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New football coach takes over at NBHSBy Danielle Strenke Joel Swanson saw much success in a 13-year coaching career at Luverne High School in Luverne, Minn. Now Swanson hopes to continue that success as head coach at North Branch High School. Swanson assumes the reins as head varsity football coach at NBHS when team practices begin Aug. 12 He originally applied for a vacancy for a math teacher at the high school in March. After interviewing for the position and being accepted, Swanson also applied for the opening as football coach left by retiring math teacher and coach Ron Moberg. ìThere were three openings for teachers, and it just happened that they were looking for a football coach as well,î Swanson said. Swanson leaves an impressive career as head football coach in Luverne. In 13 seasons there, he amassed a record of 92 wins and 47 losses. Swanson coached his team to three conference championships and four state appearances in that time. At North Branch, Swanson takes over coaching a team that finished with a 6-4 record last season, advancing to the section championship. Only eight seniors return to this yearís squad, which will present a challenge, Swanson said. ìJust getting to know the seniors along with the 62 juniors and sophomores on the team will be a challenge, and finding the best fit for each player,î he said. In an effort to get a head-start on introducing himself to his players, Swanson held an informal voluntary mini-camp last week for anyone who could attend. He said he has also met several players as they worked out at the high school gym during the Summer Power program. Football has always been a part of his life, Swanson said. He played for Pipestone High School and later was a defensive tackle for Southwest State University in Marshall. He said the biggest thing he can bring to the team is enthusiasm. ìI get fired up and I hope that itís contagious,î he said. ìI also believe in being a role model for kids and setting goals for yourself.î He said it is just as important for him that his athletes work hard to excel in the classroom as much as they do on the field, and always keep their goals in mind. ìIf they look ahead to where they want to be in 25 years, I help them realize they have to do certain things to get there,î he said. ìI also believe that sometimes we donít reach our goals but the things we do to get there make the difference.î Swanson has met with the rest of the football coaching staff, where they reviewed some of the areas the coaches will be working on when practice begins. ìYou never know where the strengths and weaknesses are, whether your new to the program or not,î Swanson said. ìBut we will be doing some different things, so getting them acclimated will take time,î he said. Swanson said meeting some of the players, coaches, staff at NBHS and others in the community has been a positive experience. ìIím really impressed with the people in the community. People are very friendly and go out of their way to help,î he said. He and his wife of one year, Tomi, have needed the most help finding a place to live as they sell their home in Luverne. Swanson said last week that they had found a home in North Branch after months of searching. Swanson is excited to be making this type of move. ìWe were looking to try something different, and thought being closer to the Twin Cities would be a positive move,î he said. Swansonís wife Tomi is also a math teacher, and is looking for a position in the area. Swanson is planning something new for the first day of practice this year. He calls it the Vikings Pride competition, and said it is a great way to start off the season. The Vikings squad begins practice Aug. 12, with its first game scheduled for Aug. 29. ©ECM Post Review |