Midnight Madness at Westwood H.S.
Traditions have always been a big part of high school sports. For the football players at Westwood High School, the Patriots began the 2013 season with their annual ‘Midnight Madness’ practice.
The Ishpeming Township Fire Department helped ring in the new season just after 12:01 a.m. on Monday. Westwood has a new head coach this season.
After spending the last three seasons as the special teams coordinator, John Jessen is the new man in charge. Jessen knows how big of a deal the ‘Midnight Madness’ practice is for the Patriots football program.
“It’s important for not only for our kids, but its great for our community as well,” said Jessen. “It gets our community thinking football and it gets them in the football mood.”
“Before we even came out here, in the locker room everyone was amped up and ready to go. It’s going to be a great season,” added Jessen.
“It’s nice because we have the community here, all the football players get to show everyone how we practice and just have fun,” said Derek Wing, a senior linebacker for the Patriots.
“We switched up the playbook (this season), so not everyone knows what we are running,” said Tyler Harvala, a senior running back for Westwood. “It’s going to be tough. We are going to have to beat Ishpeming, and I think we can get them this year.”
Westwood opens up the regular season at home against Stephenson on Friday, Aug. 30.