Good things are in store for the Wayne State College football team.

Things are changing for the better, and a large part of that is due to a newer coach who brings forth a whole new perspective of the game of football. Coaching the offensive line, Dave Volk has earned the respect of his players.

What is the reason for this respect?

Coach Volk has been there, done that.

Volk is no stranger to football; in fact, he belongs on a football field. He was a powerhouse offensive lineman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from the years 1998-2001. At offensive tackle, Volk got playing time his freshman year, then earned a starting spot his sophomore year and never let it go. Being a three year starter for the Huskers, Volk has been on some great teams and played with some great players.

Every year he started he was blocking for quarterback phenom and Heisman Trophy winner, Eric Crouch.

Volk wasn’t just any lineman for Crouch; he was able to make a name for himself in many different ways.

In 2001, Volk and Crouch were both seniors and both team captains. Being the leaders of a team that played in the national championship, these two went through a lot together. The whole team shared incredible experiences together.

A common term used in the football world is that your teammates are your “brothers.” In most successful football programs, this stands to be true. Your teammates are your blood and you would do anything for them.

“Crouch and I had a great relationship. That whole team did, from the position groups all the way up to the team level. We were a family,” Volk said.

Coach Volk has known nothing but winning and plans to carry that over to the Wildcats this season and hopefully for many seasons to come. Volk has captured the respect of his players, not because of his intimidating 6’5”, 300-lb. frame, or the fact that he could crush any of us with his bare hands. He has earned his respect because of the type of person he is and the way handles his players.

“He is a funny guy who likes to joke around but he always knows when it’s time to be serious. We enjoy playing for him,” junior lineman Ham Porter said.

Whether it’s his experience, his personality, or his handlebar mustache, Coach Volk is a “player’s coach.” He and the team are excited to get better this spring and carry that over to next season.