Returning all-league lineman will help lead Mead

No one understands the dirty work in football better than an offensive lineman, and at Mead High School, no one appreciates the efforts of the O-line better than coach Sean Carty. And especially the efforts of senior tackle Jesse Wilhelm, at 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds, the only returning starter up front for the Panthers, who are coming off an 8-4 season and their first Greater Spokane League championship since 1996.

That means an increased leadership role for returning all-leaguer Wilhelm, and it’s one he relishes after playing alongside more experienced teammates last season. In fact, after a couple weeks off after Mead’s elimination in the state 4A playoffs last fall, he already had his eyes fixed on the future, said Carty.

“It finally clicked for Jesse last year that he could be someone special,” said Carty. “He always had the potential to be a good one and he had always worked hard. But when he started improving, he realized that he was really good and that he could get even better with more effort.

“Right after football season ended last year, he was back in the weight room, and he started working harder at eating right, training right and doing the things he needs to do to become better at his position. He trimmed down some and then bulked up with muscle.”

With all-GSL running back Skylar Jessen leading the Panthers’ ground game, Wilhelm and the offensive line will be an important part of Mead’s offense, and he feels they’re up to the challenge.

“I think people will be surprised this year,” he said. “Our line is young, but it’s going to be strong. We’re not cocky, but we’re confident, and our goal is to win the GSL again.

“We have great leadership,” he continued. “I realized pretty early that I needed to be one of the guys to step it up, so every day I try to remind everyone to focus up, stay crisp and remember that we’re out here for business.”

He said that his off-season workout included lifting at school in his weights class, then working out after classes at North Park Racquet Club, where he’d lift and do cardio workouts.

“I worked all winter and spring to improve my maxes. I really wanted to improve my foot speed. I want to have a good strong year and go out on top of my game in my senior year.”

Carty points out that Wilhelm led the Panthers in votes for team captain and will serve as a co-captain. He’s also quick to point out Wilhelm’s contributions off the field and his work with younger players.

“What I see in Jesse more than his drive to have individual success is his desire for the team to succeed,” Carty said. “He wants to have a good year and put himself in a position to play at the next level, but he’s more concerned with the team than with himself.”

Wilhelm does hope to keep playing after this season and feels that his biggest challenge is to improve his quickness. He’d like to play at about 280 when the Panthers open the 2004 season Friday night against Camas at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle.

“During my sophomore season (on the junior varsity), I was a lot heavier and I was weak,” he said. “I remember at the end of the season when I wasn’t suiting up for the varsity, and I told myself I didn’t ever want to be like that again.”

Carty wrapped up Wilhelm’s story this way: “Jesse doesn’t go out and say, ‘I’m the leader,’ but the kids know. He didn’t always have it figured out, didn’t always have a direction. He was good last year, but right after the season that senior switch went on. I guess that’s why you have four years in high school!”