CAM football focusing on identity for the upcoming season’s success

July 25th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

(Anita) — For Head Coach Barry Bower the 2022 football season was about surprising everyone given the low expectations they had. Key seniors had graduated, and CAM seemed to be written off. The Cougars ended up going 7-2 and made it to the second round of the playoffs, before losing to Lenox 34-14. Even without a state title, it was still a successful season in Coach Bower’s eyes.

Now with a little over a month away from their first game of the season against Audubon. The Cougars are focusing on developing their physical strength and staying true to the CAM football identity. Being a tough nose team and playing smart.

To build the identity it all starts with the expectations that Coach Bower and his staff have for their players. Not only on the field, but how they present themselves off of it as well. They are representations of their community at all times.

Encouraging the character of his players, Coach Bower instills a culture of love and respect. He emphasizes the respect they need to have for each other. Without that respect and love, they cannot be successful on the field.

The Cougars have some noteworthy offensive starters returning for the 23-24 season. Like Quarterback Chase Spieker who threw for over 1600 yards, had 26 TD’s, 7 INTs, and a completion percentage of 65%. Leading rusher Austin Williams with 150 carries, 850 rushing yards, and 16 TD’s. On the other side of the ball Jack Follmann is a player that stands out from the rest of the defense. Follman led the team in total tackles having 89 and solo tackles with 66.

Regardless of the returning talent and experience of playing in the Dome. Coach Bower is keeping his expectations on one game at a time. His main focus for the season is the Cougars first game.