GRANTS, N.M. - Gene Riedinger, the newly minted Pirate head football coach, is “building” this summer as he and his staff work out next season’s players through their drills twice a day in preparation for the upcoming season.
“We practice twice a day 6:30-8:00 work on mostly weights and agility drills then practice on the field 5:30-7:00 installing our plays and basically working on blocking and tackling,” said Riedinger.
“The summer workouts have been good…we are improving every week.”
Riedinger, with close to 40 years of coaching experience., he has coached at big schools in Las Vegas, Nevada and at, 10 time championship school in Pierce, South Dakota. Riedinger brings all that experience to the Port of the Pirates this season in anticipation of building a contending team.
The Pirates will be young this year after graduating 17 seniors last year. This year they will have around 5 or so seniors to help steer the rebuild.
The summer workouts field anywhere from 25-30 players a day and he expects that to grow as many student athletes are currently working, on trips or have other commitments.
“We are happy with what we have,” said Riedinger.
Riedinger and his staff are looking at 3 potential quarterback candidates with “basic talents” and above that, skills such as “leadership” and they are also looking at “who is showing up,” as part of their evaluation.
Riedinger was happy that former college and pro quarterback Ty Detmer was here last week and he spent individual time with Pirate quarterbacks on how to hold the ball, drop steps and how to move their hips amongst other skills.
Detmer, who was a former NFL quarterback and coach—was as well the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner.
Detmer held a youth camp in Grants last week.
A test of the team's status will come this Friday as they will host a 7 on 7 with Thoreau.
Then in 2 weeks they will host bigger schools for a 7 on 7. “Our goal with the 7 on 7’s is to make sure we run our offense and run our routes as well as stop the other team.”
Riedinger has a wait and see “what shakes out” on district play. The Fall schedule did pick up two Albuquerque schools.
Riedinger was very vocal in his opposition to the new transfer rule, “I’m not a fan of it at all…it’s like let' s feed the big schools…let’s raid other teams' stars,” said Riedinger. “I’m not sure what we can do to stop it… we are going to grow your guys and not worry about it.”
He is preparing the Pirates to be “tough”.
“Toughness…we have to be tough…we are going to be smaller and younger than other teams…so we have to be tougher.”
Riedinger said he is very pleased with his staff and players and is eager for what the future brings.
“We are building,” said Riedinger.