On Friday, Mar. 14, Millard West announced the hiring of new head football coach David McEnaney after he had spent 12 seasons on the Mustangs sideline as an assistant coach.

The Wildcats were looking for a change that will spark the team and bring the winning culture that Millard West football program is known for. 

“I’m looking forward to leading these young men and to continue the rich tradition of Millard West’s football’s program history,” head coach David McEnaney said. “I’ve been impressed by the energy and leadership of the current players and I am excited to bring in my vision of training and style of play.”

The new coach and players are determined and ready to prepare for the next season ahead and the learning opportunities it will bring.

“From day one I knew he was the right guy that we needed as the coach,” junior Ethan Amenyah said. “We definitely are gonna have to adapt to the new coaching style but we will get through it.”

For many coaches, player development is their main focus. McEneaney is no different. He believes in a four pillar phrase that he can help build a successful team around.

“We set a motto of together we H.U.N.T which discusses all the pillars that I want the program to be built upon,” McEnaney said. “When players have to do things that are tough, it builds unity and brotherhood.”

When the school was looking for a new coach, they had a list of things that they were looking for. Some of these include coaching experience at a school of a similar capacity to West, good game plans and schemes, and someone who is aware of the modern state of class a high school football in Nebraska, specifically in terms of the transferring that has become prevalent among student athletes over the last couple of years.

“We knew we wanted someone with experience in a large-school program that has a strong understanding of the game of football,” athletic director Lance Smith said. “We also wanted a candidate that understood the current realities and challenges within high school football and had a plan to meet those challenges.”

Despite making the playoffs the last couple seasons, athletes have transferred out at a dangerous rate. But now, with a storied history in the program and a new head coach with modernized coaching strategies, it’s safe to say that Millard West football is trending upwards, and a state championship just might be on the horizon.