamic that will be essential for success both on and off the field.

Strategies for Skill Development

Coach Cayard believes that mastering fundamentals is essential for skill enhancement. He is dedicated to instructing his players in the basics of football–instilling a “DO YOUR JOB” mentality throughout the team. By emphasizing accountability and discipline, he hopes to create an environment where players comprehend the significance of executing their roles to the utmost of their capabilities. To further develop players skills and teamwork, Coach Cayard is implementing innovative training techniques that prioritize collaboration and communication.

The importance of community and school support cannot be overstated. As a staunch advocate for community involvement, Coach Cayard acknowledges that both community and school backing are essential for the program’s success. “Community and school support is VITAL for the success of this program,” he declares. He posits that enthusiastic backing from the school and community can help rekindle the passion and energy necessary to propel the team forward.

Addressing Challenges Head-On

One prominent challenge confronting Coach Cayard is the necessity to reignite enthusiasm for the football program among both students and staff. He acknowledges the critical role of restoring the passion and energy that has been absent in the recent time. “Just bringing back passion and energy to this program and school” is vital for its revival, he asserts.  OH students showing their support for the team would be a tremendous asset in bolstering school spirit. When Cayard himself played football when he was a student at Olympic Heights, the stands were packed and crowds were rowdy, and hopefully he can bring back that enthusiasm.

The Role of Discipline and Mindset

Discipline and mindset are pivotal to Coach Cayard’s strategy for improvement; he insists that these qualities “go hand in hand.” This assertion underscores the necessity for unwavering focus both on and off the field. His philosophy is unequivocal: “Practice how you play.” This mantra functions as a guiding principle for the team, urging players to uphold a high level of commitment in all facets of their lives.

Collaboration with Assistant Coaches

Ultimately, Coach Cayard underscores the significance of collaboration with his assistant coaches.  “All my assistant coaches are involved in the team strategy throughout each game week,” asserts Cayard. He characterizes his coaching staff as a “cohesive unit” devoted to the players’ success and the advancement of the programm. This collaborative spirit extends into game preparation; each coach plays a crucial role in formulating strategies and analyzing opponents. With distinct vision and dedication to nurturing his players, Coach Cayard is well-positioned to guide the OH football team towards a new promising era.

While Coach Cayard and his team have their work cut out for them, progress is noticeable.  The OH JV Football team, under the leadership of coach Kevin Connors, won its first game of the season Tuesday, October 22, 2024.  The Lions played the Spanish River Sharks, and the final score was 22-0.  Clearly, the “cohesive unit” approach is working. Hopefully this will parlay into more wins next season. Go Lions!

OH Athletic Director Chris Holly says it best: “Coach Cayard and his staff bring a ton of energy” to the team as all of the coaches are former OH Lions themselves.  Holly knows that the coaches and team “fight every minute of every game.”  He’s “proud of the culture they have started” and believes the future of OH football is bright.

#LIONSBelieve

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