×

Warren football program continues busy offseason with trip to Penn State practice

On Monday, 37 members of the Warren Area High School football team traveled to State College to attend a Penn State football spring practice. The Dragons, under the guidance of head coach Mark Morelli, got an up-close look at how a high-level Division I football program goes about its business, something Morelli was excited for his players to see and learn from.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State football coach James Franklin is fond of the phrase “iron sharpens iron.”

It’s been one of Franklin’s mantras since arriving in State College, essentially wanting his players to compete not just against the likes of Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan, but moreso against each other.

As each player competes, they make themselves better. Thus making the team better. Iron sharpening iron.

Thirty-seven Warren football players had the opportunity to see that mantra put in action first-hand Monday as they were invited to watch the Nittany Lions during spring practice.

Franklin talked to and shook hands with all 37 Warren players. In addition to watching Penn State practice, the squad toured the weight room, the football office, the trophy room and Beaver Stadium.

“The idea was to watch and see how and what a Division 1 program does to prepare itself for the season,” Warren coach Mark Morelli said.

Warren’s coaching staff has been stressing a bit of a different mantra this season.

“It is not the skill, it is the will.”

One of Morelli’s primary focuses since taking over the Dragons last year has been to get and keep players committed to participating and improving the program. The numbers so far this spring indicate the push is working.

“Fifty-one players showed up for the first spring practice, 40 for the second and 37 went to Penn State,” Morelli said. “A pretty good commitment to football considering the coaching staff has pushed the players to participate in spring sports.”

In late July, the Dragons will be taking another trip as have been invited to Latrobe, Pa to watch the Steelers pre-season practice.

“All in all, it is an exciting time to be a Dragon football player,” Morelli said. “We want our kids to have fun and enjoy playing football both on and off the field. These activities also build team camaraderie and team bonding which, hopefully, translates into an improved team in the fall. It is all about setting the team culture in a positive manner.

“The Warren Football team would like to thank the Grid Iron Club, the Warren and Youngsville School District Administration and Athletic Director Jeff White for pulling this activity off.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today