MECHANICSBURG WILDCAT FOOTBALL
“The pathway to success is not paved with laziness and excuses, but with
hard work and determination”
I would like to first welcome you to the Mechanicsburg Wildcat Football
Family. Mechanicsburg is a community that is rich with tradition, especially when it comes to football.
There has always been a sense of pride, “Wildcat-Pride”, that comes with putting on that game jersey
Friday nights and running onto John H. Frederick field. My goal as the Head Football Coach at
Mechanicsburg is to create an environment where players work together to create an atmosphere of
excellence and carry on that tradition on the football field and more importantly in the classroom.
I am excited about your son’s opportunity to become part of this tradition as a rising ninth grader,
however, I also recognize that parents and players have questions and/or concerns. The most important
factor is and always will be player safety. At Mechanicsburg, I like to think that we are pro-active when
it comes to player safety. Whether it’s during a game, at practice, in the weight room or a 7 on 7, safety
is always paramount for me and my coaches. The majority of the ninth graders will play JV football.
Please know, ninth graders can compete at the JV level. Over the last 2 years, the ninth grade players
proved this point! They too were nervous at the beginning of the season; but quickly realized that they
could successfully compete at the JV level! There is also now a much greater emphasis placed on the JV
program and the individual skill building of younger players that in the past was lost when the season
began. This allows each player to be better prepared for the transition to varsity football and thus make
the program stronger. In special circumstances in which it is believed that a freshman player is able to
contribute to the varsity program, I will first consult with the player and family before any final decision
is made. As for practice, players (Varsity and JV) will participate in “Individual” period together with
their position coach. It is at this time that each player receives individual instruction from their position
coach and participates in drills in order to develop skills. During “Group” and “Team” periods, players
will split into JV and Varsity. Varsity will be at one end and the JV’s at the other. Doing this ensures that
players will be practicing against those at approximately the same skill level and ability. It also ensures
all players are involved and have an opportunity to participate. I firmly believe that freshmen players
will benefit from the extra year in the program. Players have an extra year to work on strength and
conditioning, become familiar with terminology, work with their individual position coach and get
acclimated to the weekly schedule. Ultimately, it puts those players who have aspirations of playing
college football in a better position to achieve their goals.
Please know that rising ninth graders are encouraged to participate in all offseason workouts. I have
included a calendar for March that outlines our lifting program. There are changes this year’s program
that include going to Ignite on Mondays. There is a sheet attached that outlines this program.
There will be a weightlifting orientation for all first year players taking place March 28th at 9am in the
High School weightroom. At this orientation, new players will receive instruction on weight room
(www.mashfootball.com)
MECHANICSBURG WILDCAT FOOTBALL
procedures and lifting programs. We hope that you can attend as I will be available to answer any
questions you may have.
If you are unable to attend and have more specific questions that I have not addressed, please email me
and I would be glad to sit down with you.
At Mechanicsburg we are fortunate to have a fantastic Booster Club that helps create the family
atmosphere and provide many great things for the players. I understand that everyone’s time is
important; however parent participation in the Booster Club and attendance at meetings is essential in
order for the Booster Club to be able to carry on with its generosity. The next Booster Club meeting is
April 21st at 7pm. Meetings are held in room 102 at the High School. There are still many things that
the Booster Club needs help with and whatever time and energy you can donate is greatly appreciated.
All information on upcoming events including offseason activities, Booster Club meetings and this year’s
schedule can be found on our website at www.mashfootball.com .
I hope that I was able to answer a few of your questions. I am excited about the opportunity to coach
your child and truly believe that if we work together we can accomplish anything!
With WILDCAT-PRIDE,
Coach Hakel
chrishakel@gmail.com
(www.mashfootball.com)