CMR Football shifting the culture

“CMR finished 2018 with a 2-8 record, and while it wasn’t the season they’d hoped for, the team says they learned a lot, and hope to change the culture surrounding Rustler Football.” “A lot of energy. People are excited to be out here, they know why we’re out here,” said senior linebacker Wesley Tilleman. “They know what we’re fighting for. They know that we gotta change, we gotta be better. I think it’s good energy.” Wesley Tilleman said it best - there’s a new energy at CMR High School stemming from the gridiron. “I think they’re just a great group of guys, they’re nice to each other, good team chemistry, good friendship, good bonds,” said Tilleman. “Just our kids’ enthusiasm. I mean, it’s important to the kids, they’re working hard every day, every drill and just the excitement and the enthusiasm the kids have right now, it’s a positive,” added head coach Gary Lowry. While it’s good to be back on the field, the Rustlers say they know there’s work to be done, and a confident and close senior class may be the catalyst CMR needs to get back to their winning tradition. “We’re looking really good,” said senior wide receiver Jadon Givens. “We’ve got a lot of chemistry going on, all of us, we’ve been playing since 5th grade, so it’s just really good chemistry out there. We just really want that state championship. We’ve got something to play for, and we’re really trying to go out there and just bust our butts.” “Every year, you’re as good as your seniors are, and we had some injuries and whatnot happen last year, and I really think these seniors have come together and they don’t want that to happen, what happened to us last year,” said Lowry. “That’s not okay, and these kids know that. They know it’s important to have energy every day and get the most out of each other, and that’s what they’re trying to do.” And as they ready for Helena High, which is just two short weeks away, the boys of fall have the comfort of their guardian angel, David Delcomte, to carry them through the season. “It’s a lot different out here, but we all know he’s watching over us, he’s got our backs,” said Givens. “We’re all playing for him, playing for the team. He would want us to go out there and do our best no matter what so that’s what we’re trying to do.” “We know we have to put in more work,” added Tilleman. “We have to work harder, just gotta be more focused and driven I think.” And for coach, the big thing is to just take it, one play at a time. “Every day we want to get better,” he said. “Early in the year, like I said we’re gonna work on fundamentals but we wanna get better every day, and not look too far ahead of what’s happening. Just get better every day, worry about ourselves and take care of our own business.” The Rustlers will have their Green and White Scrimmage on Friday, August 23 over at Jack Johnson Pride Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00. The Rustlers will open their season on August 30 at Helena High.