VYPE spoke with Nickerson Football Coach Taylor Bauman in a recent interview to discuss this seasons team.

VYPE: What are the goals of the team this season?

This team is presented with the challenge of replacing key players lost to graduation. We have to be simple on defense, so that they can play fast and not think. Offensively, we need to be disciplined and continue to build on the work put in over the summer. We expect great character and leadership from our returning players. They are a close knit, passionate group and we expect them to spread these qualities throughout the team during the course of the year.

VYPE: What was the team’s best moment from last season?

I would have to say that our first game last year against Lyons in which we won 28-0 was our best moment. The excitement of starting a new season that way really got the kids excited about what we are doing and I think helped build some trust between the coaches and players.

VYPE: Who is the team’s dynamic duo, and why?

Karson Engellend and Michael Nolde are two returning linemen for us on the offensive side and will play a role on the defensive line this year as well. We will look to them to help establish the line of scrimmage for us in the trenches.

VYPE: What is the team’s favorite memory together?

Talking to a few of the players they said their favorite memory this year so far was working together to help out BrightHouse in Hutchinson. It was really impactful for them to be helping out around the community.

VYPE: What has been the biggest impression the team has made on you (the coach), and why?

These guys make it fun to come to practice everyday. They have a good understanding of when it is time to get to work and when it is time to joke around and have fun. We, as a coaching staff, try to really emphasize family and the players have really done a great job of embracing this. This includes how they treat my boys when I have them at practice and that is priceless to me.

VYPE: What is your favorite part of working with this team?

This team has really impressed me with their ability to support each other and be great teammates. They are willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team even if it is not something they have done before or are comfortable doing. They help hold each other accountable and take ownership in the success of the team as a whole. They understand that there is a larger purpose behind what we are doing as a football program.

VYPE: Does the team participate in any community service projects?

We have participated in a couple service projects for BrightHouse, which is a shelter for domestic violence victims. Our first project with them included cleaning up the yard around the shelter to allow for a space for occupants to bring their pets with them to the shelter. The next project we did with BrightHouse we helped move furniture out of a house that was going to be an additional shelter for victims.

VYPE: Are you any players involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor
Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?

Yes, we have a number of our players who are involved in StuCo and NHS. We also have a good amount of players who are involved in other extracurricular activities like debate, forensics, band, and/or choir. We had one player, Cody Spurlock, who was a state debate champion last year!