VOL. XXVIII, NO. 2
OCTOBER 31, 1986
Warriors struggle through tough season
by Erick Joerin
Two years ago the Maine West Warriors hired a new football coach. His name was Les Jannusch.
In his first season the Varsity Warriors were far from world beaters. The team finished the season with a lackluster 0-9 record and lost by such scores, as 22-0, 42-7, and 27-0. The team was small and relatively inexperienced at the Varsity level. Three sophomores played for the Varsity and many juniors started at key positions. However, despite the inexperience and the lack of a winning record, the players kept a positive attitude and were determined to have a successful season the following year.
Coach Jannusch states, "We wanted to be competitive in the games we played. Staying close and playing hard were stressed. Winning is the object of the game, however if we stay in the games and give the other teams a good battle, we'll accomplish part of our goals."
In the off season, many players worked very hard to gain pounds by lifting weights. Going into the season the team felt they could make things difficult for some teams. In the first few games the Warriors lost some very close, defensive struggles against some tough teams. Two games, such as the ones with Hoffman Estates and New Trier, were so close that it took overtime before the Warriors finally gave way to defeat.
With these heartbreaking losses one might think that the team might lose some of that hard work ethic and drive that the players displayed during the off season.
Two years ago the Maine West Warriors hired a new football coach. His name was Les Jannusch.
In his first season the Varsity Warriors were far from world beaters. The team finished the season with a lackluster 0-9 record and lost by such scores, as 22-0, 42-7, and 27-0. The team was small and relatively inexperienced at the Varsity level. Three sophomores played for the Varsity and many juniors started at key positions. However, despite the inexperience and the lack of a winning record, the players kept a positive attitude and were determined to have a successful season the following year.
Coach Jannusch states, "We wanted to be competitive in the games we played. Staying close and playing hard were stressed. Winning is the object of the game, however if we stay in the games and give the other teams a good battle, we'll accomplish part of our goals."
In the off season, many players worked very hard to gain pounds by lifting weights. Going into the season the team felt they could make things difficult for some teams. In the first few games the Warriors lost some very close, defensive struggles against some tough teams. Two games, such as the ones with Hoffman Estates and New Trier, were so close that it took overtime before the Warriors finally gave way to defeat.
With these heartbreaking losses one might think that the team might lose some of that hard work ethic and drive that the players displayed during the off season.
Four players, according to Coach Jannusch, showed the leadership, and the strong inner drive that make teams and people successful. Tom Stanko '87, running back, Eric Wilcox '87, defensive end, Bob Anderson '87, offensive lineman, John Massarelli '87, running back, best represent the personality of the team 'because they don't get down." Coach Jannusch states, "Having leadership on the team that sets an example like that is even better than anything the (coaching) staff could do. The resilience of the kids has been great. The way they bounced back after some of those tough losses was outstanding."
Finally the hard work and determination paid off. The Warriors defeated Waukegan East by a score of 29-0, ending a losing streak that went back as far as the 1984 season.
However, the Warriors lost a tough homecoming game to the Waukegan West Raiders by a score of 21-6. The score was surprising because the Warriors turned over the ball to Waukegan West a total of eight times. One of the few bright spots on the Maine West team was John Massarelli, who gained 83 yards on 17 carries.
Coach Jannusch states, "The strengths of the team have been the 'running of Massarelli and more recently the passing game.' The defense has kept the team in almost all of the games. With more experience the team will play better and better."
For now, coach Jannusch is trying to teach his players to 'be the best that they can be.' Not only is he trying to install a winning program for football, but he is trying to install a winning program after football.
Finally the hard work and determination paid off. The Warriors defeated Waukegan East by a score of 29-0, ending a losing streak that went back as far as the 1984 season.
However, the Warriors lost a tough homecoming game to the Waukegan West Raiders by a score of 21-6. The score was surprising because the Warriors turned over the ball to Waukegan West a total of eight times. One of the few bright spots on the Maine West team was John Massarelli, who gained 83 yards on 17 carries.
Coach Jannusch states, "The strengths of the team have been the 'running of Massarelli and more recently the passing game.' The defense has kept the team in almost all of the games. With more experience the team will play better and better."
For now, coach Jannusch is trying to teach his players to 'be the best that they can be.' Not only is he trying to install a winning program for football, but he is trying to install a winning program after football.
