Jesus Sanchez | Staff Writer
With the arrival of Jason Strunk, the Tarpons new athletic director and head coach, a new era in Port Isabel football begins.
“ I’ve been coaching for about, I believe this is my 23rd year,” Strunk said. “Every day I get on the field, it’s fun, it’s exciting. It’s a feeling that never goes away when you’re a football coach. It’s like Christmas morning every day of my life. I do what I love. It’s a lot of fun, so I’m excited.”
Strunk, who has coached in Pennsylvania, Florida, Purdue University and, most recently, at Lubbock High School, said the focuses of the first few practices were repetition and growing familiar with each other.
“ (Players will) learn new terminology,” he said. “All that stuff. We’re not putting in too much right now, we’re just getting used to practicing fast, learning our system and our lingo, our terminology. (We’re) focusing on discipline, those kinds of things. Our numbers are high. Turnout is good. Everything is going smooth right now.”
The new head coach will take over the program that Jaime Infante left when he resigned earlier this summer after just one season.
Strunk said there are about 120 players attending practice, from which he hopes to carry 50 on to the varsity roster.
Several of those players, such as senior wide receiver Josue Martinez, are already seeing improvement under the new leadership.
“ I’m hyped about (starting football again),” Martinez said. “Good coach, gets us motivated. I feel he’s going to make it through with us. I have a strong feeling. It’s been amazing. He’s a good coach.”
Although he has been there for a few months, Strunk already feels a strong connection and sense of familiarity with the new team.
“ Kids are kids wherever you go, no matter what level it is,” he said. “It’s always fun. You treat them right, coach them hard and love them on and off the field. That’s just my mentality. Right now, we have a great dynamic going on. It feels like I’ve been here for five years, so it feels good be here.”
On Friday morning, the new head coach was seen working with Tarpon senior quarterback Cesar Aguilera, who said he is ready to go and work hard.
“ The team’s been doing good,” Aguilera said. “The intensity is really good. Everybody is into this. Everybody is all in. We’re looking forward to at least winning district, hopefully. That’s our goal.”
As competition draws closer, Port Isabel will kick it up a notch during practice in hopes to improve on last season’s 2-7 record.
In the meantime, Strunk and the Tarpons will work on growing stronger together.
“ I’m just excited about being here and doing good things with this great group of kids,” he said. “I’m looking forward to having fun here. It’s a great spot for my family. I’m just excited overall. It’s going to be a fun year.”