Over the past years, the Wayland Baptist football team has had a reputation for their inadequate quality and performance. However, that narrative is changing as the program entered the 2024 football season with a new standard, vision, culture, and mindset, along with an improved coaching staff and player roster.
The coaching staff discussed the steps taken to change the program, and it started with setting a new standard of expectations and holding the entire team to that standard. “In the past, there had been a defense with a standard and an offense without one, so we brought in a new offensive staff to change that,” said Head coach, Marcos Hinojos Sr., when describing the recent changes. Defensive coach, Thomas Walser, added to this by stating how “finding the right coaches and players that fit Coach Hinojos’ vision and getting rid of the ones that didn’t” played a critical part in transitioning the program. With a new offensive staff led by coach Bryan Wood and an improved defense with a higher caliber, the Pioneers are now holding each other accountable as a unit and attacking this season with integrity as a team.
The coaches have been focusing on increasing the volume of players recruited and raising the level of intensity in all aspects of team-life, both on and off the field. The different recruiting approach has allowed more team chemistry, efficient practices, and competitive motivation. Players also have been motivated to take their success in the classroom more seriously this year. Coaches are more dedicated to not only making sure players excel on the field but that they also excel off the field as men of this world. The team has been putting more effort into being great at the “little things” to bring the program to a prominent level of excellence and discipline.
The Pioneers have made drastic improvements from the way that they operate as a team, to the culture of the program. The team has dissected all the “toxicity” from the past years and is now attacking every obstacle with persistence to change the course of the football program and achieve something that Wayland has never done. These Pioneers are now working to do everything that they can to overcome the adversaries of their past and ensure that they deserve respect from not only the SAC but the entire NAIA community. For the first time in years, the entire team now shares the same mindset: “We are headed in the right direction, but we have not reached our destination.” All the pieces have been put together. Now all that’s left is for the players to execute as one family and one team.
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