Eagles work hard, have fun

Steve Virgen

By the time the Estancia High football team ended spring practice

Saturday, the Eagles still seemed full of life. This, after enduring

a rigorous workout schedule the past three weeks. This, after being

challenged to deliver all-out effort during every minute spent with

the Estancia coaching staff.

There are several reasons why the Estancia football players are so

filled with energy, namely Craig Fertig, the school’s new coach.

Fertig has taken a novel and aggressive approach when dealing with

the Eagles. He has urged his players to intensify their work ethic

with the promise there will be room for fun along the way. There

might even be room for wins, too.

“I sense that they have been embarrassed for the past two years

and they are so eager to get back to success,” Fertig said. “They are

working so hard. You have to have pride to play this game and I think

these guys have a tremendous amount of pride.”

During the first week of spring practice, which started May 27,

Fertig took his players on a field trip. Fertig, who was an assistant

coach on two national championship teams at USC and a former head

coach at Oregon State, arranged for the Eagles to watch the Trojans

football team practice. For good measure, USC Coach Pete Carroll

spoke with the Estancia players, as did Bruce Matthews, a former USC

All-American longtime All-Pro offensive lineman with the Houston

Oilers and Tennessee Titans, who spoke of the importance of

academics.

“Our guys were really enthused before and after that trip,” Fertig

said. “Seeing is believing. They listen to me, but when they really

see football, that makes a difference. I wanted them to see the

practice and the speed.

“Our colors are the same as USC,” Fertig continued. “We’re going

to be the mini Trojans.”

Throughout spring practice, the Eagles have taken advantage of

other changes, including a revamped weight room. Fertig said Tustin

Coach Myron Miller, the former Costa Mesa head man, donated some

extra weights.

Fertig also said spring practice began with 19 players, but

increased to 55 before Saturday, when the Eagles went through drills

and a rugby-type game in front of their parents. On Friday, the

players had a draft to make up teams for Saturday’s game. They even

created scouting reports on each other, most of which were in jest.

“We’re having fun,” Fertig said. “We’re going to work hard, too.”

During Saturday’s game, senior quarterback Brad Young showed his

strong arm and above-average scrambling skills. Throughout the three

weeks, senior Mike Cahill played tailback with the first-team

offense.

Cahill, Young and senior Bubba Kapko agreed that attitude,

organization and work ethic have all improved from last year.