Football will officially be kicking off for the Wayne State Wildcats on Thursday at 6 p.m., when they will face Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D., for the first game of the season.  A lot of time and preparation has been put into the season already, as the players had their first practice on Aug. 9 and have been practicing since then.

“This is our first off season with a strength coach,” said Kevin Camacho, offensive center, co-captain and sixth year senior. “He created a better culture in the weight room, which will carry over in the field. People are more disciplined, not as lazy. I think it will be a better year than in the past.”

The main factors to success this year are “confidence and togetherness,” Head Coach Dan McLaughlin said. “We only had five seniors last year so just about everybody is back. A lot of ability, a lot of talent, and a lot of experience.”

 Other coaches this year include Scott McLaughlin, Denny Honnold, Ben Curran, Paul Thomas, Shane Finley, John Dunford and Casey Carlo.

Camacho said the team has focused on “discipline, making sure everyone knows what they’re doing” and “making sure our team unity is there.” 

The Wildcats have 11 games this season, six at home and five away.  The games Thursdays and Saturdays. A full schedule of game locations and times can be found on the Wayne State College website.