For Sultana, improvement this season may not be measured immediately by the win column.
The Sultans are trying to establish better habits first. That has meant more focus during practices, greater accountability among teammates and an offseason commitment that players say has changed the feel around the program.
Junior quarterback Austin Mullinax noticed the difference almost immediately.
“Just everybody is on board,” Mullinax said. “Everybody at practice listens more. We’re not really messing around, kind of like we did last year.”
That change has become a point of emphasis for the team’s returning players, particularly those being asked to provide leadership despite still being relatively young themselves.
Junior linebacker and running back Josiah Pele said the team’s captains have taken on the responsibility of making sure everyone understands the standard.
“I feel we’re all bought in this season, and everybody stays locked in, Monday through Friday,” Pele said. “Everybody shows up. The energy throughout the team just feels different. High energy, every practice. Everyone is locked in the whole practice.”
For Pele, that leadership starts with accountability.
“I think it comes from us captains, holding everybody accountable,” he said. “Making sure people are on their A-game.”
That mentality has extended into the offseason workouts.
Pele has concentrated on improving his speed while also becoming more disciplined mentally. Rather than dwelling on a bad play, he wants to get to the next one.
The same approach applies to junior linebacker and tight end Carter Shea, who spent much of the offseason working to become faster while adding weight and maintaining his health.
“I’m just trying to put up more weight, get my speed up and stay healthy,” Shea said.
Senior offensive and defensive lineman Isaac Rodriguez has taken a similar approach to the physical side of preparation. In his second year on varsity, Rodriguez has focused on improving his speed and strength, including paying closer attention to what he eats to help his body develop.
The combination of returning players and younger contributors has created an opportunity for Sultana to develop a stronger identity.
Galindo has repeatedly pointed to the importance of keeping the same coaching staff and giving players a consistent environment. The players appear to be embracing that message.
The Sultans are not entering the season with the largest roster in the Mojave River League, and they know the competition will be difficult.
But the players believe the difference between last offseason and this one is reason enough to be excited.
“We might be smaller,” Mullinax said, “but definitely our worst out there is way better than last year.”
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Sultana’s young roster is eager to test the work put in this offseason
Reporting by Jose Quintero, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jose Quintero, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
