Big Rapids

from 2020 Pioneer Football & Volleyball Preview

Morley Stanwood

Cardinal football team aims to get back on the right track in 2020

By Joe Judd udd@pionee g oup.com

BIG RAPIDS — Last season left much to be desired for the Cardinal football team, but head coach Mike Selzer believes his squad can turn it around this season.

Big Rapids finished its 2019 campaign with a 1-8 (1-6) record and was only one spot removed from last place in the CSAA Gold Conference.

Selzer said that the main focus this season will be to do a better job of finishing out games.

“We played good first halves of football but did not finish games very well,” Seltzer said. “Defense created several turnovers each week.”

The Cardinals will return a dozen starters that were on last year’s team, which the BR coach said he feels will aid them in the long run.

“This season experience will be a strength — physi

BIG RAPIDS — They have spent a majority of the summer not allowed to enter the gymnasium at Big Rapids High School, but that will soon change.

On Aug. 12, the BR volleyball team will hold its first official practice since last season due to restrictions from COVID-19.

Seniors Megan Mackall and Olivia Owens, along with incoming freshman Grace Fath, are all individuals that coach Chelsea Nelson said expects to be key components for 2020.

“These first few weeks we will be talking a lot about mental health and building a

Big Rapids football coach Mike Selzer confers with his quarterback Sam Alley last season. (Pioneer file photo)

cal toughness will also be a strength,” Selzer said.

Entering the upcoming season, the Big Rapids team has been utilizing any and every opportunity that has come its way, even with the added limitations imposed on the sport by COVID-19. relationship with one another,” Nelson said. “No matter what the fall looks like we will be tough- mentally and physically.”

The Big Rapids ladies turned in a 22-24-1 record during the ‘19 campaign, and Nelson said the team as a whole faced many challenges and endured a few hardships along the way.

Nelson added her players will need to spend a fair amount of time practicing their offense.

“Having a new setter will require a lot of one on one time with hitters,” Nelson said. “I'm looking forward to seeing how these girls step up and adapt to having a new setter.”

“We will need to work on finishing games and playing a strong second half,” Selzer said. “We will also have to do a better job of being strong mentally and not letting the negative events snowball into bigger issues.”

The summer has also been

Nelson said she thinks her squad has the potential to make a postseason run and perhaps even solidify itself near the top of the CSAA Gold standings when it matters most.

She also said that in order to do that, the Cardinals will need to improve their game when the likes of Reed City, Grant, or Central Montcalm comes to town.

“Our conference has been pretty strong the past few years,” Nelson said. “Overall, I feel that we should be a top contender for conference this year.”

With the season fast-approaching, Nelson said her girls have adjusted well to not a successful one for the BR football program, even with the added Coronavirus-related restrictions.

Areas that have received extra special attention within the Cardinals’ camp has been the cardio, agility and mental toughness of the players.

(Pioneer file photo)

being inside of the gym, but remains hopeful that things will soon get back to normal on the court.

“We had an excellent summer conditioning program and the players that attended are in excellent shape going into the season,” Selzer said. “Since we could not utilize the weight room, we did a lot of core exercises, sprints, and tire work.”

Looking ahead to the competition that will come the Cardinals’ way, Selzer said he thinks Central Montcalm and Reed City will be two of the biggest obstacles on his team’s schedule.

A season ago, CM took home the top spot in the CSAA Gold, with RC reaching a three-way tie for second place in the conference.

“(The) CSAA will be strong again this season,” Selzer said. “Look for Reed City and Central Montcalm to be at the top. We will be in the hunt as well.”

Big Rapids is scheduled to kick off its 2020 season with a game on the road against