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Youth

Lisle High School Shifts to Junior Varsity Football Amid Challenges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lisle High School in Illinois is adjusting to a junior varsity football schedule for the upcoming fall season due to a lack of experience and numbers among the players. The school's athletic director, Tom Marcum, cited reasons such as age, size, and experience as factors in the decision. Third-year head coach Cory Dillard, a 2005 graduate of the school and a former Lions running back and linebacker, agrees that the team's inexperience is a significant issue. With only five juniors and seniors interested in playing, the school decided it was best to focus on developing the younger players rather than competing at a varsity level.

Key Takeaways:

  • The decision to switch to a junior varsity schedule comes after Lisle High School's football program experienced a third winless season in its history, with only five juniors and seniors interested in playing.
  • Coach Cory Dillard explained that the team's inexperience is a major challenge, with many players starting in high school and lacking a feeder program due to Lisle Junior High School dropping football after the 2017 season.
  • The school's athletic director, Tom Marcum, said the move attracted some newcomers and others on the fence about returning, as they saw a more level playing field.
  • Coach Dillard and Marcum believe the switch will give younger players the chance to play regularly, build confidence, and prepare for future varsity success.
  • The team currently has only two upperclassmen, both juniors, with the rest of the squad comprising new recruits and freshmen.
  • The coaching staff's goal is to "win the kids" and retain players for four years, with Coach Dillard citing a theme for the season.

Statistics:

  • Lisle High School has not had a varsity win in two seasons and has experienced a third winless season in its history since 1949.
  • The team has 26 players in total, with two upperclassmen, both juniors, and the rest being new recruits and freshmen.
  • Coach Dillard has five freshman starters in 2024, with sophomore quarterback Nathan Garcia being among them.

Sources:

  • Daily Herald, "Lisle High School won't field varsity football team this fall"
  • Daily Herald, "Lockport's Dillard leads his alma mater in a tough but promising season"

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