The Mt. SAC Football Team is ready to kick off the 2024 season with renewed energy, relentless drive and sharp focus. Having spent the summer diligently preparing, the team is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. Although the squad features many new faces and fewer returning players, Head Coach Bob Jastrab and Assistant Coach Cameron Deen are optimistic about the team's potential.
"We have the talent," Coach Jastrab remarks, "it's just a matter of our coordinators putting it together." Coach Deen adds, "That is the fun challenge of two-year college - bringing these individuals together and trying to unite as one to let their talents shine."
The coaching staff is particularly enthusiastic about the strength of the defensive line. "Our defensive line is one of the best we've had in a while," Jastrab explains. "If they can all stay healthy, I think we'll have a great year defensively with that group." The team also features several returners, including three All-American athletes and three skilled running backs, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the team's success.
This summer, one of the team's key starters signed with NCAA Division I school McNeese State University, causing the coaching staff to reevaluate the lineup. Despite the challenge, Coach Jastrab emphasized the commitment he has to his players and their futures. "We want to win, and losing him is a setback," Jastrab acknowledges. "But it is more important that our players are able to further their athletic careers and educations."
He proudly notes that over 30 of his athletes from last year have secured scholarships for the current season. Coach Deen points out, "The goal of a two-year college is to serve as a steppingstone to four-year institutions and to pursue an education through athletics. We've been lucky that a lot of our athletes allow us to pour into them, apply our knowledge, and hopefully their lives are better for it on the back end."
In his 19th season as head coach, Jastrab reflects on the broader impact of his role. "What I'm most proud of is that many former players still call us to check in and ask how things are going because they had such a great experience here," Jastrab says. "Some even wish we were a four-year school because they enjoy the coaching, camaraderie and overall experience they had at Mt. SAC."
Regarding this season's goals, Coach Jastrab is determined to capture the National Central Conference title and advance to the SCFA SoCal Championship. "Winning will take care of itself," Jastrab says. "We want to get better in every practice and on every play and get everybody to buy into what we are trying to accomplish." Coach Deen emphasizes, "We'll continue to stress the foundations, fundamentals and techniques that will allow us to be successful in November."
The team has been working hard throughout the summer, including participating in a successful scrimmage against Riverside City College that highlighted their strengths and pointed out areas for improvement. In addition to rigorous training and weightlifting, the Mounties engaged in recovery workouts in the pool twice a week, followed by team bonding activities. "Watching the guys goof around and get to know each other outside of football was really fun and extremely beneficial as they started to build relationships and establish trust," Deen said.
The Mounties will begin their season with an away game against Mt. San Jacinto College at 6:00 PM on Saturday, September 7. Their first home game is set for Saturday, September 14, at 6:00 PM against Ventura College. We invite you to come out and support the team this season. Go Mounties!
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.