Tritons still rebuilding
The corrugated metal fieldhouse still looks like a typical corrugated metal fieldhouse.
Mariner’s football locker room inside still smells pretty much like a typical football locker room.
But when Travis Smith leans back, folds hands behind a razor-cropped head and looks through his window a few moments before players start arriving for a mid-August practice, he sees something else.
Progress.
Entering his second year since returning to his alma mater as its head coach, Smith is approaching the Tritons’ 2015 schedule with a laundry list of signs that his mindset is taking hold.
“We had a great summer. We are head and shoulders above where we were this time last year,” he said. “The players were hitting the weights hard and thoroughly embraced all of the speed development and 7-on-7 events. We also attended a full team camp at Webber International University this year and the team really started coming together over those three days. They realized the potential we have in front of us. These kids can smell the opportunity we have and are determined to turn this program around.”
Smith was a defensive tackle at Mariner alongside ex-NFLer Greg Spires before graduating in 1994.
Mariner was just 1-9 in Smith’s first season at the helm and haven’t finished a year better than .500 since they were 6-4 in 2007. In fact, the Tritons won only 15 games in the subsequent six seasons between 2008 and 2013 before Smith succeeded former coach James Hale late last spring.
As soon as he replaced Hale, the roots began to take hold.
“It’s definitely an uphill battle because we’ve had such a long streak of losing seasons,” Smith said. “The attitude is definitely changing, but it doesn’t happen overnight. I knew that coming into it, but these kids know I’m here to stay. They’re going to have to take me out kicking and screaming.”
Mariner was on the short end of a 27-0 decision in its spring game at Riverdale, but in spite of the loss Smith emerged from the exhibition feeling confident that the team would manage the pace this season.
“We are going to control the tempo of the game,” he said. “These young men are going to be well-conditioned and have great integrity on and off the field. They really care about each other and are willing to sacrifice individual stats to bring home a winning season and, hopefully, a district title.”
Junior Cairo Jeunegens has the upper hand at quarterback and his targets to watch are sophomore receiver Jahmel Meyers and sophomore tight end Chris Ramsey.
The Tritons won just one of 10 games in Smith’s first season, including all nine losses by at least 30 points and two by 40 points or more. The team allowed an average of 40.5 points per game.
“Wins and losses will always be attached to the outsider’s view of success in a football program. However, I’m not concerned with that point of view,” he said. “I want these men to come out of this program with great character. I want them to enjoy and improve at the sport they love, but come out of it with the most important things that football teaches. Discipline, hard work, integrity and passion are all things that carry through in real life. If these young men enter into society as great husbands and fathers that have passion for what they do with their life, then I did my job.”
Thomas Brooks is one of three seniors to watch among linemen this season, along with Dalton Beyer and Justin Irrizarry. Senior Isaiah Darrett will get playing time at wide receiver and free safety behind senior linebacker and fullback Tylan Reynolds.
Smith said a declaration that all starting slots are open for competition, regardless of a player’s status or level of experience, has created a tangible sense of urgency since practice began.
If he needs to stand on a chair to make sure the masses stay roused going forward, so be it.
“I can usually get my point across in a calm and collected way, but I do have a snapping point and it occasionally comes out,” Smith said. “Sometimes the situation requires intensity and that’s what the players will get. Our coaching staff is the most important piece of the puzzle this year and they play a huge role in locker room discussion. To have such a great group of guys that truly care about these young men is a blessing and I’m excited about all of the benefits the players will receive from it. I am convinced that our coaches are some of the best in the state and that will pay huge dividends in the future.”