Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

More Than Just A Title Rogers Football Coach Expects His Team Captains To Be Leaders Both On And Off The Playing Field

Mike Vlahovich Staff Writer

When Rogers football coach Dave Pomante selects his team captains, he expects them to be more than football players.

“We ask them to be different than their buddies in school,” he said. “We want them to stand out and look different.”

That means no hats or earrings during the season. It also means they have a list of players to monitor, making sure they participate in the conditioning program and keep up with their grades.

The captains are also asked to organize a community service.

“This year they cleaned up and did painting at the Hillyard Museum on Market Street,” said Pomante. “We had 50 guys there.”

It was three years ago Pomante decided his players should be captains in more than name. When it came time to vote for this year’s captains, he figured eight players would be named. The players voted on six.

They are Lewis Wirth, a third-year linebacker-offensive lineman, Kent Browning, a two-year starting safety, Ryan Hill, a third-year running back, Adam Jarrad, a defensive end, Matt Gilliland, an offensive guard, and Kevin Oglesbee, a linebacker.

“These are good kids who represent what we are trying to accomplish in the program,” Pomante said. “Plus, I thought they were all guys of high character.”

They are also among the 20 players who started in 1995 and, despite last year’s 0-9 season, offer hope of producing a contending GSL season.

The Pirates will find out tonight at 7:30 when they open the season against defending league champion Central Valley at Joe Abli Stadium.

Wirth, said Pomante, can be a dominating defensive player.

“He’s fairly quiet but an excellent football player,” Pomante said.

Browning, said Pomante is a leader in football and basketball.

“Ask him to do something and he will try to do it well,” said the coach.

Hill fits into the pattern of Pirate running backs in the past, someone willing to carry the football 45 times a game if necessary.

“We’re hoping we don’t have to,” said Pomante, “but when it comes right down to it, if we deem it necessary we’ll do it.”

Jarrad is a 3.9 student and all-GSL honorable mention defensive end.

“He’s just an excellent kid,” said Pomante.

Gilliland, said his coach, has aspirations of someday being a standupt comedian.

“He gives us lots of laughs and is a really good football player,” said Pomante.

And Oglesbee has played a pair of defensive positions, rover as well as linebacker.

“If any of the captains stand out verbally or emotionally, Kevin’s the guy who’s kind of taken that role,” said Pomante. “In my opinion he’s a guy with not a lot of God-given talent who has worked extremely hard to make himself good.”

Joining them offensively are junior quarterback Jeff Mace, rushers Aaron Evans, Chris Patterson, Chris Clark and Mike Dorton.

Receivers are Matt Borders and Darren Steeneck. Tight end is former QB Danny Cuculich.

Linemen include Shane Anderson, Jameus Hutchens, Justin Ulmer and Kevin Patrick, John Tannahill and Marshall Sims.

Defensively the secondary is intact, including Daryl Groom and Shawn Carlson. Other linebackers are Andy Bayne and the running backs. Buddy Honshell and Eric Rushing are defensive ends. Defensive linemen include the offensive guys plus J.C. Classen and Ben Norby.

The Pirates are experienced and have worked hard to succeed. Maybe too hard, said Pomante.

“Physically we’re good, but we have to let our guard down, we need to take a risk,” he said. “These kids deserve success but they have to earn it.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo