BATTLE CREEK – As the seasons roll by in high school football there are always new names on the roster for every team, each new year.
But, that’s not always the case, when it comes to the head coach.
There are several new leaders of football programs in the area, including a dramatic turnover in the city with two new head coaches among the five Battle Creek core schools.
And, as high school football enjoyed its first official day of the season with the start of practices on Monday, Pennfield’s Marty Martin and Chris Rabbitt of St. Philip also experienced a first – the first day on their new job.
“I’ve been coaching football for 40 years, but I was excited for today,” Martin said. “But, I think you should always be excited and nervous for the first day of football practice. I asked the kids, are you nervous for today? I said, you should be. You should be nervous and excited. I know I am, even after 40 years.”
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Martin is the new head football coach at Pennfield with Rabbitt taking over the program at St. Philip.
Both are new to the position they now have, but neither is new to the area.
“First day in the big chair. This is my school. I played here. I came back to help out with the team a few years ago. And, this year, they needed someone to be the new head coach, so I was excited to step up and do that,” Rabbitt said.
Both Pennfield and St. Philip are looking to turn the corner when it comes to the football program.
St. Philip was winless a season ago with a very young team. The Tigers will begin a new chapter with the first game at Tekonsha on Friday, Aug. 28.
“New era, same tradition,” Rabbitt said. “We are excited to get these boys going again. Last year was a tough year for us. Being 0-9 doesn’t sit well with anybody. Played a lot of freshmen both ways last year. But we have a great group and eager to see what we can do.”
Pennfield was 3-6 a year ago and 4-14 over the last two seasons. Martin not only takes over the head football coaching job, but is also in his first year as the new athletic director for the Panthers. His first chance to take the field will be in the season opener on the road at Otsego on Thursday, Aug. 27.
“I was asked to be the new athletic director at Pennfield and I see that as a great priviledge after all the men that have come before me in that job. Then, being named the head football coach was a blessing. I love this group and it’s great that I can help lead them,” Martin said. “A lot of responsibility on my shoulders right now. Trying to work my way through it and get these boys ready for their first football game.
“I think we can get things turned around here. Does that equate to wins and losses, I don’t know. But we are looking to build a new culture. Culture change is hard, but in the long run, if you change the culture and create a positive atmosphere and make things fun for kids, you can find success.”
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter:@billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: New Pennfield, St. Philip football coaches talk about first days on the job
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
