Vinton has welcomed a wave of fresh talent as 17 new head coaches take the reins in high school football programs across the region. This transition reflects a blend of searching for new challenges or seizing the moment to lead a team. Among them is Joe Hadachek, who, after a brief hiatus, returns to coaching with a burning desire to uplift the Vinton-Shellsburg football program, a team that hasn’t tasted playoff success since 2009.
Hadachek’s coaching history is notable; he previously took the Union Community team to two state title games, including a championship win in 2011. Despite stepping back a few years ago due to burnout, his passion for the game was reignited last year when he connected with the Vinton-Shellsburg community.
“I got some energy back,” Hadachek stated, acknowledging the support he received from parents, administration, and the booster club, all eager for change. His first challenge lay in boosting the roster numbers from last year’s 35 players. With relentless enthusiasm, he began engaging with potential players, leading to a current roster of about 56.
Meanwhile, Eric Addy, the new head coach for Cedar Rapids Washington, shares a similar commitment to fostering a positive team environment. He observed a marked improvement from when he first joined and emphasizes unity and resilience among his players.
Coaches like Lance Pedersen, who transitioned from Mount Vernon to Clear Creek Amana, also emphasize family as a core reason for their moves. Pedersen is excited about leading a team considered to be strong this season.
Across different schools, each new coach brings unique styles and philosophies to the field. For instance, Scott Chandler, a former NFL player, steps into the head coach role at Iowa City Liberty, while Dustin Elsbury inherits the reigning powerhouse at Iowa City Regina, seeking to continue their legacy.
While experienced heads like Nestor Sr. at West Branch are ready to tackle changes, newcomers face a learning curve. Each program will likely experience some challenges during this transition period, but the hope for revitalized success is palpable. Coaches uniformly highlight the need for strong work ethic, community support, and commitment from both players and staff as they embark on their new journeys.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, as these teams adapt to their new leadership. The blend of experience, fresh ideas, and passionate commitments from all the new coaches may just lead to a thrilling year of high school football.
